Serbian food festival returns next weekend
A Taste of Serbia features lamb and fish sandwiches, cevaps, burek, sarma, halushki and much more.
A McKeesport church’s Serbian food festival returns next weekend after months of preparation from parishioners.
St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church of McKeesport- Duquesne will host the fifth annual A Taste of Serbia Oct. 4 and 5 with a menu full of Serbian delicacies. The first day of the festival runs from 3 to 7 p.m., while the second day lasts from noon to 7 p.m.
The festival started in 2020 during the pandemic when it was takeout only.
St. Sava began preparing for this year’s festival in June with parishioners making nut and apricot rolls, which are both popular items.
The lamb sandwich, which is slow-roasted the week of the festival, is a sought-after menu item. The church’s award-winning fish sandwich will be served only on Friday. Cevaps, which are skinless sausages, are another returning favorite that will be available.
“They will do (cevaps) on the grill each day of the festival, so they’ll be hot and fresh,” said Dottie Ikach, St. Sava spokesperson.
Other popular dishes include burek, sarma, halushki and the hot sausage sandwich.
New to the festival this year is self-guided tours in the church. There will also be somebody on site to answer any questions about the tour or the church.
“We have huge paintings depicting the history of the church and the life of Christ, and it’s quite different from other churches, so it’s a learning atmosphere if you’re not familiar with Serbian history and the history of the church,” Ikach said.
Radost, the Tamburitza Association of America Hall of Famers, will entertain festival guests on the second day from 3 to 7 p.m. The group is no stranger to the area, as it has performed at various functions including at this year’s International Village.
“The public, in general, enjoy the music because the group has been around for many years, and they’re very entertaining and engaging,” Ikach said. “And they’ve played in all the local venues, like the Twin Oaks Lounge, at various ethnic clubs, area picnics and conventions.”
The Greek Orthodox Nativity of the Theotokos from Saxonburg, Pa., will have a display of liturgical items such as books, candles, prayer ropes and other items for sale.
The festival will allow patrons to dine inside the church hall or outside in the courtyard. Food is also available for takeout.
In addition to parking at the church, guests may park in Auberle’s lot, as spaces usually fill up quickly at St. Sava.
For the festival’s complete menu, go to https://stsavapa.org. Admission is free.
“We’re looking forward to again having the public come in, and hopefully the weather will be helpful,” Ikach said.
