P'Bux

If Budapest is Dunkin’ Donuts, Prague is Starbucks: prettier and more polished but at the end of the day serving the exact same thing: Central European attitude with a shot of communist history.


Disneyland Staromestske Namesti , the old town square, is beautiful. And please note we did not take the above analogy literally; that ain’t no S’bux cup.


(For better or for worse, Nina and I feed each other’s mutual love for abbrevs and slang. I apologize if that has resulted in an incomprehensible post.)


The “Revolution” statue constructed from keys was built only a few months ago, begging the question: are the Czechs revolting against this?


It is not every day one sees a cowboy aspiring to become an F-1 racer.

The metronome in the distance replaced the behemoth Stalin Monument, which stood for only seven years. The sculptor Otakar Švec killed himself shortly before completion of the monument; he is one of many Czechs who chose suicide over communist oppression.


The metronome symbolizes that all time is relative. Or reminds me that despite 12 years of piano lessons, I still am mistaken for a beginner.


On a brighter note, the Czech Ice Hockey team defeated Russia on Sunday to win the world championship. Just like the C’s will defeat the Magic tonight and go on to win the NBA championship.


Much as one prefers to lounge in Starbucks rather than Dunkin’ Donuts (unless it is pumpkin donut time at DD), the Prague Castle trumps the one in Budapest.


And my lame analogy is done. I obviously have had too much of the ‘feine myself this morning.

The First Rule of Budapest Is:

Unlike Tyler, I have only three rules of the 'Pest.

I intend to share these with all visitors upon arrival; unfortunately, I usually forget. Now you cannot say I didn't warn you.

1. Avoid Chinese food buffets (Kinai Bufe) at all cost. Just assume they intend to poison you and hit up the sketchy gyro stand instead.

2. Heed the little green crossing man.

3. Never hail a taxi; call the special number.

Did I forget anything? What are the rules for where you live?

A View From the Apt Which Will "Make You Drop Your Knickers"

Because why not do a photo shoot alone in the bedroom?

Yoga Pose May: Hungarian Style

When I lived in Boston, I would leave Equinox yoga classes feeling pretty proud of myself. Not only had I done something “good” for my body, the instructor invariably told me I had good energy, tried really hard that day, or liked my T.J. Maxx yoga top. The sauna and locker room were pretty nice too.

Yoga in Hungary is a bit different.

Gauranga leads hot Ashtanga and Agni classes in the basement of the only vegan restaurant in Budapest Atma Center. I love Gauranga. I fear Gauranga.

Although he leads classes in Hungarian, Gauranga corrects me in English. And by corrects me I mean he asks me in a deadpan voice why am I not working in his class? Meanwhile I barely can grip the mat because I am drenched in sweat.

(Sorry for the visual.)

Gauranga has no problem “adjusting” me into positions I didn’t know existed or, if I did, would not dare to try. I am embarrassed to admit that I actually have cried (yes, cry. And I don’t cry.) in class before. G’s response? “Stop crying.” (I thought the sweat dripping down my face would have masked the tears but apparently G is as wise as he is sadistic.)

I also never have felt as “straight” or tall or wonderful as I do when I leave class. The euphoria continues for about two days or until I completely forget what actually happened in the basement torture chamber. Then I go back for more.

Thankfully, tree pose or Vrksasana has never inspired tears, just glares from G.

The purpose of tree pose is to improve balance and strengthen legs.

1. Stand in mountain pose or Tadasana.
2. Bend left knee, bringing sole of left foot to right inner ankle, shin, or thigh (never to the knee).
3. Push left thigh out and press left foot into right ankle/shin/thigh. Keep hips square.
4. Focus on a stationary object (i.e. not me if I am doing yoga with you).
5. Raise hands from heart center to ceiling with palms touching. Open arms to side.
6. Repeat with right foot.

I probably should have taken this picture before class.


If you are ever in Budapest, let me know. We can go see G together, cry, and then talk about how awesome we feel. I can promise you it will be a special experience.

Welcome to Budapest

Mr. & Mrs. Z,

Your daughter Nina arrived safely in Budapest last night.

We celebrated her arrival in typical Hungarian fashion with a palinka tasting. An ironic event since all palinka tastes the same - terrible. Pear palinka with honey may as well be charcoal palinka with lighter fluid.

Vanity almost precluded me from posting this picture. And I think it was only palinka #2 (of 8).


Luckily food was served with each course, causing Nina and I to admit - yes, we do like mayo despite protests to the contrary. Add it to the list.


This is a girl who just arrived to Budapest via Frankfurt via Montreal. Let's give her a hand.


Actually, let's give her a bed. 1/2 of mine to be exact.

Hungarian Eats Week II: Chicken Paprikash

It is only fitting that our first recipe is Chicken Paprikash. Like many of Hungary’s signature dishes, Chicken Paprikash originated as a herdsmen’s stew, reflecting the importance of livestock and a nomadic lifestyle during the Middle Ages. Says Wikipedia.

The base of any Herdsmen’s stew, which also includes goulash, is a heap of paprika added to onions which have been fried in lard until light gold in color (I just wanted to use the word "light" to describe HU cooking). Only Chicken Paprikash is served with noodles.

This is my adaptation of the Chef Parade recipe. I have made this recipe three times, and it has been delicious each time. Making the dumplings is the most fun part. Let me know what you think!

Chicken Paprikash with Dumplings
Serves 4


Chicken Paprikash
4 pieces of chicken
2 onions
Paprika (sweet or hot)
2 tomatoes
2 red peppers
1 tsp. salt
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp. flour

Dumplings
2 eggs
1.5 cups flour
Salt
Water

Stir fry the finely chopped onions in oil until golden. Remove from heat and stir in paprika (to taste – I used ¼ cup) and one cup water.

Add the whole chicken pieces and return pan to the stove. Add roughly chopped pepper, tomatoes and salt. Add lid, reduce heat, and simmer until chicken is tender.

In a separate dish, mix flour and sour cream. Add a spoonful of the chicken liquid to sour cream mixture (to increase temperature) and whisk until smooth. Remove pan from burner and stir in sour cream mixture. Return to stove and bring to boil. Serve over dumplings.

To make dumplings, mix eggs, flour and salt and add water to get a consistency similar to pancake batter (don’t make too watery). Use a cheese grater to strain dumpling batter into boiling, salted water (this will be messy and awkward but it works!). Cook dumplings for 2-3 minutes.

Etyek

To test my newfound knowledge of European wines, we headed to the Etyek Wine Festival on Saturday. I wore my Celtics t-shirt and fleece but more appropriate attire would have been thigh-high wellies and a giant poncho.


Or spiked cleats as I nearly wiped out walking down the cellar steps.

Because of the weather.


In fact, the entire day became a bit messy - both physically and morally.


My favorite cellar obviously was the one which paired wine with chocolate.


Which was worth standing in the middle of the road to flag down a bus. Will.get.run.over.for.chocolate.


Luckily the pictures stop here, but I believe a higher power canceled Sunday's road race due to "inclement weather." Or maybe the race organizers went to Etyek too.