A lot of times when I go to Copernicus Eastern European Deli at South Main Market, it’s because I’m heading to By the Pound and some bright-colored or unusual foil-wrapped treat catches my eye in this airy well-lit shop. Today it was odd little Playmobil-size painted sugar animals (mainly lambs) at the front counter; they were striking to the point of almost being a little spooky in a pale old-fashioned way.
“In my country they are very popular as Easter decorations on tables and cakes,” co-owner Theresa told me. “And then after the meal children love to eat them.”
Theresa said some Polish Catholics consider Easter a bigger holiday than Christmas. She’s bringing in more traditional Easter foods this week, such as a tart vegetable soup with potatoes and sausage called zorek.
Wh you probably really want to hear about is the cakes, though. On Wednesday, 4/13. Copernicus will have small and large babka, which is a yeast-dough cake with raisins, orange peel, and lemony icing. There will also be fudge Mazurek cake, which she describes as flat, rich, and delicious.
Makes though jelly beans and drugstore cardboard chocolate hollow bunnies sound a little lame, no?
