When you’re craving something sweet, try reaching for … a dessert pierogi ($6 for three)?
With deep-fried varieties such as pumpkin pie, peaches ‘n’ cream or the always-available apple, Buckeye Beer Engine is turning the dinner table on these typically savory Polish pockets.
The Lakewood eatery had attracted a cult following for its winter pierogi entree specials, creating hearty bacon-cheeseburger or bratwurst fillings encased in the legendary pierogi dough of Rudy’s Strudel and Bakery.
“We already had that initial relationship where we’re providing the filling, and they’re providing the ‘babushka’ on top,” says kitchen manager Alex Vajskop.
The staff started down the sweet road by tweaking its applesauce recipe, keeping its standard baked Granny Smith apples a little chunkier for an apple pie-like texture. After encasing them in Rudy’s dough, the pockets are plunged into the deep-fryer and served with a side of caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream, both made in-house. The dessert pierogi changes seasonally and typically sells out.
“A lot of it has to do with our staff in-house,” says Vajskop. “I’m always hunting for new, exciting ideas with them.” 15315 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-2337, buckeyebeerengine.com
Click to read our Cleveland Pierogi Guide, a taste of 25 of Cleveland's best pierogies.
Pierogi Guide: Buckeye Beer Engine
This deep-fried masterpiece, served with pumpkin pie, peaches 'n' cream or apple, is our kind of dessert.
