Hungarian treats for food lovers at the Metropolitan
Following the renovation that was completed last year, the Metropolitan Hotel (formerly known as the Athens Chandris) has returned to a former habit, that of organizing culinary and cultural festivals. Besides affording a good time, however, these events provide a good platform for information: Those who are already familiar with the highlighted country’s traditions are happy to rediscover its flavors, while those who are not, may be inspired to visit. The Metropolitan, which in the past has hosted Argentinean, Brazilian, and Indian festivals, among others, is currently gearing up to present a week of Hungarian delights. This is the fifth Hungarian Food and Cultural Festival organized at the hotel over the years and festivities are scheduled to take place at the Trocadero restaurant. Apart from the cuisine, the festival also features live music interpreted by Gypsy bands and traditional dances. The event is being organized under the auspices of the Hungarian Embassy, in collaboration with the Hungarian Tourist Organization and the Taverna hotel in Budapest. (The latter’s chef is coming to Athens, where he will join forces with the Metropolitan’s Hungarian chef, Bela Horvath.) «We say that good food is an art. If then, along with a good meal you also try a good wine, then that is culture,» said Maria Szekely, from the Hungarian Embassy, at a press conference on Wednesday. At the Metropolitan there will be plenty of both, including Kolozsvar, traditional stuffed cabbage leaves; goulash; Nokedli, chicken with paprika and gnocchi and Bakonyi Modra, a fish platter. For the dessert hour, the chefs will be preparing Gundel, custard of walnuts and raisins in chocolate sauce, as well as Somloi Baluska, a dessert based on raisins, custard, rum and chocolate. The dishes will be accompanied by renowned Hungarian wines such as Badacsony, Eger and the celebrated Tokaj. A selection of traditional aperitifs are also available throughout the festival. During the press conference, Eugenia Chandris, a member of the Chandris hotel and resort chain’s board of directors, announced that the Metropolitan will soon be offering its guests and visitors a number of additional gastronomic and other treats: a counter offering fresh sushi delicacies; a chocolate buffet; a cigar bar and a grappa bar. Hungarian Food and Cultural Festival at the Metropolitan Hotel, 385 Syngrou Avenue. April 12 to 20. The menu price is set at 25 euros. For reservations, call 010.947.1000. The Time Machine
