Scenic surroundings, a stunning view of Hegyestű, unique, local products, wines made by Balaton Uplands wineries, divine lecsó, a playground for the kids, inviting hammocks and staring into nothing in the garden for the adults – we checked out Köveskál’s newest gastro location called Káli Gourmet Bistro & Delicatesse.
We had barely published our Who is who in the Káli Basin round-up when we hopped into the car and left Balaton behind to take a look at a new venue here. We didn’t mind, of course: we were happy to see that the Balaton Uplands have added a new and promising gastro shop and bistro. Káli Gourmet opened a few weeks ago in Köveskál, with neighbours (Kővirág, Mi a kő, Káli Art Inn) that have set the bar quite high to say the least.
When you arrive in Köveskál on the main road, turn right and follow the signs, which are posted all the way to your destination, making it easy to find. Káli Gourmet is housed in an old farm building, which fits seamlessly into the landscape despite having been beautifully renovated by the owners from Budapest. The basic concept is to bring products made locally or in the surrounding region under the same roof, so that they are no longer exclusively available at weekend markets. Our cooks use these same ingredients in the kitchen, says András, the manager.
The shop stocks a wide range of products, the refrigerated counter has everything from mangalica and grey cattle sausages, buffalo salami, smoked mangalica spare ribs and bacon, liver spread, goat cheese and spiced cow cheeses to home-made creams and yoghurt, all from the Káli Basin. We were eager to try all of these delicacies, which you can do as well: all of the currently available treats are featured on the "Káli bisztrótál" (2,190 HUF), a bistro platter of local flavours to be found in the menu’s starters section. The plateful of delectable snacks comes with fresh, brown bread with pumpkin seeds.
“Nagyi lecsója” (2,190 HUF), which translates to Grandma's lecsó, is also worth trying – order it with farm eggs, smoked bacon, mangalica sausage or with all three. For dessert you must get “Bakonyi morzsa” (1,290 HUF), which is a shredded pancake dish also known as Kaiserschmarrn, served with plenty of Bakony apricot jam. It’s not overcomplicated, but it’s a wonderful, sweet treat to round off the meal.
And while we’re on the subject of Bakony jams: the shop has an impressive selection of home-made jams, artisan honeys and syrups. The rose and the lavender syrups were our favourites from the products of Bella Manufactory in Sümeg, but we also highly recommend the jams of Veszprém-based Zsusska, including classic, fruity versions, sea buckthorn, minty apple jelly with lime and even red onion jam.
The cheeses and hams are best with wine: items produced by the most prominent Balaton Uplands wineries line the shelves, among them Liszkay, Káli kövek, Villa Tolnay, Laposa, Istvándy and Borbély Winery.
Food and drinks are not the only things waiting for you here: if you get tired after all of the hedonising, you can stay overnight at the guest houses not too far from the store and the restaurant.
