Interview with master sushi chef Nobu

“They are acting as though I were a film star!” joked Nobuyuki Matsuhisa at a press conference in the Kempinski Hotel ahead of the opening of his restaurant there this autumn. Sitting between District V mayor Antal Rogán and Hollywood film producer Andy Vajna, the master chef smilingly answered the questions from the Hungarian press. hvg.hu spoke to Nobu about the secret of his success.
hvg.hu: Did you ever dream of being something other than a chef?

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (11) | Views: 1153

Review: Hotel President’s Panorama Terrace, District V.

The Hotel President’s glamorous helipad restaurant above the rooftops of Budapest can hardly be beaten as a venue for a romantic dinner. The 360-degree panorama of the capital is spectacular, rivalling the views from the dome of St Stephen’s Basilica.  This is also the perfect vantage point to appreciate the exquisite secessionist roof of the nearby Hungarian State Treasury building designed by Ödön Lechner. 

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (23) | Views: 1338

Review: Café Briós on Pozsonyi út.

Brioche is traditionally eaten for breakfast in France. In Budapest it can also be enjoyed at the recently-opened Café Briós (briós is the Hungarian for brioche, a highly enriched French bread), which specialises in breakfasts

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (21) | Views: 1669

Review: “bq” Beer & Barbecue Grill Terrace and Fashion Lounge on Fashion Street.

It is well known that cafés and restaurants near the main tourist streets in big cities should be enjoyed with caution. In Budapest this is particularly true of some of the establishments near Váci utca. There are, however, some exceptions. On what is named “Fashion Street” (Deák Ferenc utca), two very pleasant terraces await guests. Lovers of down-to-earth, hearty food will find what they are looking for at the “bq” Beer & Barbecue Grill Terrace, while those who prefer something lighter can linger in the Fashion Lounge.

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (21) | Views: 1640

Chateau Visz: new head chef, yet principles stay the same.

The restaurant of Chateau Visz to the south of Lake Balaton has had a new head chef, Stefan Gebhardt since March. The change, however, has been barely perceptible to guests: the culinary principles followed by his predecessor Erik von Schröter have remained constant in every respect.

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (24) | Views: 1890

Café Eckermann closes.

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (24) | Views: 1886

Review: Corinthia Hotel Budapest Sunday Brunch

The Corinthia Hotel Budapest located on the Nagykörút (Grand Boulevard) not far from Oktogon is rightly lauded as one of the capital’s most opulent hotels, with its neo-classical facade, grand lobby with marble staircase and double atrium rising six floors. As one would expect, the hotel’s Sunday brunch buffet is highly civilised. Thankfully, however, it is without any hint of stuffiness.  Children are made to feel especially welcome. 

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (30) | Views: 2075

Review: Cascade, District XII.
 
 
Cascade is located far from the typical tourist traps, slightly hidden away in the hilly Buda landscape of District XII, but still just a five-minute drive from Moskva tér. “It’s a place where you can be yourself. Whatever mood you are in when you arrive, you are bound to feel happy after the meal,” promises manager Péter Kéri.

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (30) | Views: 1754

Since the beginning of the year Pécs, the European Capital of Culture 2010, has been the focus of attention. Now alongside the large-scale festivals, exhibitions, concerts and other events, gastronomy is also in the spotlight thanks to the efforts a small group: Slow Food Pécs Pannonia was founded at the start of 2010 based on the international non-profit Slow Food organisation. With two successful events already behind it, Slow Food Pécs Pannonia will present herbs for food and teas on Thursday, 17 June.

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (28) | Views: 1957

Review: Café A.P.A. Cuka, District VIII.

Once you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, one might think when it comes to the ruin pubs in Budapest. In addition to the well-known ones such as Szimpla kert, Corvintetõ, Instant and now WestBalkán in the centre of town, there is another venue that has been tucked away for years in a side street in District VIII – not in fact very far from the others.

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (38) | Views: 2129

Review: Sugar Shop in Paulay Ede utca.

Even if the tables and chairs are not made of sugar, Sugar Shop looks like how one might have imagined a house of candy and cake as a child. Everything is amazingly bright in the spirit of the fantasy world of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Even the funny uniforms of the staff make one think of Willy Wonka’s helpers, the Oompa Loompas - although of course here the assistants are taller than knee-high. With or without kids, Sugar Shop in Paulay Ede utca is definitely worth a visit.

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (39) | Views: 2159

Few have the drive & dollars to chase a Michelin star.

According to the Michelin Guide exceptional, innovative cuisine is rare in Hungary. One exception is the Costes Restaurant in Ráday utca, which opened in 2006 and recently became first restaurant in Hungary to be awarded a Michelin star.

Comment on this article | Add as favourites (42) | Views: 2625