Im on a hunger-inducing tour of Veselkas kitchen at the venerable Ukrainian restaurants new outpost in Brooklyn.
Massive pots of purple borscht are simmering, sizzling potato pancakes come fresh out of the fryer.
Would I like to try some plumpPestrogi, the brands pastrami-stuffed-pierogi collaboration with Katzs Deli?
Photo: Peter Bonacci
Dont mind if I do.
The potato and short rib pierogies are amazing, too.
However bittersweet, growth was in order.
The exterior of Veselka’s new Brooklyn outpost.
We wanted to keep up with both the demand in the East Village and nationwide shipping, Brichard notes.
So we knew we had to expand.
That plan materializes this month with the opening of Veselka Williamsburg.
Photo: Peter Bonacci
Aside from an outpost in Grand Central Station, its now the nearly century-old operations second-ever location.
Outside, custom neon signs boasting Veselkas yellow logo courtesy of Brooklyns Noble Signs woo customers.
I think they bring a lot of life to the building, Birchard tells me.
Photo: Peter Bonacci
The entire buildout was a big investment.
As a Williamsburg resident myself, its a welcome addition to the neighborhood.
For Birchard, the project served as an enticing way to honor his father.
Photo: Peter Bonacci
He ran the business for fifty-something years after my grandfather, he explains.
So I wanted to create something for him as a homage to ride off into the sunset with.
But its not necessarily all roses.
I guess my life is now an open book, he laughs.
I had some reservations about the documentary, but no regrets.
Im happy to share how this started, where we came from, and what the future is.
For now, my future involves a hearty dinner.
Veselka Williamsburg has only been open for a month, but kinks seem nonexistent.
We successfully polish everything off, and naturally ask whats for dessert.
Its just as Birchard told me earlier: People definitely dont leave Veselka hungry.
