Archive for the ‘Gastronomy’ Category

Hungary’s Cake of the Year – 2019

Winner cake of 2019 - Lace of Our Lady and the Little Chesnut cake

Hungary’s cake of the year happens once a year. This year the Hungarian Confectioner Craftsmen Corporation invited entries for the Hungarian Cake of the Year contest for the 13th time and as a tradition Hungary’s  Cake of the Country as to celebrate the National Holiday at the 20th of August. Thirty-one cakes were in competition and were prepared in their creations in front of the judges, who then after rated them based on professional aspects.

The finalists, this year’s  was winner was the “Boldogasszony Csipkéje” (Lace of Our Lady) Confectionery by Norbert Tóth the pastry chef from Dunaföldvár.  The lace of Our Lady is a real raspberry delicacy. More than half a pound of fruit. It consists of soaked sponge cake, raspberry and white chocolate cream, ganache with lemon and basil and raspberry jam.

Lace of Our Lady

Hungary’s free-sugar cake was revealed to be the winner of 2019 the “Kicsi Gesztenye” (Little Chestnut) cake by pastry chef László Gyuris from Szeged. The basic flavor of the cake is the chestnut, and also pleasantly sour cranberries and hazelnut crunch.

Little Chestnut Cake - Free sugar

Get ready for the real Hungarian heavenly delicious cakes. Surely if you are visiting, staying in Hungary at the time being the mouthwatering cakes cannot be missed to try this delicacy.

Are you a real gourmet? Surely if you are in Hungary you should try this delicacy.

In earlier years, the more modern French line dominated, but now the domestic taste was the winner at the jury.

For the 4th time was organized together with Hungary’s cake of the year the competition for traditionally made sourdough bread. Only those bakers were in competion making any bread without additives agents. Apparently, on the 20th of  August  celebrating Saint Steven Day – Hungary’s King.  This year’s harvest with the new bread as well. The winner was with white bread Szerencs Tarsoly – development of Pedró Bakery – made of wheat flour, durum flour, special shape, crispy, hand-made wheat bread.

 

Update Aggie Reiter

Ten days to come – Valley of Arts Festival – Hungary

This year Valley of Arts Festival is celebrating its 29th year in continuing the event as the largest multi-art event in Hungary!

Valley of Arts  event will take place between July, 19-28. 2019 at three neighbor villages of Kapolcs, at Taliándörögd and at Vigántpetend.

All the events and concerts listed in participating can only be accessed by visitors with valid wristbands. A number of stages differing in size and genre at these venues.

Just for the notice … the Valley of Arts reserves the right to change the event line-up in certain cases. For instance, in case of bad weather, events will be stopped and will be continued once weather conditions allow it.  To ease information of the programs  whereabouts,  can be followed by mobile app to receive the latest Valley updates. English-speaking Valley staff will be on the spot for guidance if needed. For locals and tourist visiting the event for several days keep in mind to book accommodation in advance at szallas@muveszetekvolgye.hu. There are  nearby accommodation capacity but they  are limited, make sure you book in time. The catering is easy to trace as well. To get around with the “Csigabusz – Csiga Bus” as the official Valley transportation, which runs all day between the Valley and nearby villages.

Use of the “Csiga” bus is free of charge having valid wristbands, follow the buses within the app as showing the exact time of running. For further information visit http://www.muveszetekvolgye.hu. The website has English language information as well.

Update Aggie Reiter

HELLO SOUTH-EAST HUNGARY … SZÁNK-FRANCISCO!

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Visiting SZÁNK and KISKUNMAJSA. The terrain is located in the Danube-Tisza area.

Excellent day trip for relaxing and spending quality time with family and friends.

SZÁNK is a cute village. In fact, it is one and a half hours by car from Budapest, and reminder …there are a few kilometers in the last section, where you have to get around the potholes, but not inaccessible. However, if you want to get here by public transport, it is good if you pack a bunch of sandwiches, the fastest way from the capital is to go for three hours with two transfers. In any case, the village is worthwhile to visit.

SZÁNK, one of the jewels of Bács-Kiskun County, was a dead-end village long ago.

KISKUNMAJSA is still an undiscovered surrounding for many locals and foreigners visiting Hungary.

A short history of the enormous bath of to-day … residents were looking for oil in the area, instead thermal water was found. In the vast landscaped area of the Kiskunmajsa, the whole family can find the right time from enjoyments to relax. Spa, thermal and water parks, a children’s pool, great buffets and comfortable armchairs, shaded cafes, as well as an artificial sandy shore lake awaits the visitor. Among the special outdoor pools, sea waves imitating pool, also colorful water slides is very tempting for young and elder folks.  Indoor Spa 2 Pools, Thermal Swimming Pool and Thermal Pool, which is very cozy and popular especially throughout wintertime.

Kiskunmajsa’s largest restaurant was launched in 1991. From 2019, Lópofa Inn (Csarda) has been working as a family business. Already arriving to the entrance gate, can see that the place was an old horse-riding venue, now-a-days, has become an oasis of tranquility. Large garden with foliage-shaded trees with playground. The shady mini fenced poultry yard, which is also home to the peacocks, is loud from cacao crusting, which is part of the impeccable rural feeling. Cockroach dishes are served, which are partly made from local ingredients. Crispy and delicious, baked bread on the table with an appetizer, had a waffle of local cheeseplate, then came the „Legényfogó” i.e. Bachelor Catching Soup and if that wasn’t enough to fill the stomach, came the wooden plate of all sorts of meat and dressing. The open-air furnace baked countryside cakes are worthwhile to taste. Last but not least come the local Pálinka. In summer, a series of events are offered to visitors such as holding event: weddings, family  gatherings, anniversaries there. From Thursday to Saturday, live music performances are held in collaboration with the Jonathermal Spa and Adventure Bath. Along the side at the Lópofa Inn, there is a wonderful lavender plantation where the fragrant and magnificent purple carpet in blooming of lavender bushes catch the eye. Next to the lavender plantation a huge “HoneyHotel” was designed to the bees.

Road to Historical Heritage Park … The Visitor Center levels are now fully accessible with elevators and ramps. The continually updated, interactive exhibits of the Rotunda are living sources of information that enhances a deeper understanding and a ride back in time.

A tunnel to the Past … Kiskun Memorial Site “The History of the leader of Szánk was presented by Zsolt Patkós, Mayor of Szánk, commemorating the appearance and settling of Cumans the former settlement of Szánk in Hungary.

In 2019 open with its main building of the visitor center takes the visitors back into the past centuries with the help of modern methods. The thematic pathways display with historical accuracy the ever-changing living-space of the Cumans integrating into the Hungarian people. In the cinema room the exhibition commissioned by the government of Szank with the help of the Katona József Museum of Kecskemét. The experts participating in the project were Zoltán Boldog, Zsófia Lukács, Márta Mészáros, István Pánya, Szabolcs Rosta and Szabolcs Varga.

Visiting the Kiskun Memorial Park relics excavated archaeological site on the sledge-like experience show tourists visiting the memorial site. The building can be visited by guests accomodations fully suitable for barrier-free use. Visitors can learn about the changes in the life of the cohorts by presenting four types of houses and related lifestyle changes. Such as:  round-shaped, yurt-like, Árpád Age House, XIV-XV. century mansion house, XIX century farmstead. At the exhibition space present four Cuman period of their history,and at the video room switch back through the time tunnel:  Cuman early history of early Hungarian relations …  Cumanians  moving in the Kingdom of Hungary, Mongol invasion … Classical Middle Ages, chair kun system … Turkish occupied areas , Redemptio. Mayor also expressed his plans in the sabretache, but  for the time being having horse, dog and baranta shows, Kun-quiz, kun-test, gastronomy programs, tastings the Past Life of SZÁNK!

Next station: 1956 events  … The exhibition space commemorates introduce the former 1956 events. In addition to presenting historical history, within commemorates local and nearby people from the time being.

After the history travel, the next station was to the Sweet Tooth House… Sophisticated hand-made cognac sour cherry at Szánk, freshest heavenly fragrance that tastes enthralled. The Taste House produces daily an average of 2500-3000 cognac sour cherry., so said Mária Orbán Rizelné as she was preparing the cognac sour cherry sweeties. Rum aroma of matured spirits, is covered with chocolate. All made by hand and using special machines. Once tasted the these cognac sour cherry covered with Belgium Choco.  Who once taste the Szank sweeties will remember by the taste where it is from! Heavenly delicious, be sure to taste it once you visit Szánk!  Was not just the guided tour exciting, but can watch how to make your own craft cognac sour cherry. The house is designed to showcase baking compote cooking, jam making, and look at the technique to cheese making and the real tension strudel dough here. At Szánk the local cognac sour cherry is used as a trademark of the settlement! Disgusting, that these sweeties are renamed and soled in several places of Budapest.  The original Szánk cognac sour cherry is renamed in Budapest as “Retro cognac sour cherry sweetie 🙁

Wild Tobacco Honey … Honey from SZÁNK is nationally renowned, very fine and of good quality. For over 11 years the Honey and Cherry Festival has been organized and locals and visitors from far are pleased to join the event. On the spot at the House of Flavors, thanks to the Csontos beekeeper and his son introduced the way honey spinning is done. In between he spoken about the bees living gathering the nectar to collect the wild tobacco honey on the unique settlement that only grow at Szánk had tasting of the of the fresh wild tobacco honey… no wonder the bees like it!

 Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

The 5th International Day of Yoga @ Bálna Center – Budapest

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To commemorate 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Hungary, the Embassy of India, Budapest. Due to this occasion a series of cultural events to be organised between  June, 21-23. 2019 across 19 cities of Hungary. These events will showcase yoga, Indian classical and folk dances, Indian classical music, henna painting, folk art and gastronomy.

In Budapest, a special event is being organized to mark the occasion on  June, 22. 2019 at the Bálna Center

District IX., 11-12 Fővám Square – Budapest.

Entry free. All are welcome to attend.

The United Nations General Assembly had adopted a Resolution on December 11, 2014, with an unprecedented 177 countries as co-sponsors, to adopt June 21 as the International Day of Yoga.   Since then, this Day has become one of the biggest mass movements in the quest for good health and well-being and events are organized all over the world to showcase Yoga, which has been acknowledged as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. During the last four years, a number of cities in Bosnia & Herzegovina have been enthusiastically celebrating the International Day of Yoga and this year’s celebrations will build on the success of earlier events.  Ms. Ankita Sood  – teacher of Yoga and Indian Culture at the Embassy together with the yoga instructors of prominent yoga schools will conduct Common Yoga Protocol, which has been specially designed by Indian yoga masters to suit the requirements and physical conditions of the general public. A demonstration of advanced yoga techniques will also be undertaken. It may be recalled that speaking about Yoga, the Prime Minister of India had said that Yoga is the journey from ‘me’ to ‘we’, and that yoga makes us better individuals in thought, action, knowledge and devotion.

The Embassy of India organizes the 5th International Day of Yoga program in Budapest on June, 22. 2019 from 10 a.m. -1 p.m., with support from the Mayor Office of Budapest.

Bálna Center – District IX., 11-12 Fővám Square – Budapest. Entry is free! The timetable to the Yoga program goes: 9.45 a.m. Arrival of guests

10 a.m. Welcome Remarks by Master of Ceremony

10.02 a.m H.E. Kumar Tuhin, Ambassador of India’s address

10.05 a.m. Remarks by the Chief Guest

10.15 a.m. Standard Yoga Protocol by The Yoga TIC, Ms Ankita Sood, accompanied by other local Yoga Schools

11 a.m. Advanced Yoga Performed by Ms Ankita Sood TIC plus other Yoga Instructors.

11.10 a.m. Meditation Music, OM Chanting, Relaxation

11.20 a.m. Technical break

The timetable to the Cultural Program: 

11.30 a.m. -12.30 p.m. Indian folk and classical dance performances.

Local and foreigner who wish to participate at the event are requested to bring their own Yoga mat for the program!

The aim of the International Yoga Day is to raise awareness of healthy and conscious lifestyle whereas the locals and foreigners staying in Hungary are all welcomed!

Reg. is needed: https://www.eoibudapest.gov.in/ascc/news_detail/?newsid=213&cat=5

Update Aggie Reiter

Hungary’s Food from Regions – Cook students competition 2019.

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The final of the 2019 cook competition was held at Felcsút – Letenyey Lajos High School and Vocational Secondary School.

The 12 team’s work could be traced on a projector and turned into a protective suit and cap in the kitchen.

After the serving the menus in competition was presented the creative manual of creative cooking and the invited participants may have tasted the menus

Eating habits have changed, new culinary trends are born, not only the world, but times of gastronomic revolution in Hungary. As a result, for the domestic labor market is a huge demand for chefs ready to use knowledge. Of knowledge with professionals in need who are extremely knowledgeable about technology in the kitchen and MAG was able to apply it in practice.

Jury members were attended by renowned chef school teachers and chiefs.

View the line up of menu snaps shown in the competition at the Letenyey Lajos High School  and Vocational Secondary School.

Update ans snaps Aggie Reiter

Latest News … Live ice-carving show – Mini Basilica – Budapest

District, V.,  4-5. Saint István Square
7 p.m.

On the 6th of April, a special event will be to experience of those who visit St. Stephen’s Square in Budapest, because on this evening will celebrate the opening of the Platz restaurant at the cozy terrace in the immediate vicinity of the Basilica.

This evening a mini copy  formed in an ice sculpture of  the St. Steven Basilica by Zsolt J. Tóth, an ice sculptor, can be viewed on the spot.Using the ice block of almost 200 kg, which has to be frozen a week before carving. The life of the statue will last only 8 to 9 hours depending on the weather … so off you go to watch this unique show.

Celebrating the season in springtime, Tamás Veréb musician-singer giving a concert and  Haida DJ will entertain audiences on the terrace of the Platz Restaurant, where visitors can also enjoy gastronomic specialties.This special event is not only welcomed by local residents but also by tourists.

Update Aggie Reiter

St. Patrick’s Worldwide on its way – Budapest 2019!

Be Irish … Everyone is Irish To-day!

March 17th, which is about St. Patrick’s Worldwide, and about the beer we associate with  Ireland immediately.

A little background in time … St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland has been an official national holiday since 1903. Patrick lived in the fifth century, and taught the Irish to the teachings of Jesus. Already in the seventh century it was a great cult, and in the 1800s the church officially named his day 17 March.

March 17 is an important day in many countries around the world: from Dublin to Dubai, from Peru to Paris or from Sydney to Stockholm, it is originally about Irish and descendants of the country to celebrate the Island of Ireland together. And they do it so well that they are also attached to those who have no attachment to Ireland. In the latter, it is almost certain that Ireland and perhaps the most popular stout in the world, Guinness, has a huge role to play.

In Hungary … There are only a few hundred Irish people in Hungary, but mutual sympathy plays a major role in the fact, that for eight years, Budapest has been hosting the biggest Saint Patrick’s Day in Central and Eastern Europe. The procession and festival are part of the Irish National Day and are joined by the Hungarians.

On Sunday, March, 17. from Noon to 3 p.m. gathering at District V. on the Szabadság Square. And before hitting onwards a delicious choice of real Irish beef burgers on the spot to ease the hunger. Following the route from downtown at 3 p.m.  New attraction coming from Ireland … recruited staff from penitentiary institutions of Prison Service Pipe Band, of which 52 pipers blowing the Irish folk music.  The marchers are led by just as in the previous years with a huge St. Patrick’s dummy as the leader of the march. The route goes through the Andrássy Road and arriving to the “Fogasház” Instant Club (pub, party venue) at district, VII., 49-51 Akacfa Street continuing the celebration party.
From 4 p.m. a variety of programs await the participants in a real pub atmosphere for kids playing games, getting to know the Irish motif world, and of course the bands in the club will play live Irish music in a variety of styles. Most probably foreigners beside Irish folks will be swell to join the celebration.

Still in time … shop Men’s Green Shirt, Hoodies, Pants and More … but don’t be green being jealous of another. Head out to your the favorite pub and off you go to celebrate.

Cheer with a Guinness just like around the World millions do it’s

St. Patrick’s Day! – Irish National Day!

Update Aggie Reiter

 

 

 

“Hungary’s Restaurant Week” Eatery @ Budapest and Countryside Restaurants – 2019.

During the Restaurant Week –  3-course dinner at top restaurants, with participant restaurants offering their menus: 3900HUF, the premium menus: 4900HUF  and  the exclusive menus: 5900HUF.

Not just for locals, but foreigners staying in Hungary and tourist on a short visit can be considered as interested in a country’s traditional, an international foods. So foodies lovers your time has come and for those perhaps who have not had the experience already to join one or more restaurant in Budapest during Hungary’s Restaurant Week take this as a call.  These discounted prix fixe menus at more than dozens-and-dozens of delicious eateries for lunch and/or dinner  can be a good idea.

Be on the voyage of meals that delights your eyes, taste on the plate that defines the art of dining when siting down at one of the chosen Restaurant between March 18 -24. 2019.

To participate, reserve a table during Restaurant Week is easy! No tickets or passes are required! Reservations are strongly recommended to make sure you’re able to sample your favorite flavors, or get to know the new Hungarian flavors! The public is invited to experience cuisine that will amplify your palate and highlight the fun of dining in Budapest and/or at the indicated country’s regional restaurants.

Food lovers may simply dine out at as many participating restaurants as they wish. No long phone calls  are required, nor waiting for confirmation. Written confirmation follows by e/mail immediately after the reservation. Enjoy your meal … good appetite and don’t forget to taste the fruity pálinka, and the fiery succulent wines from award-winning wine makers.

See the listed restaurants and keep in mind the bookings can only be made through online: https://www.etteremhet.hu/lang/en

Update Aggie Reiter

Festival of health-conscious products – Budapest – 2019

ELTE Lágymányos Campus – Northern Building

District XI., 1/A Pázmány Péter promenade

February, 23. – 24. 2019.

10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Coming up this week-end a festival of gluten, lactose and sugar-free health-conscious products and services at 2 levels, over 1000 square meter.  The goal was to kick off a light, 2-day, colorful, but also professional festival where every health-conscious person can find the best diet for him.

Suffering from food allergies? Find answers to all your questions on the spot.

Those arriving at the festival can meet the most famous players in the free trends, professional performances, small market yard, gastronomy tips, also exhibition and many other interesting things to the questions that have not yet been answered.

Presentations and performances are in Hungarian language, yet  with some of the presenters may have easy conservation in English language.

Update Aggie Reiter

Seventh Chocolate Carnival @ Pécs – 2019.

In February, beside the famous Venice Carnival in Italy,  the Season’s of Carnival in Hungary brings the Carnival mood in the air with chocolates made in Hungary.  For many around the world believe “chocolates are their best friend!” and cannot argue in that. Chocolate has been around the world throughout decades of civilization,  it has been present yesterday, to-day and tomorrow for many sweet tooth individuals.

It was announced at the press meeting that this year the Seventh Chocolate Carnival will be organized at the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter  between

February, 9-10. 2019.

Opening hours: February,9. 10 a-m. – 6.30 p.m.   February, 10 a.m. –6 p.m.

Not too far from the capital, is the City of Pécs, the 5th largest city in Hungary which is around 2000 years old and  is a popular destination for visitors interested in history and culture.

After last year’s sensation made milk chocolate, black chocolate and white chocolate, this year the fourth type of chocolate, “the ruby chocolate” will get its starring role. The pink Ruby will play a major role at the carnival

Besides the entertaining events there will be professional events, offering entertainment opportunities for all ages. At the Chocolate Carnival 25 chocolate related programs at 20 stages … 18 exhibitors.

During the 2 days the children on the spot: Marzipan marshalling exercise, children can make edible figures from colorful marzipan, and Chocolate Paint Chocolate Paint, and spray with tiny sugar dips. With the show at the entrance, the visitors of the Chocolate Carnival will receive a 15% discount on all exhibitions of the Zsolnay Cultural Quarter, the Labor-Interactive Magic Space, and visiting the Planetarium and the Magic Wonders.   Throughout the event also a 3D printer works will be operating in the foreground. And for the really little ones: The Total Art Association is waiting for them with an animated playhouse Dumplings with Arthur. … “Gombóc Artur”.

The local visitors may enjoy the Choco Carnival, as well as foreigners staying, working in the city and beside visiting the “Chocoville’s”  wonderful tastes, worthwhile to roll over to the remarkable venues such as: the Csontváry Museum, the Synagogue, Pécs Cathedral, Sopianae Early Christian Mausoleum, famous Zsolnay ceramics and Turkish ruins, Mosque of Pasha Qasim, Zsolnay Fountain at the downtown venue. Also to visit the one-and-only Beatles Museum in Central Europe. Pécs is the 5th largest city in Hungary is around 2000 years old and this city is a popular destination for visitors interested in history and culture.

Was more than 4000 last year’s visitor number, and hopefully there will be more visitors to experience the smooth mouth-watering tastes.

 Update Aggie Reiter