Witamy! Asia, Iza & Margie bring authentic Polish cuisine with Apolonia Catering to Austin

We love helping other European expats to get the word out about their businesses. You all have met David Lowe, Uberpong, Varda and Vladimir from The Russian House, Florian and Romana from PRELOGS (April 30 party) and Emma Cartmell-Hochman (Excede). Now it is time to introduce you some Polish entrepreneurs. By the way, they are planning to organize an exclusive, limited space dinner event for our members featuring Polish traditions. All payments will be collected in-advance – and it will be organized in a private home. Stay tuned!! I saw the menu they were considering..yummy!!
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Witamy! Apolonia Catering has officially landed in Austin, Texas and are ready to bring you authentic Polish cuisine. Three adventurous women who all originated from Poland, have traveled the world and crossed paths in the heart of Texas. Their passion for perfecting a home cooked meal brought them together and ignited the idea in creating a catering company to share their recipes outside the family home.

Asia, Iza, and Margie were drawn to Austin and it’s many wonderful attributes. When they’re not cooking up something new in the kitchen, they enjoy hiking through the gorgeous greenbelts as well as exploring and discovering the hidden gems that reside throughout the streets of Austin. For these ladies, the best part of this city is how there is so much opportunity to grow and everyone is friendly and supportive of new ventures and ideas.

Although Texas is their new home base, they sometimes yearn for the more modest and traditional days they had back in Poland. One of the differences they notice between their homeland and the Americas, is the lack of community and family time shared around the dinner table. Americans live a very face paced, always on the go lifestyle which has benefitted them throughout the years, but for Europeans food is an art. They treasure every meal and treat it as a grand event, putting everything in life on hold to truly enjoy what’s in front of them. Living a constantly “go-go-go” lifestyle, you forget and miss out on the simple pleasures in life such as hours of conversation and laughter at the table with friends and family while enjoying a well prepared meal.

Another aspect these ladies miss about Poland is growing up with the flavorful and straight from the Earth ingredients their mothers and grandmothers would use in their meals. Numerous chain grocery stores produce for the masses, therefore disregarding quality, and this lack of vibrancy and flavor was not only missing from their recipes, but from their palates. Coming to Austin seemed to be the perfect resolution. Apolonia Catering not only supports the local farmers and advocates the use of organic products, but supply their customers with the full embodied taste and flavor that a home cooked meal should provide.

“Keep Austin Weird” is a slogan known throughout the nation, and this state of mind has been integrated into the community, events, and influenced the food scene. Within recent years, watching the growth of not only the city and it’s enthusiasm for new and innovative ideas, introducing Apolonia Catering and it’s twist on Old World Polish cuisine seemed to fit in perfectly with the Austin attitude. Asia, Iza, and Margie want to bring the community not only the classics, but a tastefully crafted product that combines generations of family recipes elevated to a new level with never before used flavor combinations.

Speaking of Old World Polish food, family recipes, and classics, their company’s highest valued product are the Pierogi. Being one of the most commonly known Polish dish, Asia, Iza, and Margie have combined their own family recipes into one master formula to create the perfect Pierogi. The Apolonia menu not only offers the more popular flavors of Pierogi, but gives the customers the freedom to create their own personal combination. The filling possibilities are limitless and can range from meats to fruits or vegetables; the customer can either request their own filling, or specify whether they crave a sweet, savory, or spicy flavor, and our chefs will create a new flavor profile to satisfy your palate.

The spark that ignited the fire of Apolonia Catering came from the simple enjoyment of cooking Polish food and keeping the flavors alive in an American world. After hosting countless gatherings from family dinners to holiday parties, and witnessing the satisfaction on people’s faces, the ladies wanted to take their recipes outside their immediate circle of family and friends and share it with everyone else who is up for trying something different.

Apolonia Catering gives you the taste of Poland without having to travel far and wide or even across the Atlantic Ocean. Their company will strive to bring Polish cuisine fresh to your table, whether it’s in the comfort of your home, or transporting your guests to the other side of the world. With their unique selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts, their home cooked meals will not only bring new flavors to your table, but hopefully inspire you to take a moment to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

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Connect with Apolonia Catering:
www.facebook.com/apoloniacatering
Phone: 512-586-3457
Email Apolonia Catering!

Asia Gonczar tel: 512-586-3457
Izabela Ulrich tel: 214-705-5790
Margie Knap tel: 512-743-1713

TRIP WITH SHERRY IN OCTOBER 2015 TO AFRICA
3 Countries in one EuroCircle Adventure! Namibia, Botswana, Zambia…
From the Kalahari Desert, through the Okavango Delta, we walk with the San bushmen, visit Chobe National Park, search for the Big 5, float past hippos in a dugout canoe, raft the whitewaters of the Zambezi River or bungee jump down the Victoria Falls!

View all trips and travel articles

New York – Dec 31 2012

Open Bar special
Cash bar is also available (you do not have to use open bar) – please say Alexandra at the door to get a bracelet

To purchase tickets for the open bar click here:
http://bishopsandbaronsnye.eventbrite.com/#

Featured co-host for the evening:

Dr. Elena Kurtz, Siberia Russia

She has been practicing dentistry in the USA for many years. Currently a Pennsylvania
resident, she is a prominent member of EuroCircle Philadelphia, an avid reader and a fitness and wine enthusiast.

We look forward to seeing you all on December 31st

Best,
Alexandra and the EuroCircle NY Team
aspirer@eurocircle.com

RSVP for event
EuroCircle members must be logged in to RSVP for this event. If you are not already a member click the Create Account at the top of this page.

About Bishops and Barons

The team behind by Macao Trading Co., Employees Only and The Gates create a restaurant and cocktail lounge that celebrates the days of showgirls, movie star gangsters and supper clubs Cocktails by Dushan Zaric – cuisine by Kevin Chun – ambiance by Patrick Fahey In the back, a small semi-private chamber is waiting, outfitted like a showgirl’s dressing room.

A soft and sexy feel accented with vintage black-and-white photographs, antique mirrors and a zebra rug complete the look. Guests booking this VIP area can request their own private bartender to complete the experience. Jetsetters, villagers and foodies alike will be treated to scrumptious small bites from Executive Chef Kevin Chun, whose imaginative cooking style is heavily influenced by his ten years of travels, apprenticeships and his Hawaiian-Chinese heritage.

Nina Celikel from Marbella, Jääespanjaan.com – Finnish Guide in Spain

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Nina Celikel, I live in Marbella in Spain. I studied to become a nurse. I have been riding bmx bikes since I was 15 years old. I moved to Spain from Finland when I was 18 to ride my BMX. I got the best sponsor in the world – Flybikes – and got to travel all over just riding my bike.

Currently I have 2 kids and an incredible life with my family in Spain.

How how did you choose Marbella of all places – it is so different from Finland and most Finns do not study Spanish in school?

Actually I have lived all over. I’m half Finnish, half Turkish but I was born in Germany. I studied in Finland. I came to Spain without knowing any Spanish. I had to learn it. It isn’t that hard if youre open minded, outgoing and positive person like me. You will learn any language in the world – that is if you want to. In Finland many young people study Spanish at the university. I move maybe 2 or 3 times a year because of my work.

I also get bored if there’s nothing new for me after a while in the same place. Marbella is cool, there’s always things to do, always something happening around you.

What was the first impression you had about Marbella when you arrived – do you remember that??

My first impression is related to Puerto Banus. It was incredible to see so much money spent – on cars, yachts, jewelry, luxury shops all over. I’ve learned to live the most humble way….the less I have the happier I am. Therefore Puerto Banus lifestyle is just not for me although I use it for business.

How is your family in Spain and Finland?

My family, they’re all over the world. It’s so hard to see them all together!

Which famous Spanish do you admire – and Finns?

Amancio Ortega who started with his wife their first Zara in Spain in 1975. http://fortune.com/2013/01/08/meet-amancio-ortega-the-third-richest-man-in-the-world/ I admire my grandmother Mirja she is incredible, she has told me stories about the times of war in Finland when she was young and its hard to imagine what they’ve been through.

What are your fondest memories of Finland?

Snow, snow castles made by my sisters and me, Christmas, lakes in the summertime, fishing and ginger snap cookies mmm…

How did you end up doing what you do for work and do you like it?

I end up doing Jaaespanjaan.com -Your Guide in Spain for those who want to enjoy Spain as I do. Now we are doing a new magazine for Finns here in Spain and also Jää Espanjaan-Youtube channel for Finns interested in life in Spain. I love to help, so I love my work.

Is it easy balance your work with other obligations – mate, children, job? Do you try to go back to Finland every year?

With two little kids playing and screaming around… you can imagine. Its definitely not easy, you have to have a plan.
I will go this year to Finland (business) and for Christmas but its been a while since I visited Finland.

Workwise – how do you see Spanish being different from Finnish – also culturally, what stands out in your chosen profession? I would think work environment is very different.

I’m sure in Finland there’s no corruption like here in Spain. Spanish laws are from 1976. In Spain it’s hard to do business.

What did you think about life in Spain/Marbella before you moved there – did you have any misconceptions? I always think Marbella as an upscale beautiful resort town with Puerto Banus being the super upscale.

Hahah I thought the women go around dressed in these flamenco clothes as do the men but no that only happens at the Feria. It’s beautiful here but there are more beautiful places in Spain. Puerto Banus is famous due to the extremely rich people. Prostitution, cars, casinos, luxury villas… but when you arrive at Marbella you’ll see so many places closed due to the economic crisis. It’s reality everywhere in Spain.

Would you ever leave Spain and live full-time in Finland?

Never say never, but I hope to travel all my life and live in different places. I know my country Finland, now I want to see other countries in the world.

The biggest positives that come to your mind about Finland/its people/culture vs. Spain – and the biggest negatives?

Negatives – Finland: Darkness in the winter. Drinking: its normal to drink until you can’t even speak, Shyness of the Finnish people, taxes.
Negatives – Spain: Politics, corruption, water, electricity bills, byrocracy, no help from goverment for families, bad salaries, bad Public school teaching…
Plus for Finland: Nature, forest, lakes, wild animals. Number 1. education system in the world, recycling system (environmentally conscious), take business seriously.
Plus for Spain: Weather, public hospitals, schools for free, sports

Anyhing else you would like to share with us??

Spain is great place to live for those who come here with money, otherwise it’s hard. To find the right job with a good salary when there are 6 million jobless looking for a work – no help from the Spanish government. Spain is incredible from North to South: tropical weather, snow, culture, nature, people, the food…. so many great things, so you all are welcome to Spain.

Finnish people here?? Here in Costa del Sol we have the biggest community of Finnish people in the world (outside Finland). There are more than 20.000 Finns living here and 200.000 visitors every year. Families with their kids, students from universities, and more than anything, people at age 60 +.

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Thanks to Nina for sharing her thoughts about life in Marbella, Costa del Sol. I hope she will find the time to meet my friend Marcia Raff, a lovely sculptor from NYC/Austin who is currently in Malaga for 2 months.

Connect with Nina:
Jaaespanjaan.com – Finnish Guide in Spain
Twitter: @Jaaespanjaan
Instagram: JääEspanjaan

TRIP WITH SHERRY IN OCTOBER 2015 TO AFRICA
3 Countries in one EuroCircle Adventure! Namibia, Botswana, Zambia…
From the Kalahari Desert, through the Okavango Delta, we walk with the San bushmen, visit Chobe National Park, search for the Big 5, float past hippos in a dugout canoe, raft the whitewaters of the Zambezi River or bungee jump down the Victoria Falls!

View all trips and travel articles

New York – Jan 05 2013

We have the great privilege to invite you to attend and participate in this fundraiser:

Please join us at the Tesla Spirit Awards Benefit Reception endorsed by HRH Prince Philip of Serbia (the son of HRH Crown Prince Alexander of Serbia) and honoring Jane Alcorn, President of Tesla Science Center at Wardenclyffe for her commitment to save and restore the Tesla laboratory on Long Island, NY. Designed to include benefactors, sponsors and willing contributors supporting the Tesla Science Foundation’s vision, programs and projects are committed to promoting the message – “Why Tesla Matters”. The event program will include a number of prominent speakers, dignitaries, artists and distinguished individuals who have been designated to receive this year’s Tesla Spirit Awards (see attached agenda).

This event is Tax deductible.
Saturday, January 5, 2013, 6pm – 8 pm
Grand Ballroom @ NEW YORKER HOTEL, NYC

New York – Jan 18 2013

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 cash only at the door

Don’t stop the party! Bring in the old Russian New Year in a new style. Celebrating this old tradition and the 14th anniversary of EuroCircle community, there will be great mix of crowd, live music, face/body paintings and a DJ all night. Happening in the cool and chill Empire Room. Space is limited, please buy tickets now!
There will be drink specials throughout the evening!

Featured Co-Host: Olga Koren-Hanson, Belarus

PROGRAM:
9:00 pm – Doors Open, Happy Hour Drinks
10:00pm – 11:00pm – Inspector Gadje – Live Brass Band from San Francisco
12am – Dance with DJ Budulai – Russian-Euro Discotheque


ALSO:

* Face/Body Paintings by Elisabeth Belomlinsky
* Photoshoot by Leonardo Meirelles
There will a Prize for the best costume!

We look forward to seeing you on January 18th!

Best,
Alexandra and the NY EuroCircle Team & Russianmix.com
any questions – send me an email at aspirer(at)eurocircle(dot)com

New York – Feb 13 2013

Join us for a fun and festive evening to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Todd English’s newest venue!

Will you find your perfect match?

Featured Co-Hosts:

Sherry Kumar, Serbia. Sherry is our Eurocircle Philadelphia Leader

Viktoriya Gaponski, Ukraine  

She  is a contributing writer to 100 Ways to Make a History (in NYPL’s Rare Books Collection). She uses the same tactic to match people romantically as she does clothes—there are no rules, you can look great in anything, the key is to sync with it. She currently works for Tawkify – which is a matchmaking service where in New York City. http://www.tawkify.com

Ryan Mulcock, New Zealand

With a background in entertainment TV, Ryan is the master of conversation. He works for an assortment of organizations  by helping them perfect their communication messages.  He has joined Tawkify to help our users clearly identify what they’re wanting in a match and give them the tools to nail the first date.

For more info on Tawkify click here: http://www.tawkify.com

French DJ Max Layn will be spinning tunes throughout the night!
http://www.maxlayn.com

There will be drink specials throughout the evening!
Dinner and appetizers will also be available for purchase.

About Chateau Cherbueliez

Is an oasis that brings the charm, beauty, and cuisine of Southern France to New York. Château is located in the former parish building of the stunning Limelight Marketplace, a landmark Gothic Revival church, originally built in 1844-1845. The space features an enchanting, vineyard-like garden, a rustic wine-bar, an elegant members-only fine dining room, a “secret” private dining room, and a 3,000 square foot event space. The venture is a partnership for Dual Groupe and renowned chef Todd English. Château is operated by DUAL Groupe’s experienced team of hospitality visionaries, including Derek and Daniel Koch and Philippe Oliver Bondon. Bondon leads the restaurant as Managing Partner; the Paris-born hospitality expert has operated some of the most storied and influential establishments in St. Barth’s, including Le Yacht Club. Bondon is also the creative director of the restaurant’s interior design and outdoor garden, which is one of the largest outdoor garden spaces in NYC

We look forward to seeing you on the 13th!

Best,
Alexandra and the EuroCircle NY Team

New York – Feb 21 2013

Manhattan Real Estate Market – Be Prepared for the dynamic market in 2013; the biggest trends for the coming year

Purchase and Sale of Residential and Investment Properties in Manhattan: looking at the current state of the market, the intricacies of the Manhattan real estate process and what you need to know even before considering a purchase or sale with an emphasis on subtleties for foreign nationals, but residents and US Citizens will also be covered.
A Manhattan Real Estate Attorney will be present.

Registration fee is $25. Space is limited.

If there is a specific topic you would like to discuss, please send questions in advance to victoria@halstead.com

This is not an industry event. If you’re a licensed real estate professional, please do not RSVP.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZER:

Victoria Vinokur is an Executive Vice President with Halstead Property, LCC in Manhattan. Deemed as a reputable real estate resource, she has been profiled in the Wall Street Journal and quoted in The New York Times. She is the author of the quarterly Manhattan Market Update ‘The Real Estate Times’. Victoria works with clients who are motivated and value quality service, dedication and thorough knowledge of the Manhattan Real Estate Market, inventory and trends. She has been affiliated with EuroCircle since its inception in 1999 and has enjoyed seeing its growth to a global network it is today.

PAYMENTS:

Send a check $25 payable to EuroCircle to:
Alexandra Spirer, 5 Tudor City Place apt 1315, NY NY 10017

Or send $26 ($1 fee) via PayPal to newyork@eurocircle.com

New York – Mar 08 2013

RussianMix & Eurocircle join forces on March 8th in celebration of International Women’s Day at the elegant Empire Room.

Buy Tickets Here: http://intlwomensdayecrm.eventbrite.com/#

International Women’s Day is celebrated in several countries around the world. During this day women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions – whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political. It makes many of us to look back on past struggles and accomplishments.

Music by DJ Vovan & DJ Max Layn

Face/Body Painting by Elisabeth Belomlinsky

Photography by JPZ Image

www.juanpzapata.com

Belly Dancing by Kaitlin

katraqs.weebly.com

Drink and food specials throughout the night!

Featured Hosts:
Ana Calvo de Luis, Spain

Alena Ruchey

Zhanna Rohalska, Ukraine

We hope to see you all on March 8th!

Best,

EuroCircle NY and the RussianMix.com Team

New York – Mar 21 2013

Join us for a fun evening as we welcome spring over cocktails and great music at this hip hot spot.  There will be a Beauty Leaf Cocktail prepared by one of their mixologists on Special for $9 throughout the evening.  Check out the great menu – this is a gastro lounge.

DJ Max Layn from France will be spinning great tunes for us throughout the evening!

Your Hosts:

Paula Jaakkola, Finland – Leonardo Meirelles, Brazil – Alexandra Spirer, USA

About EVR

EVR (Ever), an experiential lounge located in the heart of Manhattan’s Empire District, is a sleek and sophisticated destination offering an exclusive interactive experience. The 5,000 square-foot, dual level space features two bars, an elevated DJ booth, two curated cocktail menus created by expert in-house mixologist Orson Salicetti, and delectable nouveau-American cuisine. Combining industrial chic décor with cutting edge design elements including eclectic atmosphere lighting, vintage furniture, signature art installations and unique entertainment, EVR brings artistry with a high-energy milieu once thought only to exist Downtown to Midtown.

New York – Apr 05 2013

Join us to celebrate Sherry’s birthday in style. EC members from Philadelphia will also join us to celebrate, with great drinks and music. No cover of course. We also have a special gift for all party attendees. Look for its clue, printed on the flyer at the registration table.

So put on a stylish party outfit and join us!

Our featured Co-host Tina Baranova, Russia, is an IT Project Manager for Verizon Wireless. She likes to travel, hike, read, go to the theater and sharing good times with friends and family.

We hope to see you on April 5th!

Best,

Alexandra, Sherry and the NY and Philadelphia EC Teams

PS. We will also toast EuroCircle’s Third Annual Trip abroad that Sherry is leading – with a special focus on our next destinations of Cambodia and Vietnam. You’ll have to sample our featured Eurotini for the night, called the Mekong.