I have to admit that I have only been to one other Polish restaurant, and only once. But if it’s any consolation, the food at Sava Polish Deli makes me feel like I’m eating dishes made by my Grandmother or Great Aunts- children of Polish immigrants.

I also have to admit that Polish food didn’t always have me jumping for joy when I came across it at family gatherings such as graduation parties, Christmas dinners, or even the occasional wedding. I’d add a pierogi or golabki (a cabbage roll pronounced as gawumpki) to a plate of food with fewer syllables, like bread, ham, and fruit. But more recently the food appeals not only because of a maturing pallet, but also probably as a way of connection—to memories, family, and ancestors I know only from photos and recipes.

My family was in town visiting recently. Since an afternoon rain shower washed out our plans to visit Liberty State Park, we instead made our destination Sava Polish Deli on Grove St. With no Polish restaurants near my hometown in Michigan, we all wanted to check it out. Besides, it had been awhile since our last extended family gathering included the traditional fare. And I think my Mom enjoyed being able to tell my Grandma over the phone about our destination.

After a wet walk to get to Sava’s, the steaming buffet at the back of the restaurant was a warm, welcomed sight. We made our way to the food, passing several tables set up near the front, a magazine rack full of Polish magazines, and displays of both Polish dry goods and refrigerated items. The grandmotherly proprietress then kindly waited as we all stared alternately at the menu board and at the items in the buffet as we tried to decide what to get.

Most of us settled on the Polish platter. She ladled onto each plate a cabbage roll, link of kielbasa, sauerkraut, and three pierogies. The pierogies- like the rest of the food on the buffet- was homemade. The day’s pierogi options were potato filled, meat filled, and sauerkraut and mushroom filled. We all opted for the more familiar potato filled. I did notice that the menu lists fruit filled, so I’ll have to travel into the world of sweet pierogies during my next visit.

Generous ladles of the thin tomato broth that covered the cabbage rolls were added over all of the contents. Next time I think I’ll have the pierogies on a separate plate (or else ask for not so much sauce). While extra broth added flavor to most of the items, it also made the dough on the outside of the pierogies a bit softer than their normal firmer texture. The creamy mashed potato filling inside was still tasty.

The generous portion of kielbasa, with its delicious smoky flavor paired nicely with the sauerkraut. And the stuffed cabbage roll, boiled cabbage leaves filled with rice and ground beef, tasted just like my Grandma’s. The whole platter of warm, solid food went well with this rainy Sunday.

I was doubtful of what the one vegetarian in our group was going to be able to eat. All of the food listed on the menu seemed to include meat. But by simply asking for any items without meat, he was served a plate brimming with a surprising diversity of food. It was lighter looking than the Polish platter and was eyed with jealousy by the rest of us.

The meatless items not only looked good, but tasted good as well. Small potato dumplings, made with the potato pierogi filling, tasted similar to Italian gnocchi. A cooked mixed vegetable dish and a pasta dish added substance. And sliced cucumbers with onions, sour cream, and dill added a delicious freshness to the mix. All of the vegetable dishes were flavorful without having as much heaviness as the Polish platter items.

The best option for two omnivores might be to share the regular Polish platter at $8.50 and a plate of meatless dishes for $7. The two platters together would provide the best of both worlds—a sampling of the traditional fare with lighter additions to complement.

Though my family enjoyed the meal in part because of ethnic familiarity and connection, anyone looking for a homemade meal won’t go wrong at Sava’s. And going for the meatless options is a delicious way to lighten up for summer.