Craving comfort food after a long hike in the Laurel Highlands, I ordered the Pierogi Skillet at Balance Restaurant in downtown Johnstown. Served in a small cast-iron skillet, the first thing that I noticed were the bright colors of the brussels sprouts, a mound of greenery that sat atop the pierogies and kielbasa. My waitress warned me that their “Lemon Parm Brussels,” which can be ordered on their own as an appetizer, were award-winning, and I could quickly see why. The sprouts were perfectly roasted, retaining their shape and texture. The flavors remained intact, enhanced by the acid of the lemon and the light sprinkling of parmesan. After the layer of the sprouts came kielbasa, pierogies, and caramelized onions. The kielbasa was pleasantly seasoned and was cut into strips that could be easily speared with a fork for a perfect bite. The kielbasa was cooked to perfection and the flavors were amplified by the caramelized onions. The pierogies were pockets of soft potatoes that maintained their shape in the pan with their well-constructed pastry. Needless to say, this dish will bring me back to Johnstown, which is its own hidden gem in Western PA with an independent bookstore, record shop, and a museum and national memorial on the Johnstown Flood.
Balance Restaurant
415 Main Street, Johnstown, PA 15901
Westmoreland Foodie 