A few forces converged and finally compelled us to try Smak-Tak. First, back in April, our own David Hammond wrote about it in TOC's
Save this restaurant column. Then recently, I caught
another piece (also in TOC) in which LTH'er Mike Nagrant -- along with a pierogi eating champion -- proclaimed Smak-Tak to produce the best rendition of the stuffed dumplings in the entire city. In fact, Mr. Nagrant invoked his babcia (grandmother) when describing them. Lastly, yesterday was a fall preview. With temperatures in the mid-60's, gray skies and constant drizzle coming down, I found myself in the mood for some heartier fare. So, we were off to Jefferson Park . . .
Smak-Tak, 5961 North Elston Avenue
Interior has a nice, Alpine lodge-like feel. There's a fireplace on left wall, which I decided not to photograph because some other patrons were seated near it.
Pierogi
We started out with the Pierogi, which were every bit as good as Nagrant said they were. In fact, they were spectacular. Our plate of 12 consisted of 3 sweet cheese, 3 cheese and potato, 3 sauerkraut and mushrooms and 3 meat. Not only were they drenched in butter but the fillings were delicious and the pierogi themselves were tender without being mushy and slightly firm without being tough. Just perfect.
Meat pierogi, filling shot
Grilled sausage in the old Polish style
This was a nicely cooked kielbasa served with potatoes and cabbage stew. The sausage was delicious and the unconventional stew of cabbage and potatoes, which was dotted with small chunks of meat, was terrific. An even meatier version of this stew is also offered on the menu at Smak-Tak as Hunter's Stew. That versison, which we also tried, was terrific and contained large, tender pieces of sausage and veal. As for the potatoes (with all the dishes), they were somewhere between mashed and boiled. They didn't seem to have much added to them but they were obviously given some treatment, since potatoes do not naturally occur in those convenient little scoops. The fresh dill atop them was a nice accent.
Potato Pancakes
A very traditional presentation but one that never gets old for me. These pancakes, made from a meal -- not shredded potatoes -- were the best I'd ever had in a restaurant. They were wonderfully crispy outside, tender on the inside and amazingly light.
Cabbage Rolls
I owed it to
my babcia to give these cabbage rolls a try and they did not disappoint. Not only were the rolls - stuffed with meat and rice -- tremendously tasty but the I loved the shredded carrots, which were dressed with a light, sweet sauce and the slaw too. I'm not sure what the sauce on the rolls was but I'm guessing from the tell-tale orange color -- and flavor -- that it contained some paprika.
Cabbage Roll, filling shot
Even with a small group, we had to leave quite a few enticing items on the menu untried. We plan to hit Smak-Tak again soon to sample some of their other fare. As was revealed in Mr. Hammond's piece, unlike at so many other Polish places in town, there's no buffet at Smak-Tak. It's a cozy and inviting place which serves great food that is prepared with care. For fans of this type of cuisine, it's a 'must.' And for those who are not familiar with it, this would be an ideal place to start.
=R=
Smak-Tak
5961 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60646
773 763-1123
Same planet, different world