VarjúVár, the newest member of the VakVarjú restaurant family and one of Budapest's most special gastronomic venues, has officially opened its doors; at the opening we not only got a glimpse inside a truly family-style restaurant but also enjoyed some stunning culinary experiences.
Anyone who knows the VakVarjú restaurants knows that they welcome their guests not only with delicious dishes but also with a warm, homely atmosphere. Their little sibling now being born in the elegant surroundings of the Várkert Bazár, VarjúVár restaurant, promises no less. “Our aim is to appeal not only to the senses but also to our guests' souls,” said Rudolf Semsei, owner of the VakVarjú restaurant family, opening his speech.
As at the other restaurants, regular guests play a key role here too: “With us, it doesn't matter whether someone comes back every week or only celebrates a special occasion at the restaurant – such as a wedding anniversary or a school-leavers' dinner – we welcome everyone as a true regular. When we dreamed up this restaurant, our main goal was for Hungarian regulars to feel at home here – because we know that if Hungarian guests come to love a place, it becomes attractive to visitors from abroad as well.”
But it is not only regulars who matter – so do families with children. VarjúVár also has a play corner, nursery teachers help entertain the little ones at weekends, and in the evenings live piano music creates an even cosier atmosphere.
One of the restaurant's special initiatives is the “Mobil Off experience”, which encourages families to really pay attention to one another during meals: if guests put their phones in a wooden box while they eat, the children can eat for free and couples receive a complimentary glass of prosecco.
“As part of this, at the beginning of every year we encourage our guests to put their mobile phones aside while they eat. If a family takes up the challenge, the children eat for free. The promotion has been so successful recently that we have since extended it to married couples and other couples too – who receive a complimentary glass of prosecco. And last year we added a new element: if grandparents join in with their grandchildren, we treat them to a special dessert,” the owner said.
From farm to plate
What makes the restaurant special is that its dishes are made from the finest Hungarian ingredients supplied by the so-called VarjúGazdák (Varjú Farmers): from the starter called VarjúGazda Csippentés, through the farmhouse chicken paprikash and the fillet steak, to the drinks and desserts, the loving care of Hungarian farmers can be tasted everywhere.
In designing the venue, with the help of interior designer Attila Szabó, they succeeded in creating a duality that combines an elegant dining experience with a homely atmosphere. During the redesign, the bar was moved to a new position, and opening up the interior layout created a more spacious and welcoming environment. A standout feature is the grand glass wall, which combines the atmosphere of the historic Castle District with modern elegance.
At the opening, Krisztina Sikota, representing the Várkapitányság (Castle Headquarters), also welcomed the participants, stressing that after the 10th anniversary of the renovation of the Várkert Bazár it is particularly important that built heritage should not merely survive but be filled with life. “The new Varjúvár restaurant plays a part in this too, as it not only showcases the values of Hungarian gastronomy but also serves as an attractive venue for Hungarian and international guests alike.”
Source: Tímea Szöllősi / Turizmus Online
