Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

One-of-a-kind Jewish Cultural Hub Opens in Hungary

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Press Release:

Theater, artisan café, community space – the launch of Golem Center, a unique, complex cultural center in the historic Jewish district of Budapest, tells a story of community sense and determination.

Budapest’s Golem Theater – the only professional Jewish theater in Hungary – was founded in 2005 by András Borgula who has been the artistic director since then. Working on a project-based model with renowned actors and leading theater professionals from the Hungarian contemporary art scene, Golem has no permanent ensemble. Additionally, having no own playhouse, the company was forced to perform at various venues since its founding.

Q.: ”We have always planned to move to a permanent base, which is an obvious advantage when you run a theater. For that very reason, I was delighted when, in 2019, Budapest’s District VII. municipality agreed to lease us one of their derelict premises, an old bakery in the very heart of the city’s Old Jewish Quarter” – tells Borgula, adding: Q.:”Given an ever-increasing appetite for arts and culture in Budapest, we decided to widen our scope and transform our operation from purely running a theater to opening a contemporary Jewish cultural center with complete programs.”

The newly launched Golem Theater and Center of Jewish Performing Arts is located in Budapest’s District VII, one of Europe’s must-see urban destinations with an unmatched atmosphere filled with living Jewish and multicultural traditions dating back to several hundred years. Besides housing Golem Theater’s repertoire and its performing art school, Golem Center will host contemporary music, dance, circus productions, as well as serve as an educational and information hub for the local Jewish community. Additionally, guests have the chance to relax in a welcoming café that offers traditional Jewish culinary reinvented.

Realigning during the pandemic Golem Theater and Center of Jewish Performing Arts … 3 Csanyi street, Budapest, Hungary http://www.hellogolem.com

The project is based on a public service contract where the municipality provides the venue, while Golem Theater operates the hub along with its own artistic programming and business plan. The renovation of the old building has been underway since 2019, financed by Golem resources, and with the help of private benefactors, corporate partners, crowdfunding. „In 2021, of course, the pandemic created a whole new situation. We were forced to stop playing live and adapt to the restrictions. We streamed our shows and, as a forerunner of our café, we started our home delivery service” – tells Borgula, adding: „In the end, we managed to open in autumn 2021, and we are happy to house our shows in this historic building and welcome our guests in our brand new café and community space.”

After the launch in October, a lot of works are still underway. As Borgula puts it: „It’s a neverending story for us, still we love every single moment of it. As cheesy as it sounds, it is a dream came true”.

Update Aggie Reiter

Margaret Watkins’ “Black Light” Exhibition

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Gergő Borbás presents a subjective guided tour November, 18. 2021. – 6 p.m.

“Born in Hamilton, Ontario… brought up on pictures and music … “I adore cheese and do my own carpentering!” –

Margaret Watkins, 15 June 1923

In this subjective guided tour I would like to explore, together with the audience, Margaret Watkins’ interesting life through her hidden legacy. Watkins was the one who found art in advertising photography, and her work continues to influence current trends in the industry. And yet, she has remained unknown to wider audiences, until now. In my tour I would like to find new horizons and widen our perspectives to understand what influenced Watkins’ work from the world around and inside her.

Gergő Borbás is an actor, director and creative producer in Budapest. He is artistic director of the Right Here, Right Now Theater and Community Center, director-producer of Personal Histories Budapest, and program manager of JCC Budapest – Bálint Ház Jewish Community Center. Gergő also hosts a weekly YouTube series, called “I Brought Coffee,” in co-operation with the Art is Business Initiative. The series aims to connect the corporate and cultural spheres through shared values and interests, in order to create beneficial co-operations.

With Women Behind the Camera, an event series that runs until January, take a look at the creative work of women and questions related to female creativity, with the help of guest speakers.

To register for the event, post an email to maimano@maimano.hu, with the subject “Guided tour – 18 November.” to join the guided tour with your exhibition ticket. The usual concessions apply.

Wearing a medical mask is recommended in the exhibition halls of Mai Manó House, and it is mandatory during the guided tours, and inside the book store and the library.

Source – Mai Maó House

Update Aggie Reiter

Creppy’s “Palacsinta” Pancake from Miskolc to Las Vegas

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Participated upon invitation at the Creepy „Palacsinta” Pancake House at the City of Miskolc – Northern region of Hungary. Our host was the owner – brand creatorv Ms. Réka Oszlánczi who introduced us into the history of Creppy itself by adding her way by characterizing the venue as „Creppy the Pancake Disneyland.”

Just for a second let’s talk about the birth of the „Palacsinta” Pancake … Most food historians say that the earliest pancake-like dish, was made by Romans in the 1st century CE from milk, flour, egg, and spices.The Ancient Romans called their fried concoctions alia dulcia – Latin for “other sweets”. These were much different from what are known as pancakes today.

Many are aware of the widely made around the World of Pancakes, but each country has difference between pancakes-and-pancakes. In Hungary today some still continue to prepare the tradition pancakes by filling home-made plum or paricot jam or sweet cottage cheese, and you’ll usually find them served up as dessert … (just as the Gundel Palacsinta but that is another story).

Of course once the visitors experienced the Creppy „Palacsinta” Pancake they will surely taste another dimension of “Palacsinta” -Pancake!

Creepy journey on the road to fame from the City of Miskolc -Hungary to Las Vegas – USA … Why? Read onwards…

The small family business was born and leading an unique specialty gastronomy since 2006 … Just 15 years ago! Since then the flavor of a unique world. Not only has the news spread, but the sublime flavor of Creppy „Palacsinta” Pancakes itself has proven to be the Queen in the world of special flavors.

Besides the tourist attractions of Miskolc, it would be a sin to miss the Creppy „Palacsinta” Pancake House!  It ain’t easy to simply speak about the experience. The tasty delights speak for themselves and a must visit venue by everyone rolling over to Miskolc.

The word for pancake in Hungarian is “Palacsinta”. The Hungarian pancakes are thin and crepe-like. Here at the Creepy House all yummies are wrapped in pancake. Are both served sweet and salty options which makes them stand out among the rest of pancakes around the world. Besides the tourist attractions of Miskolc, it would be a sin to miss the Creppy „Palacsinta” Pancake House!  It ain’t easy to simply speak about the experience. The tasty delights speak for themselves and a must visit venue by everyone rolling over to Miskolc.

The pancakes are heavenly delicous for breakfast – appetizers – lunch – supper or simply serve your body eager for sweeties or salty pancake. Entering into the Creppy “Palacsinta” Pancake House you can get to know and taste the thousand faces of pancakes. What is really unique at the Miskolc Pancake „Palacsinta” House is that instead of of breading (flour/eggs/breadcrums) they covering pork meat, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese or cheese etc. the meals wrapped in pancakes. The pancake dishes base on the traditional Hungarian and also international flavors which means absolutely Made in Hungary and are absolute wildly popular, furthermore gluten-free, flour-sensitive people can also consume it.

It may happen a visitor or tourist cannot find easily the route to Creppy, because the streets have hardly no names (just as in Dublin) but ask anyone where the road leads to he Creppy „Palacsinta” Pancake House and Bingo you got it!

The restaurant’s founding owner, Réka Oszlánczi earned the Hope of the Future Special Award in the Young Entrepreneur of the Year category in 2014. She is also the creator of Creppy Pancake House, and a member of the International Franchise Association and Vice President of FIVOSZ.

The Miskolc Creppy, one of the best in Europe, represented Hungary at the world competition in Las Vegas, where it was selected as one of the 12 most promising franchise concepts in the world. Creppy’s franchise system has been named among the world’s best at the International Franchise Association (IFA) annual congress.

In 2020 Creppy’s founder, Ms Réka Oszlánczi, received the ‘Miskolc City Tourism Award’ from the city of Miskolc for her contribution to the revival and revitalisation of tourism in the city of Miskolc.

Overview of the presentation … Have won several national and international awards (see slideshow). The franchise concepts of several innovative Hungarian companies from Hungary and abroad have been recognized. Redefined the very essence of catering and proved that pancakes can satisfy any culinary need. Over the past 15 years they have cooked at least 1 million pancakes in their now high-tech equipped kitchen. She also said onwards Q.:”Thee regulars of the increasingly successful Hungarian brand consumed more than 48,370 pancakes last year, 2/3 of which were salty pancakes. The popularity of salty flavors are most liked by the Hungarians respondents within the research were 18.2% and 12.1% preferring sweet Creppy pancakes. The facts show that the work invested has paid off. Over the past 15 years, the pancake-based catering business has grown to become a major player in the region. A well-established franchise system can also bring success to business partners. There are a good number of interested parties not only from Hungary but also from abroad, as the know-how speaks for itself. The company, now known as the Creppy Center, which also has a pancake center, offers a recipe for success to like-minded partners with similar values. he pancake brand is characterized by more than 300 own recipes, unique flavors and creative uses. The 15 types of Creppy ingredients will soon be available in retail. Through the application the customers can order their meal at their table. The Creppy “Palacsinta” Pancake House opened in Debrecen in 2019, then Gyula in 2020, which were forced to close due to Covid.

Thereafter, immediately to the sudden change in circumstances switched to home delivery. On March 28, 2020 at Miskolc had to close, however managed to keep the 20 employees for external orders.
Traffic fell by 30-40% but somehow they remained to carry on. They have a good team and have ongoing training.

As Ms. Réka Oszlánczi stated This could also be a milestone for Hungarian gastronomy, as our country is not only famous for goulash and red pepper, but also for its special pancakes, thanks to the Miskolc-based company.

The Creppy Center is a multifunctional experience center in the heart of Miskolc, next to the „PalacsintaHáz” – Pancake House, which can host weddings and corporate events. Equipped with high-tech equipment, the multifunctional complex includes an event hall for up to 100 people, which can host large-scale events. The center, tastefully decorated in Creppy design, also serves as a franchise training and operating base. Creppy continues to support DVTK’s women’s basketball team.

The highly successful Creppy wine has also recently made its debut, a special wine from the emerging Bükk Wine Region.

In the past 15 years, there has been made more than 1 million crepes – „Palacsinta”, 2/3 of which were savoury crepes, so you could say that Hungarians are rather ‘salty’ in taste when it comes to “Palacsinta” – Pancake.

Mr. Zoltán Reimann – local historian, explained the recipe for success: “Réka Oszlánczi, the founder-owner of Creppy Pancake House, is one of the most talented young entrepreneurs in the country and works extremely hard for her business. She is a confident, professional businesswoman, who radiates a desire to do something and a love of the city.

Creppy’s 15th Birthday was celebrated in a great atmosphere, with Réka Oszlánczi, founder-owner, enchanting everyone with her passionate summary. We toured the Creppy Center event center, saw the Creppy’s Showed the Pancake Eater Wall of Fame and the awards the restaurant has received over the years.  Pancake Patrik is Creppy’s very own mascot character and as said is a family favorit. Patrik Pancake told a pancake story about his gastronomic travels abroad. On special events he entertains the kids, tells them about his gastronomic travels abroad.

The Creppy „Palacsinta” Pancake House invited the press representatives with a taste of three different (salty and sweet) pancake-based, mouthwatering flavours dishes. Actually, it is pretty impossible to express in words the effects that the taste buds have had the experience …. it was majestic!

Update and snaps Aggie Reiter

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19th Mittelcinemafest @ Budapest

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From November 6 to 16. 2021., ITALIAN Film Festival will arrive @ Budapest again. This year, the 19th Central-European Italian Film Festival – “Mittelcinemafest” will be held. The festival is a jointly event organized together with the Italian Cultural Institute – Budapest and the Istituto Luce-Cinecittà. The Hungarian audience will be able to see a dozen – the latest and greatest – Italian works, including several festival successes in the original language, with Hungarian subtitles. Screenings will be held in the Pushkin and Tabán cinemas – Budapest. Most movies are only screened overall once, so it’s worthwhile getting your tickets before they are out.

Update Aggie Reiter

Best Art Vinyl 2021

There are many formation of art and the charm which cannot be unseen. The level of energy oozing out a visual is simply overwhelming. One thing we know for sure is that the visuals are utter.

This time, now the 17th year The Best Art Vinyl Award compiles the global opinion on the best of contemporary art and design in music. A unique opportunity by expressing views on the best record cover designs of the year.

BEST ART VINYL 2021 VOTING NOW OPEN  and the winner will be announced in January 2022.

Most recently, below are the winners of Best Art Vinyl 2020 announced on the 3rd of January 2021.

  1. Artwork by Russell Oliver for IDLES album ‘Ultra Mono’
  2. Design Chris Peyton at VVVOID for Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets album ‘Live at the Roundhouse’
  3. Photography Maria Lax and Graphic Design David Kitson for Doves album ‘The Universal Want’

The image of 2020, a striking painting by Russell Oliver to represent the ‘Positivity in Adversity’ that comes from the crashing contemporary punk rock sounds of IDLES.

In a year that presented unprecedented challenges for everyone, the year’s winning designs can be viewed alongside all 50 nominated record covers in the first-ever Virtual Vinyl Exhibition uniquely created during Lockdown2 in the south coast’s cultural hub of Folkestone for visitors to wander through online.

Since 2019 the Best Art Vinyl Award has been re-designed and manufactured by Vinylize. The Budapest based brand has been handcrafting glasses out of unwanted vinyl records since 2004 and is a design pioneer within alternative vinyl culture.

For those who wish to participate in voting hop over to cast your vote at the dedicated voting page and choose your 3 favorit designs from the 50 nominations.

https://artvinyl.com/best-record-cover-design-competition/

Update by Aggie Reiter

B&B Hotel Budapest City – Opened its Doors

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The B&B Hotel Budapest City is the first unique luxury accommodation establishment in the country.

The former Angel Office Building has been transformed into a B&B hotel with having 214-room. The hotel chain was founded in 1989. The B&B Hotels is Europe’s third largest economy hotel chain, operating around the Globe over 580 hotels in 14 different countries.

When you choose bed & breakfast stay, you may spend the night or two at a cozy accommodation along with home-breakfast table, but that’s not all … All-you-can-eat breakfast is overrated with delicious fresh pastries and savoury foods.

Offering luxury accommodations in a boutique bed & breakfast setting. The art of relaxation and hospitality is realized through the uniquely thoughtful interior design of each suite.  Here there is a twist on the traditional B&B concept … the rooms painted walls bringing attention to the high light venues of Budapest. Either stopping by business travel or a leisure trip it offers a nicely designed, comfortable single rooms, double & twin rooms, also family rooms comfy for up to four guests. Even for a short stay can enjoy the rooms equipped with  free wi-fi and Smart TV with Chromecast to watch the favorit multimedia contents. Also four electric car charging stations were also built in the garage.

Regardless of the season, may take a tour to many places of interest. The property is centrally located e.g. The Parliament Building, Saint Stephen’s Basilica, The Great Synagogue, The Royal Palace and last but not least, Hungary is not famous about its oil drilling as other countries are, but Hungary is the only country in Europe to have of its most of natural hot water, healing spas and springs.

May also explore the city’s art galleries, museum exhibitions, eateries, fine dining, cultural performances all within a short distance some by foot and/or by transportation or within  car. It is also pet friendly place/only an extra fee. 

Easy to reach the highway system and the Budapest Airport (BUD)

Up to 20 people there is a gathering room for business meeting and/or advance training course.

After rolling around the city or business engagements, visitors can relax, watching the sunset and the marvelous view onto to the River Danube and watching the busy city from a distance on the rooftop terrace really ease the end of the day. During the warms seasons to come the Bar will be open where guest can have the favorit drinks as well. For some like it hot, may visit for a gym to the fitness room.

Riport & snaps Aggie Reiter

Juhfark Wine Holiday @ Somló

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Tornai Winery

Venue: District 8478 – 1242 Somló mountain @ Somlójenő,
Date: Saturday, October, 16. 2021.
Timing: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

On October 16, we will hold the unique, representative presentation of Juhfark in Somló for the sixth time, where all the outstanding batches of the breed can be tasted. The winemakers offer, answer the questions, and along with the most crumbling wines, you can also enjoy the unmistakable charm of the mountain. Programs and workshops that complement the great walking tasting make it even more special.
Participating wineries: 5 House Estate, Barcza Winery, Bogdán Estate, Csetvei Winery, Csordás-Fodor Wine House, Dobosi Winery, Black Cellar, Hegedűs-Szabó Winery, Kolonics Winery, Kőfejtő Pince, Kreinbacher Birtok, Pince Winery, Somlói Vince Tomcsányi Family Estate, Tornai Winery, Zsirai Winery

Program throughout the day… Walking tasting 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. – option in visiting 17 cellars with 28 sheep tails – Ticket price 7900HUF.

Also Workshops …

No1. Travel around Somló 2 p.m.
Bus vineyard tour on the mountain. Can also taste the favorite wines of the wineries affected by the road. Ticket price 4900HUF.

No2. Faces of Juhfark 4 p.m.
Tornai vertical Juhfark tasting with international award-winning wines. Led by Tamás Tornai. Ticket price 5900HUF.

No3. Attractions 6 p.m.
The world of cheeses and Juhfark. Interactive gastro-tasting led by Gabriella Mészáros (WSET). Ticket price 7900 HUF.

Guided museum and cellar tour – Price: 1000HUF, ticket purchase on the spot.

The walking tasting ticket entitles a person to an unlimited tasting of the wines offered by the participating winemakers throughout the event, as well as a transfer from the
accommodations listed below.

Tickets exchanged for the workshops are only valid together with a tasting ticket.

The organizers also thought of individuals who wish to join the Juhfark Holiday from Budapest transfer by a special bus transportation.

Bus departure from Budapest – October, 16. 10 a.m. – venue: BAH junction gas station
Bus return from Tornay Winery – October, 16, 2021, 8 p.m. – Ticket price round trip 4900HUF.

Source: Organizers

Update: Aggie Reiter

Relive the 80s Era With A-ha Back-In-Time

a-ha

The documentary will arrive in domestic cinemas from October, 14. 2021.

Original language, with Hungarian subtitles.

Relive the worldwide gained frame by A-ha trio, which exploded in the 80s featuring keyboardist Magne Furuholmen, vocalist Morten Harket, and guitarist Pål Waktaar-Savoy.

Their destiny was set to follow an impossible dream which led the group to become a global sensations and heartthrobs overnight.

Thomas Robsahm’s documentary is a delight for the band’s fans, and a pleasant surprise for lovers of 80s music. Thomas Robsahm accompanied the band A-ha for almost five years and tells the story of 3 teenagers living in a small town in 1970s Norway and showing their creative clashes, ambitions and stormy relationships.

Thomas Robsahm and Aslaug Holm’s film answers questions with unprecedented interviews and behind-the-scenes, and does not hide the internal conflicts caused by a sudden reputation.

No Norwegian act had broken through internationally quite like they did when they burst onto the international scene with 1985’s “Take on Me,” buoyed by an iconic sketch-animation video by Steve Barron.  The A-ha’s hit “Take On Me” is still one of the most played songs of the last millennium and even sold 50 million records.

Another superb A-ha song to their James Bond theme for „The Living Daylights” most probably a whole generation were daily humming the song and cherish the memories of A-ha back-in-time.

Distributed by Pannonia Entertainment Ltd.

Update Aggie Reiter

Temple of Arts series … History & Art On Screen – POMPEII – Sinful City

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Throughout the Hungarian cinemas from October, 14. 2021.

Projected in the original language, with Hungarian subtitles.

Documentary – Running time: 90mins. – Rating: above 16 years of age (Strong sexualised imagery)

Director: Pappi Corsicato – Narator: Isabella Rossellini

The docufilm lays bare the myths and characters that have contributed to making this site immortal, frozen in time by the dramatic eruption of AD 79.

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It will be released in Hungarian cinemas from October 14. The latest episode of the Temple of Art educational series, which examines Pompeii’s art and history from a new perspective. Coming with the subtitle Sinful City, instead of the destruction caused by a volcanic eruption, the film focuses on the everyday life of a vibrant ancient city, of which lush sensuality and enjoyment of life were an integral part of the art treasures found among the ruins … showing how its citizens lived their lives, spent their free time, experienced pleasure, passion, religion and their fate.

Synopsis … This documentary explores Pompeii, that city cloaked in mystery which, over the course of history, has influenced culture and art, from Neoclassicism to Contemporary Art, through images and words by the great artists and writers who experienced, visited and imagined it: from Pliny the Younger to Picasso, from Emily Dickinson to Jean Cocteau. The film doesn’t just deal with the volcano eruption, which has gone down in history, but with what the city of Pompeii itself was actually like.

Distributed: Pannonia Entertainment Ltd.

Update Aggie Reiter

Romani Design – Museum of Applied Arts’ György Ráth Villa – Budapest

romani design

The 5th of the temporary exhibition series is on view at the Museum of Applied Arts’ György Ráth Villa

Romani Design … In the framework of the In Circulation series, we invite contemporary designers, once they have become acquainted with our collections, to select an object or ensemble of objects, which inspires their work, and reflecting upon it, to create their own new design. The art object(s) that has been born this way will also become a part of our collection.

We launched the series in 2018 with the exhibition of Artista Studio, the second featured artist was Polish designer Maria Jeglińska, the third designer we invited was milliner Valéria Fazekas, the fourth of the designers were the members of DECHEM Studio from Prague.
In the story of the exhibition series, first the Romani Design designers chose a total of six art objects from the collections of the museum. These are all devotional pictures depicting either the Virgin Mary or other female saints, which provided the inspiration for the designers to create six enchantingly richly patterned women’s garments and coordinated accessories.
In the course of our collaborative work with the Romani Design designers, the accustomed working process of the In Circulation series was supplemented by a new element. As curators we were spurred to step beyond the walls of the museum, and to create something together, which would also connect us on the level of ritual. At the Roma Saint’s Day that takes place every year in Csatka, according to tradition, the Roma believers sew vestments as a benefaction to the statue of the Holy Virgin, which is then changed every hour. Commissioned by the museum, the designers also created a vestment for the Csatka Holy Virgin. While the object was not acquired by the museum in its physical form, we rather collected the process and the story connected with it. We left the vestment as part of the wardrobe for the Csatka Holy Virgin, which was created within the framework of the In Circulation series.

Romani Design … Romani Design is the world’s first Roma fashion studio. It is the mission of the sisters, Erika Varga and Helena Varga, who founded the studio in 2010, to help build the socio-cultural prestige of the Roma with the tools of fashion and applied arts. With their handmade design products, they place authentic Roma national dress into a contemporary context. In their collections, they are inclined to combine Roma and Hungarian folklore elements, as the two cultures have been integrally connected for centuries. From its beginnings, the Museum of Applied Arts has nurtured a close connection with the designers. We are proud that Romani Design held its very first fashion show in the main building of the museum (With Fashion for Acceptance, 2011). A part of the Spring/Summer 2017 collection, Wanderers of the Worlds, was acquired into the Contemporary Design Collection.
In the story of the exhibition series, first the designers chose a total of six art objects from the collections of the museum. These are all devotional pictures depicting either the Virgin Mary or other female saints, which provided the inspiration for the designers to create six enchantingly richly patterned women’s garments and coordinated accessories.
Curator: Judit Horváth, PhD, Head of the Contemporary Design Department, Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest
Co-Curators: Melinda Farkasdy and Rita Komporday, Contemporary Design Department, Museum of Applied Arts, Budapest

Source: Museum of Applied Arts’ György Ráth Villa

Update Aggie Reiter