Firstly, what is a kolache? All you need to know is that it a Czech pastry with sweet or savory fillings, first brought by immigrants to Texas in the mid 1800’s. And it’s delicious. Every Texan worth his/her worth should know the “national pastry of Texas” J – it’s a ubiquitous breakfast or snack food found in most bakeries and stores in Texas. And soon, DC will know it too.
Chris Svetlik and Brian Stanford, both originally from Houston, have just launched Republic Kolache, after a successful kickstarter campaign, and I had the opportunity to get a taste test.
The yeasty bread itself is slightly sweet, the fillings include sweet and savory options. The sweeter ones are typically filled with fruit preserves and/or cream and the savory choices include chorizo and egg, sausage and jalapeno, etc. In a nod to DC, there is a half smoke kolache – which was my absolute favorite. I mean, although you can’t go wrong with sweet and savory carb goodness, the combination of the sweet, soft bread, the half smoke from Meats and Foods, and peppers, was a winning combination!
And yes, they are working with local businesses and farms as much as possible to source the fruit and other ingredients. The custom tray liners were designed by artists in Texas and DC as well. BTW – Brian is a lawyer with NASA, and Chris is a creative designer, so this is all a result of their passion for kolaches!
Most importantly, where can you find them? Over the next few weeks, they will be popping up at American Ice Company on Saturday mornings from 10am -1pm. They serve La Colombe coffee, so get your Saturday morning going and satisfy your curiosity about kolaches starting this weekend! #KolacheSaturday is going to be real.