With 2020-21 being the year of all things virtual – businesses (both longstanding and new) have had to adapt to the changing regulations in the state of New Jersey. But that didn’t stop Aunt Miss Christine from opening in 2020. This pandemic-born business not only opened during the height of COVID-19, but it fully embraced the virtual way of the world. This restaurant and catering company based out of Montclair is serving up contemporary Polish dumplings known as pierogies – and is a must-try hidden gem in town. Keep reading to learn all about the owner/founder of Aunt Miss Christine – Christine Wagner, the offerings, and the future of the virtual restaurant.
(Photo credit: @amcpierogi)
Meet The Owner
Christine Wagner was born in Belleville – but grew up in Pennsylvania. In 2000, Christine decided to attend college in New York City and eventually ended up in Kearny – where she still resides.
“I changed jobs fairly often and tried different things. I have a background in art/design and like to create. I realized that ideally, I would like to be my own boss,” Christine told Montclair Girl. And Aunt Miss Christine was going to allow Christine to do just that.
How it Came to Be
(Photo credit: @amcpierogi)
Founded in 2020, Christine shared her idea for Aunt Miss Christine a couple of years ago with the owner of Red Eye Café, Anthony Brinton. The pandemic hit the café hard, and it had transitioned to take-out only.
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That’s when Anthony offered Christine the possibility of using the kitchen during off-hours to create additional revenue. This gave Christine the platform to actualize a menu, confirm it could be executed, and determine if it was even a viable business concept. It was a perfect opportunity for Christine and her vision.
The Menu
(Photo credit: @amcpierogi)
Pierogies, pierogies, and more pierogies – it’s all about carrying on a family tradition at Aunt Miss Christine. “By making pierogi, I get to work with my hands producing little, edible sculptures, as well as continuing a family tradition,” Christine mentioned.
While all the pierogies on the menu are delicious and will satisfy any craving. The most popular filling is traditional Potato & Farmer Cheese.
(Photo credit: @amcpierogi)
But the menu includes both sweet and savory pierogies – anything from blueberry to apple cheesecake pierogies (yum!), to cheesesteak and meatloaf pierogies.
The Virtual Experience
(Photo credit: @amcpierogi)
Operating from Red Eye Café’s kitchen, Christine is able to offer locals a variety of tasty pierogi options. Order online for pick-up or delivery, or check out the Frozen Pierogi Shop where patrons can purchase pierogi to take home and prepare at your convenience.
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For online delivery and in-person dining, you can order Aunt Miss Christine’s pierogies on Mondays through Fridays 10AM – 3PM.
As for frozen order pick-up, patrons can order Mondays through Sundays 8AM – 3PM.
The Future of Aunt Miss Christine
(Photo credit: @amcpierogi)
“I would like to start selling at farmer markets and outdoor festivals,” Christine shared with The Montclair Girl. Christine will also continue to work towards her goal of having her own storefront.
To keep up with the Aunt Miss Christine brand, follow along on Instagram.