There are places that are definitely missing in Budapest, but you don’t realize it until they aren’t missing anymore. Deep within the recesses of my mind I’ve always thought that Budapest could really use a bright, well-designed cultural entertainment center with a Mediterranean atmosphere – so a little bit of seashore in downtown Pest, without a sea, that is. But before I saw Mazel Tov, which will be opening this Saturday, I would have been unable to express it so precisely.
Now that I’ve been to the pre-opening reception, I know that after this weekend the city is going to have a place where I will gladly be a regular. This place will get me out of the house even on days when I just want to sit at home and chill.
I pretty much said why this place is good in the first paragraph. There is the design. I love ruin pubs and the fact that we Hungarians gave them to the world, and I am endlessly enthusiastic about hanging out in them, but I have really been missing the kind of uncluttered, civilized and tranquil atmosphere you find at Mazel Tov.
It is also a great idea that this place was designed so that Jews, Muslims and Christians could sit down at the same table without feeling the need to exterminate one another. Mazel Tov is in principle about understanding, awareness and common cultural experience, although there are sure to be those who consider this to be a bastion of the international Jewish conspiracy, but so much the better because they will miss out on the fantastic mint tea and lemonade.
Mazel Tov’s real strength, though, is the food. Its very existence is noteworthy, as is its quality. The Israeli chef prepares dishes that until now have been almost completely unknown in Budapest, and these light Mediterranean flavors mix with the decor, the atmosphere and the enchanting live music to create an absolutely irresistible fusion. András Petruska was playing at the pre-opening, by the way. You should know that he has written a song for each of the stations of the new Metro 4 line (you can click on each one here):
Back to the food, which I sampled in fabulous company, including “Fűszer és Lélek” (Spice and Soul) – a.k.a. Eszter and Segal, the “Chef” himself and one of the best cooks in Hungary – so if, for some reason, insecurity got the best of me, I would have known who to turn to. But I had no reason to feel too insecure because everything on the menu was just right.
The grilled eggplant with tahini (HUF 990) was a perfect prelude to a summer dinner.
The beef kebabs make for a first-class Rorschach test and a fantastic meal as well.
And although it’s hard for me to accept that chicken is food, the grilled chicken here, served with tahini and salad, is simply overwhelming.
So if I get the urge sometime to go out somewhere even though I really shouldn’t, there’s a good chance that if Mazel Tov comes to mind, I will. If I’m not mistaken, this is exactly why the owners created this place, so the fiendish plan, at least in my case, has succeeded.
Mazel Tov
Budapest, Akácfa utca 47
Mon–Thu: 18:00-04:00
Fri: 16:00-04:00
Sat-Sun: 12:00-4:00
Translation provided by Helpers Business and Immigration Services. Find us at www.helpers.hu
