Rye Pierogis: Artifact at the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park

This week I went to one of my favorite places in Balboa Park:  Artifact Restaurant in the Mingei.  They offer “craft cooking inspired by ancient methods, spices and botanicals”.  The menu has several dumplings on the menu-nothing speaks more to me than dough stuffed with delicious things.  I had something I had had once before which is the rye pierogi.  Using a rye flour dough, the dumplings are filled with farmer’s cheese and potatoes smothered with cremini mushroom and cultured cream.   Pierogis are long associated with Poland but rumor has it they traveled to Poland  to China in the 1300’s with merchants.  Typically they are made with an all purpose flour but these are made with rye flour which offers an interesting texture and flavor.  Love dumplings?  Want a wonderful, interesting lunch in a beautiful setting?  Give Artifact a try.