September 7th, 2026

Hello Reader

I'm home.

Two weeks in Poland went by in a blur of sweet buns, family gatherings, long walks through Warsaw, and celebrating my 50th birthday surrounded by everyone I love. Now I'm back in Wyoming, unpacking my suitcase, hugging my puppz, and slowly readjusting to being home.

But before I dive back into everyday life, I wanted to share a little bit of what I saw, ate, and loved on this trip. Here are the highlights.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a city that holds a lot of history. Walking around, you feel it everywhere: in the reconstructed Old Town (rebuilt after WWII), the Soviet-era architecture, the modern glass skyscrapers, and the beautiful 19th-century buildings that survived. It's a city that has been through so much, and yet keeps growing, evolving, becoming something new.

I spent hours walking with my camera (according to my tracker, I walked 36 miles altogether during my trip), watching the light change, taking in how the city looks now compared to when I was younger. Some places I barely recognized. Others felt like they hadn't changed at all. Both feelings are precious.

Bydgoszcz + Family

The heart of the trip was Bydgoszcz. My family. Turning 50 surrounded by the people who've known me my whole life. There's something about sitting around a table with family, no phones, no agenda, just food and conversation and laughter. That's what I flew across the ocean for.

If you've ever wondered why I care so much about food and gathering people together, this is why.

What ate:

Poland is having a moment in American food conversations right now, and I hope this trip helps me bring even more of it to you. Here are the recipes I made and enjoyed in Poland (and yes, they're all on my blog):

​Krupnik (Polish Barley Soup) - Hearty, warming, deeply nourishing

​Polish Leczo (Tomato and Pepper Stew) - Hearty, saucy, uses peak summer produce. Best end-of-summer dish.

​Kotlet Schabowy (Polish Pork Cutlet) - Crispy, tender, Polish comfort food perfection

​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.

Each of these is worth making. Each of these will teach you something about Polish cooking and the flavors we enjoy.

What's Next

I have SO much I want to bring back from this trip. New recipe ideas. Photos and inspiration. A renewed sense of why I do this work.

Over the coming months, expect more Polish content on the blog and in your inbox. I'm feeling recharged, focused, and excited about what's ahead.

Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you're brand new here or have been following for a while, I appreciate you being part of My Omni Kitchen.

Here's to fall recipes, more Polish traditions, and everything coming next

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!