My buddy wants to go to a Ukrainian restaurant he recently heard about. Much like I am doing by learning Gaelic, he wants to get in touch with his roots a little more. So tonight we are off to Walnut Grove for dinner.
Kozak actually does have a location here in New West, however for dine in it’s a little cramped. Take out is the way to go here, and I have popped in for Pierogi or borscht a number of times. The food has always been good.
The location in Walnut Grove is a full sit-down restaurant, pretty new by the looks of it.
The restaurant is clean, modern and comfortable. Doesn’t seem particularly Ukrainian to me but as I’ve never been I won’t complain. There’s a bakery section up front for take out and a dine in area in the back.
The food does though.
Pierogi, cabbage roll and borscht are just some of the typical dishes you’d find on any Ukrainian’s dinner table. And tonight we are trying two of those. (I’ve tried their borscht before, it’s very good.)
Merilynn’s having the cabbage rolls.
Cabbage rolls have never been my thing, and while these didn’t offend my taste buds, I can’t say I loved them either. Both Merilynn and John said they were pretty good. Not as good as his mother’s though.
I spent a few minutes trying to decide between the wild boar Pierogi and the duck Pierogi, neither of which I have ever seen in a Pierogi before. In the end I went with the wild boar, which was a great choice.
Alberta wild boar with caramelized onions, sour cream and a strawberry-wine reduction.
Tender with lots of flavour, the glaze added a nice sweetness. The onions, a mandatory accompaniment to Pierogi, added yet more depth. Top them with some sour cream and those are likely the best Pierogi I’ve ever eaten.
Overall it was a very good experience. We had excellent service from a young lady who recently moved here from Ukraine. We all enjoyed the food, and the prices are pretty reasonable for the quality.
If you’re Ukrainian, or just wanting to try Ukrainian food, Kozak would be a great choice for you to try out.
8/10