The Kotlet Schabowy I grew up eating — memory as a review

I grew up eating Kotlet Schabowy and have strong opinions shaped by memory. The version here triggered that recognition in the first bite — the deeply savoury with fermented notes was right, smoked sausage was handled the way it should be.

Polish cuisine reflects Central European and Slavic agricultural traditions. Growing up it was always a family Christmas Eve wigilia dinner, which shaped my reference point entirely. Żubrówka bison grass vodka alongside it is the only way it makes sense to me. It's hard to be objective about food you have emotional history with, but objectively: this is very good.