So we were off to Gundels last night, to celebrate Maria and John’s wedding anniversary. I don’t know, it’s one celebration after another. We decided to take a cab, since it was still raining, not the easiest thing to do, there doesn’t seem to be a doorman at the Hilton and although there were cabs parked outside the drivers were huddled in a corner having a cigarette. It’s not like the Gellért.
Still we got there and got in the mood with a nice champagne cocktail.
The menu looked fantastic and extensive and the sound of gipsy music was floating out to us. Maria noticed they offered several five course set menus with appropriate wines to go with each of the courses, so we decided to be adventurous and go for the one called, ‘Gundel specials , past and present’. Goose liver with a sweet white wine, fresh pea soup, pike perch with a dry white, duck with a full bodied red and Gundel pancakes with a tawny port. Excellent!
Just as we were about to start our desserts the ‘primás’ from the gipsy band came over and stated playing Anniversary Waltz to Maria and John and a cake with a candle on it was delivered to the table.
Maria got pretty emotional, especially when the primás played a couple of her favourite tunes.
We got a cab back to the hotel. I was pretty tired by now, which is why Maria found me asleep in her bag.
It had nothing to do with the amount I’d had to drink, whatever she says! I know my limit!
Today we headed off to Gerbeaud for our brunch, the weather being back to warm and sunny. We spent a nice hour or so there having our last cake and iced chocolate for this visit, we’re off to Eger tomorrow.
There are elephants all over Budapest. They are sponsored by various people and companies, with the money going to charities for the homeless. We saw some outside Gerbeauds…
And some outside the Zoo next door to Gundels…
And of course lots of other places.
As it’s our last day here Maria wanted one more visit to the craft shop and a visit to her favourite book shop, Alexandra’s. We noticed they had LOTS of copies of Claire’s book.
It must be popular.
We had a nice surprise when we got back to the hotel, they must have noticed the birthday and anniversary cards in the room because they delivered some complimentary cake. I always say, you can never have too much cake.
Off to the Operetta tonight.