This last Thursday I used my time between classes to run to the Farmer’s Market. I only had 20 minutes between classes to get something so that I wouldn’t starve, and I had no desire to wait until I completed my 35 minute commute home to eat. This meant I had to eat somewhere close. Although I had some expired ham in The Globe fridge, I was craving Pierogies and Gosia’s Pierogies just so happens to be one of the vendors in Market Square on Thursdays. 

The market has many clashing energies, between music, students, men in suits, vendors and the homeless. I pushed past a catcaller and waited in line at the purple booth, which thankfully was no time at all. At $7 for 6 pierogies I wondered if it was really worth the price. Yet I know we’re all living here to pay the city tax. The pierogies were in catering bins and they had different options for flavors that cost more than the regular option. 

I purchased the small dumplings, said thank you in sign language and ran to get to my Media Storytelling class. 

The fried pierogies that I’m used to eating are pretty crispy in general, but Gosia’s are very different from the kind I purchase in my hometown. The edges were a bit crunchy but dominatingly, the main texture was chewy. Overall the flavor was good, the potatoes inside were a bit orange from the cheese and there were specks of green spread throughout. I wasn’t sure what flavor they were adding. Maybe parsley? Basil? 

Mainly I was glad to be sitting in class eating something. I don’t have a meal plan so there’s not many cheap consumable options that are just a sky bridge away. Although, I know that I am privileged to not have to pay for one. As a commuter I have the ability to choose to eat whenever I want. If I shop around, then I can find a meal for around $6, but it’s usually small. 

The onions were really sweet and, for the most part, soft with a few crunchier ones scattered within. Although the pierogies were a bit small and greasy, I enjoyed the market meal. Eating here might be nice every once in a while when I want a break from the expired lunch meat, but for my budget it’s better that I stick to making my own food. The market goes until October 6.