The Vodka and Appetizer Festival – Celebration of the most Polish of beverages

I wrote about in a past post that I like, to drink well-chilled Polish vodka, with moderation, needless to say. This is why when I received an invitation to the Vodka and Appetizer Festival I knew I would happily attend the event.

The Vodka and Appetizer Festival is an annual event that was held for the second time. It is the most important festival dedicated to our national drink and the Polish tradition of drinking vodka with appetizers. The festivalgoers could visit the largest space in Poland where they could taste noble vodkas, liqueurs and meads. They could also see shows by master bar tenders and a special exhibition organised by the Vodka Museum to celebrate the centenary of regaining independence by Poland. I am greatly impressed by the concept of the event that is the brainchild of a friend of mine, Piotr Popiński, the owner of Dom Wódki.

I really enjoyed being able to try all types of alcohol presented on the stalls. I was considering taking part in workshops and discussion panels but eventually did not. But I did avail myself of the opportunity to try many specialty appetizers at the “Appetizer Fair” made for the occasion by the chefs of the following Warsaw restaurants: Elixir at Dom Wódki, Oberża pod Czerwonym Wieprzem and Folk Gospoda. I wrote a post about Dom Wódki a while back – it is the only place in Warsaw with such a rich selection of pure and flavoured vodkas, perfectly paired with the starter, main course and even dessert.

An event like this one, celebrating the most Polish of all strong spirits, is a really great idea. So much is being said about the culture of drinking wine or whisky, but the culture of vodka drinking is coming to life before our very eyes. I hope that next year I will one more time have the opportunity to attend this event. In the meantime I am gearing up for the next culinary experiences – next week I will be eating the most delicious food as part of Restaurant Week!