Taste of Serbia introduces cuisines and culture

St. Basil of Ostrog Serbian Orthodox Church in Lake Forest/Mettawa will host its annual Taste of Serbia Festival Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 1-2.

Traditional culinary specialties, music and beverages will be featured as the church looks to introduce the community to Serbian cuisine and culture. It is not widely known that Serbia immigrants first settled in Lake County more than 100 years ago and are one of the area’s oldest ethnic groups.

Favorite entrees include slowly roasted organic pork and lamb made over an open barbecue pit ensuring a crispy outside and juicy, tender meat inside. The grill area features chevapchice (char grilled ground beef and pork sausages), pork tenderloin, shish kebabs, and pleskavica (a Serbian-style spicy beef and pork patty with peppers and onions).

You will think your “Baba” (grandmother) made the traditional stuffed cabbage rolls, “palachinka” (crepes) and pitas of cheese, meat and apple strudel. Pastries like krem pita (a whipped cream vanilla custard between flaky pastry), baklava and tortes also are on the menu. Top your meal with a whipped cream topped ice Serbian chocolate coffee.

American and Serbian beers and wines including Slivovitz (Serbian plum brandy) will also be available.

Last year, more than 800 stuffed cabbage rolls, 1,000 pounds of meat and 1,200 bottles of Serbian beer were served to 2,000 participants.

A kiddie area with giant inflatables and games, music, books, jewelry and icons and vintage cars and specialty vendors are also among the offerings.

Hours are noon to 11 p.m. both days. Admission and parking are free. The church is at 27450 N. Bradley Road (Old School Road) in Lake Forest-Mettawa.

Visit www.tasteofserbia.org or call (847) 247-0077.