Rolling in Budapest Cultural information in English … Hear everything first hand

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A Full Day Tour at Kikőrös -2016.

Kiskőrös town is in the Great Plain –  Bács-Kiskun County. Just 134 kms. in distance from Budapest.  Sándor Petőfi – the Hungarian poet/writer was born here in January, 1823. Petofi worship life of the city, and the development of tourism is also a dominant. The birthplace of the poet and introducing his life and much more attracts tourists from far and wide.

Despite  the rainy and rather chilly day on 12th of November,  was ensured to be looking after at Kiskőrös, hosted  by József Szabó – director of the Matthias Pálinka – Kunság-Distilling Ltd, located at 35-37. Bánffy Street, Kiskőrös. This company’s products maybe not too much in the spotlight by the Hungarian travelers, not to mention the foreigners, so here we go with an update of visiting the plant and much more.  It is the largest active company in distilled alcoholic beverages. And neither not to mention they produce a kinda of Pálinka (spirit) that already hit the tops  by receving  diplomas, gold  medals and taken other award prizes here in Hungary and abroad at high stands in pálinka completions.

Upon arrival welcome drink was offered by our host as to choose, fill our glass with pálinka from the variety of  the Matthias Pálinka. Then came a brief introduction  the plant. Was told, the Matthias manufactory is a family run since 1994, and started production in 2013. It is one of the to-day’s biggest computer-controlled distillery in the country. The manufacture contains 4 modern alcoholic drink bottling production lines within 3 soft drink bottling production lines. Their production capacity reaching up to 200000 bottles/shifts. Now, that sounds enormous .. doesn’t it!? The company also operates an important facility for the cleaning of empties and contains 2 bottle cleaning devices. The selection of products contains various drinks, from lower quality to more expensive, exclusive products. Now-a-days they produce 74 different drinks in various size of bottles. They deliver the products throughout the entire country with their own proper transport vehicles. Last but not least said, they aim to extend their distribution network, to develop unique and high quality products and to locate export possibilities. After the introduction was escorted  on a tour through the factory around the distillery and it was nothing to compare with other distilleries have seen previously. The whole palinka production goes through computerize environment 24Hs. A very neet and well-organized company. From 2011 the Kunság-Pálinka (Spirits) Ltd received the certification as mark holder – title: “Excellent Food Product – Hungary“. The company produce Matthias Pálinka – up to 40% alcohol and as it was told they do not wish to raise the alcohol percentage,  because then  it  would take away its fruit typical flavor. The bitter Matthias liqueur within awesome favor of herbs … similar to the Jägermeister … BUT the fresh herbs are much more dominant, velvety and smooth. Also the plant’s highlights are the honey apricot liqueur, which in 2012 won in the category of “Outstanding Hungarian Product” award at the Austrian Iinternational Destilling competition.

After paying a visit at the distillery were invited to enjoy the hospitality of the Curt Pub and Restaurant & Music Night Club (Kurta Kocsma Étterem és Zenés Mulatóhely).  Just in a glance seen what a marvelously designed venue, which could easterly go in competition of any four stars restaurants in Budapest, that’s for sure! No wonder that it is one of Kiskörös most popular restaurants. Year around they have ongoing special parties and events. Talkative scent and each dish of food specialties of the restaurant was simply mouth-watering … no wonder cause most of the staff members previously worked on cruise lines and in London (UK) pubs and restaurants. Robbie was our waiter who spoke fluently English, but all the staff have other language knowledge beside the Hungarian. Thumbs-up to the owner of the place – surely managed to bring together the well-trained, professional staff.

After having a pleasant lunch  strolled over to visit to the Sir John Visitor Center at 6. Martini Street – Kiskőrös to view the interactive exhibition of John the Valiant (János Vitéz). Experienced the state-of-the-art technical solutions as moving around exhibition with the use of tablet guides and sound bell jars. Our journey was as walking through a „newwave” of informal education operating at Kiskőrös. Good example to turn learning into an experience, generating interest in culture and literature among younger children in an easy way.

Reaching to the end of our touring day stopped at the Petofi Square where the II. Furnace Gastronomic Festival took place.  The tradition is continued basis, thanks to last year’s success to local residents and neighboring towns, as well as tourists visiting the complex gastronomy and music programs provided. The craft exhibitors and from the nearby area of small local growers brought their products to the venue. The new wines tasting and must were not to be missed! despite the 4Q temperature, the visitors were gathering, rolling around various stands tasting/eating the Chimney Cake, pies with region’s taste, wines from the region, craft beer, mulled wine and other street food stand.  Before leaving the venue spent short time watching the local folk dance group as welcoming the Feast of St. Marton Day with the goose meals. At 6.30 p.m. began the concert time opening with the Groovehouse, followed by at 8 p.m. DJ Dominique and closing the night at 9 p.m. with a kind of house party to entertain the audience by the Brother Band.

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter