First Fridays: Pirohi and Cabbage Rolls
Posted by CMH Gourmand on May 10, 2010
Some things are predestined.
I was predestined for Pirohi/Pireogi (Pierogi to you and me).
While I was tracking down a new Taco Truck on the Northeast side, I passed by the sign above. I quickly spun around (legally) and took a photo for future reference. I knew that I had to experience what this hand painted sign had to offer. Last Friday I dropped in on First Fridays and I was not disappointed.
Arriving in the parking lot, I was not sure which of the three buildings to enter. The parking lot was empty and I saw no signs of life. I rolled down my window and then the aromas of ethic cabbage fueled food embraced my senses pulling me to the building in the rear.
Walking inside the auditorium, I was immediately at peace and found a wide, but depleted supply of homemade eastern European foods waiting for me on folding tables with handmade signs. The outside sign said “while supplies last” and they were not kidding. At that halfway point of 5 PM, a few items had sold out and several were down to just one or two remaining. I grabbed what I could gather in my arms and zipped to the counter to pay. That is when I discovered that I was short on cash reserves. I asked the friendly, long bearded priest in black, Eastern Orthodox Catholic style robes to guard my horde as I headed back to my car to empty it of change so I could pay for most of my selections.
First Fridays has been at tradition at the church for three to five years depending on which volunteer you ask. The next one will be on June 4th. These are canceled when the Friday falls during a major holiday weekend so this food emporium only happens about ten times per year.
Below is a list of what the all volunteer kitchen staff cook up for sale (subject to change).
Cabbage Rolls 6 for $8
Fri-Pie – Deep fried fruit filled pie
Pirohi (Sauerkraut, Potato and Cheese, Prune, and Sweet Cheese) for $5 for a dozen (frozen)
Halushki (cabbage and noodles)
Ukrainian Red Cabbage Slaw
homemade pies, cakes, cookies
Walnut, Poppyseed and Apricot Rolls
I sampled the cabbage rolls and found them to be very good. These are sold hot and can be eaten in your car if you can’t wait. A few days later I took the pirohi for a test taste with the usual suspects. We found them to be good and the prune pirohi bordered on great. It was noted that preparation was the key to a good pirohi experience (instructions for frying, microwaving, and baking are included with your order) and that some extras – salt, sour cream and lots of butter were essential.
Where to find these ethnic delights:
St. John Chrysostom Church
“The Kitchen” – Ladies Guild
5858 Cleveland Ave.
Columbus (Near Northeast intersection of SR 161 and Cleveland Ave)
614.882.6103
Since there were several items I did not get to sample, I welcome your review of any of the items you have tried out.
CMH Gourmand - Eating in Columbus & Ohio 
Jean said
I have been going to 1st Fridays for about 2 years. The cabbage rolls are wonderful and the pierogies rock! My favorites are the potato. The sauerkraut are pretty darn good, too. The poppyseed rolls are just wonderful.
Oh! Just wait til the Christmas cookie sale! I’m tellin’ya, you’re gonna hurt yourself that day!
Those women are incredible!
Andrea (Off Her Cork) said
Um, this is probably about the best news that you could have given me. I will go out of my way to find and eat Eastern European food. It’s comforting and brings back loads of memories. 🙂
Columbus Foodie » Blog Archive » First Fridays at St. John Chrysostom said
[…] known about First Fridays for ages, but it took reading Jim’s blog post about his visit for me to remember it before Friday rather than after. Once you see the sign, turn into the parking […]