Czech it Out if Hungary

Think Europe and places such as France,Italy and the UK come to mind. Think European food and items such as pizza,pasta,sandwich,fish & chips and pies come to mind. But an ongoing food and cultural festival in the city aims to change that perception and broaden our horizons.

“Quartet of European Delights” is a festival of European cuisine from four countries — Czech Republic,Hungary,Poland and Slovakia,which started on Wednesday night at Eros Hotel,and offers an extensive buffet prepared by chefs from the four countries who have been especially flown in for the event.

A variety of dishes from each of the four countries are on offer. For example,there is Lamb Goulash,Vegetable Filled Bell Pepper and Home Made Gnocchi from Hungary; Leek with Chanterelles and Smoked Codfish Soup from Poland; Dense Lentil and Vegetables Soup,Chicken Liver with Onions and Baked Eggplant with Tomato & Garlic from Slovakia; and Cauliflower Pancakes with White Cheese and Chive,and Warm Apple Strudel with Vanilla and Chocolate Sauce from the Czech Republic.

As alien as the dishes may sound,the cuisine from the four Central European nations has an underlining commonality — it’s very basic,raw and bland so to speak,and in that,it may not be an instant hit with the Delhiites,who love spices as much as they love their designer clothes and big cars.

But those behind the festival are putting their heads together to popularise the cuisine here. Chef Robert Trzópek from Poland,who has worked at celebrated restaurants such as Noma in Denmark and el Bulli in Spain,said,“I feel a bit like an ambassador because I can promote Poland by bringing to India an important part of our culture — Polish cuisine.” He added,“I will use the best Polish seasonal products such as meat,fish,herbs and vegetables,to create modern variations of traditional tastes. My food will give people here at least an idea of Polish food.”

“I have heard that people here are foodies,so I am sure they will love the Hungarian food,especially the authentic Hungarian goulash,” said Chef Csaba Horváth from Hungary.

But food is not all that is on offer. Guests can also sample nine varieties of Czech beer and enjoy live performances by musicians from the four countries on special evenings. Several prizes can also be won through the duration of the festival,including a trip to Prague for two people.

Now think Europe,and think Hungary and Poland. Think European food,and think cauliflower pancakes and lamb goulash.

The festival is on at Blooms,Eros Hotel,Nehru Place,till November 9. Contact: 41223344.