Paris to Budapest -- a French Hungarian cafe
The atmosphere is intimate and comfortable, with tablecloths and wine glasses and a bar lined with wine bottles. Actually, it feels somewhat European. Photographs and artwork portray landmarks in the restaurant’s namesake cities. It’s as if you are in a café dining room in a small village just outside the city, and appropriately the Paris to Budapest restaurant is in a village-like setting among the shops and pubs of Gulf Gate Village.
Not to worry though, English is spoken here, although it is with the Hungarian and French accents of owners Susan Joo and Anthony Delphin. Susan runs the front of the house, Anthony runs the kitchen and together they create a unique and harmonious atmosphere and menu. The restaurant is celebrating its first year in business, and during that time the couple, and their interesting blend of Hungarian and French cuisine, has gathered a loyal following. Dinner reservations are suggested, but are more of a must during season in the 50-seat café.
Strike up a conversation with either Susan or Anthony and their passion for their homelands, as well as for providing great food and service, is clearly evident. They will make you feel as if you are a guest at their table. They are also quick to point out that everything – every dish, every sauce, every dessert is made fresh on premises. They personally select the wines and have a small yet interesting list of wines from France and Hungary.
Go for lunch and you will be able to select from soups, salads, sandwiches, quiche, crepes, omelets in a Combo Express, which includes a cup of soup and 1 lunch item for $10.95, or go all out for a Pre Fixe lunch ($14.50) including a main course and choice of a cup of soup or dessert. Be prepared though, the offerings go beyond your typical lunch items. There is, of course, French Onion Soup ($3.75 cup, $5.75 bowl) and Hungarian Goulash ($4.25 cup, $6.25 bowl), and a Chef’s Tomato Soup ($3.75 cup, $5.75 bowl) consisting of a sweet bisque with basil topped with melted bleu cheese.
Especially interesting is the Goat Cheese Salad ($8.25). Roasted goat cheese on toast is served over a bed of mixed field greens then garnished with pear and walnut and drizzled with raspberry vinaigrette. The Veggie Crepes are quite popular at $7.95. They consist of fresh mixed vegetables with a choice of goat, Brie, Swiss or blue cheese. And for sandwiches you may want to try the Paris to Budapest with roast beef, imported ham, Hungarian sausage, Boursin cheese and roasted garlic tomato. Or, go for the Hungarian Power – a mix of three salamis, ham, pepper, cheese and topped with Hungarian Power Paprika. Both are served warm on ciabatta bread with a green salad for $8.25.
The Pre Fixe Lunch features some of the most popular dishes from the dinner menu such as Chicken Paprikash and Beef Bourguignon. Also be sure to ask about the special of the day.
For dinner, the atmosphere at Paris to Budapest transforms into something much more romantic. The lighting is subdued with outside street lights filtered through café curtains, and candles and occasionally fresh flowers, on the tables. The menu is extensive and has a welcome and unique pricing scheme.
There are two levels of Pre Fixe. The first is $25 and the second, the Gourmet level, is $35. Each has a list of appetizers, entrees and desserts from which to choose. At the first level are dishes such as the Chicken Paprikash, Beef Bourguignon and Frog Legs Provencale. The Gourmet level features Magret Duck in an Orange Grand Marnier sauce, and Chilean Sea Bass Anise Beurre Blanc. Appetizers and entrees may also be ordered at flat prices ala carte. The restaurant often publishes coupons that can apply to the flat priced dishes (but not to the Pre Fixe).
Additionally, there is the Paris to Budapest for Two, priced at $49.95 and including veal Wiener Schnitzel, roasted pork, Hungarian baked sausage, bacon, shrimp, roasted potato, house rice, vegetables and caramelized onion.
Whatever you do, make sure to save room for dessert. Anthony, who is also a seasoned pastry chef, creates a cake or tart of the day, as well as Crème Brulee, Chocolate Mousse, Madartej (Floating Island) and Crepe Flambe, among others.
Whether you choose Paris to Budapest for a not-so-ordinary lunch, a romantic dinner, or a celebration with friends, you’ll enjoy your trip to this unique European cafe.
April 21st 2010 - 1:16AM