'If it wasn't for Russian guests, we would have all perished with hunger in Hévíz' says László Borda, the manager of the Római pince restaurant on the Szőlőhegy of Egregy. He told us about the pitfalls of Hungarian enterprises, Russian eating habits, and foie gras specialities.
'The Szőlőhegy (Vinehill) of Egregy is to Hévíz what Szépasszonyvölgy is to Eger,' László Borda, the manager of the Római pince restaurant claims. Indeed, there is no end to the wine cellars and restaurants along the path up the hill.
'Back when - years ago - we bought a dilapidated cellar here and started to transform it into a restaurant, we though it was risky to move here from Hévíz. In the mean time, however, an increasing number of restaurants have popped up on the Szőlőhegy of Egregy and the tourists have began to discover the place. The majority arrives on a tour of the cellars and the church of Egregy.
Several local service providers are unhappy with the masses of Russian tourists in Hévíz, but László Borda looks to them as the saviors of the region. 'It is probably the cultural difference that makes many feel odd about Russian tourists. True, their eating habits are thoroughly different. They are looking for the expensive, quality products and don't allow any of the dishes to be taken away from the table before paying. They also expect you to be able to communicate in elementary Russian at least. Familiarity is also important for them. Upon their first visit, they are often mistrustful, but if they get great service they returned as long-time acquaintances.'
Russian guests choose the Római pince primarily for foie gras dishes (like foie gras stuffed pork cutlets), the rump steak, the tenderloin and the duck dishes. The menu here is dominated by Hungarian dishes and the specialities of Zala County. The favourite items of Hungarian regulars are the Zala-style fillet mignon with bolete, the pork trotters and the duck dishes. In high season, four cooks work parallel so the restaurant can put fresh dishes on the table.
