Veselka

EATERY:

Veselka

LOCATION:

144 2nd Avenue (between 9th St & St Marks Pl) New York, NY 10003

REVIEWS:

Veselka meaning "Rainbow" in Ukrainian, is a diner with traditional homemade Ukrainian foods w/ side of American Diner fare. As the history of Veselka goes, the founder Wolodymyr Darmochwal with wife Olha, son Mykola and daughter Marta fled the war and arrived in America by way of a refugee camp in Germany, in 1944. Working many jobs to support the family, Darmochwal was also active in the Ukrainian community of Manhattan's East Village. In 1954, he purchased a candy shop and newsstand that had operated out of the corner of the building, naming it the shop Veselka, which over the years have changed and transformed what is know as the great diner of Manhattan. But enough history now and to the wonderful food that is know as a great local eats, when ever I go to the Rainbow shop I love getting the Pierogi (choice of seven) options are potato, sweet potato, cheese, spinach and cheese, meat, and sauerkraut w/ mushrooms. These little dumplings are all homemade boiled or fried that comes sautéed onions and choice of applesauce or sour cream. One can mix and match but any way you get it is very good. The meat pierogi tasted more like chicken with lots of pepper, when I asked what type of meat the waitress told me beef. So I guess it more like mystery meat? Also the spinach and cheese is good too, but my favorite is the cheese, very creamy and slight sweet makes a good meal/dessert, I got mine boiled, had the right amount of bite in the dough with soft cheese in the center. My good friend Sharlene tagged along for the eatin and she got the apple crumb cake ($3.50) and opted for the a la mode for an additional $1.95. The dessert was a traditional Ukrainian cake with fresh apples and a streusal topping with heavy whipped cream, a perfect marriage with the sweet and creamy vanilla ice cream.

RANTS & RAVES:

This place is sweet just like its desserts, also many seating indoors and out, and the décor is very comfortable, homey yet trendy. Also it is great for late night hunger pains they are open 24/7/365. History buff are you “…Though the founders have passed away, Veselka continues to be a family-run business under the leadership of their former son-in-law, Tom Birchard, who began working at Veselka part-time during his sophomore year of college. Tom's eldest son, Jason, is the general manager, and his youngest son, Todd, works in the restaurant as well. Tom's wife, Sally, a practicing veterinarian, lends herself to the menu design and interior decorating. Even Mykola, the founders' son, continues to contribute, having computerized the accounting and cost control systems. Just like its neighborhood, Veselka is bustling twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Its menu continues to expand, with an extensive selection that features traditional homemade Ukrainian foods, American Diner fare, an eclectic mix of daily specials, as well as beer and wine. Outside tables along Second Avenue and Ninth Street have been a popular addition. Veselka's fame has spread beyond the borders of New York City, being known in Ukraine and other parts of the world as a place that serves great food in a lively but unhurried atmosphere.” from www.veselka.com

TAGS:

New York East Village Ukranian Diners