August 24th, 2026

Hello Reader

And just like that, I turned 50.

Honestly, I'm still in disbelief that I'm 50. It feels just like 49. Nothing really changed. But the number itself feels surreal.

Deep down, I still feel 35 or 40. And the fact that I've now lived half my life in the US is even more mind-bending.

25 years in Poland, 25 years in America. That's a lot of life on both sides of the ocean.

I celebrated my 50th in Bydgoszcz (a town in Poland where I was born) with my family. Everyone came. It was one of those moments where you look around the room and realize how lucky you are - the memories, the photos, the stories, the people. Getting older together.

Warsaw has changed so much since I left. It's grown, developed, modernized. I barely recognize parts of it. But then I sit down to a plate of pomidorowa or rosół, and everything is exactly the same. That's the magic of food, I think. It holds time still.

I'm here for another week, eating my way through everything I love. And I wanted to share what I've been enjoying with you.

What I'm Loving in Poland This Trip:

​Pomidorowa (Tomato Soup) - The one I grew up on. Bright, tangy, comforting. Nothing like the American version.

​Pierogi with Cabbage and Mushrooms - The savory version I always come back to. Earthy, hearty, exactly right for cool Polish evenings.

​Naleśniki (Polish Crepes) - Thin, tender, folded around sweet or savory fillings. Simple perfection.

​Placki Ziemniaczne (Potato Pancakes) - Crispy edges, tender middle, served with sour cream or a sprinkle of sugar. Comfort food at its finest.

​Rosół (Polish Chicken Soup) - The one my body craves the moment I land in Poland. Clear, golden, healing.

​Mizeria (Creamy Cucumber Salad) - Cool and refreshing on a warm Polish summer day.

​Sałatka Jarzynowa (Polish Vegetable Salad) - The salad that shows up at every family gathering. Because of course.

​Jagodzianki (Polish Blueberry Sweet Buns) - Pillowy, jammy, topped with crumble. The Polish summer treat I look forward to all year.

​Pączki (Polish Donuts) - Fluffy, fried, filled with jam. Because you can't be in Poland without eating your weight in pączki.

A Few Thoughts About This Year:

I'll be back home next week and back to regular content the following Monday. But I wanted to say: turning 50 in Poland, surrounded by my family, has been a gift.

This year has been a big one for me. Career shifts. New goals. Trying to build something I actually love. And doing it while looking back at 50 years of a life that's spanned two countries, two languages, and countless kitchens.

Thank you for being part of My Omni Kitchen. For reading. For cooking. For following along.

Last week, I spent the morning at Hala Mirowska. If you've never been to a traditional Polish market, imagine rows and rows of vendors with the most beautiful produce, fresh-baked bread, homemade cheeses, cured meats, pickled mushrooms, and everything you could possibly want. The tomatoes were unreal. The cucumbers had that garden-perfect smell. And the jagodzianki... You can't get them like this anywhere else.

Before you go :)

Thank you for being part of My Omni Kitchen! Made something delicious? Tag @sylwiavaclavekphotography - seeing your creations is the best part of my day.

P.S. Hit reply anytime - I read every email and love hearing from you!

P.P.S. I'm planning my April recipes - is there a dish you would want me to make? Reply and tell me what you're craving!