C O R I N T H I A H O T E L B U D A P E S T

c o r i n t h i a . c o mAPRIL | 2015

your CORINTHIA

INTROWelcome words from the General Manager, a photo what we love, and a special guest,

Colin Firth.

INTERVIEWInterview with Balzs Cserhti, our lifeguard of the Royal Spa

PROGRAMS Plan your cultural programs with us! We have listed a number of events

for you to enjoy.

NEWSIn the Spotlight - the show is on again

on the stage of Brasserie&Atrium.

WelcomeFROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Guests,> The names of each month refer to a Latin word, and I simply love all those enchanting stories of Roman mythology. As they say, opposites attract, and it seems people of ancient Rome were of the same opinion, making a couple of the god of war and the goddess of love. March got its name from Mars, the frightful and mighty god, whose wife happened to be the gorgeous and fragile Venus. Romans often mentioned her by another name: Aperire, meaning: to open. This is where the word April derives from such a lovely metaphor for spring! These bright days make us believe again that sometimes it is sufficient happiness in itself to enjoy the warmth of the sun, the colours of the first flowers and the intoxicating scent of the greening land and trees. Just like nature, we too have decided to open up with new programmes and offer new experiences.This month, Executive Chef Peter Bolyki surprises us with a lovely, smooth and tender risotto for an authentic Mediterranean sensation. Besides the royal flavours, we are proud to present other departments of the hotel as well. Last month we were happy to introduce Orsolya Gyimesi, the outstanding senior therapist and ESPA in-house trainer of the Royal Spa that is simply beyond all praise. Therefore, this time we would like to visit the pool area again and introduce another excellent member of the spa department, Balzs Cserhti, who talks about his impressions, experiences and career.This year, Easter is celebrated at the very beginning of April, and we would like to experience Hungarian traditions and specialities through a real Easter Brunch. The following organic Farmers Brunch, the traditional Maty Brunch with glints of Hungarian folklore, and the annual Royal Brunch, where we celebrate the anniversary of Corinthia Hotel Budapest, all provide the usual haute cuisine experience that the Brasserie & Atrium Restaurant is famous for.The cultural and leisure opportunities of Budapest offer countless new programmes in spring as well, and so our concierge team is always happy to recommend some of them to provide more insight into the life of our enchanting capital for both sunny and rainy days. I trust that you will enjoy this months edition of our newsletter and you will find within its pages programmes that meet your needs and interests and that best suit your taste.

Thomas M. Fischer | GENERAL MANAGER

PHOTO OF THE MONTH > A BIRDS-EYE VIEW OF CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST - the way you havent seen us before

FAMOUS GUEST Colin FirthGHA CONNECTED BY LUXURY> Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) is the worlds largest alliance of independent hotel groups with 29 member hotel chains in 63 countries worldwide. Corinthia Hotels were delighted to join GHA last year, because we understand and share the same values and aims: a passion for utter perfection down to the smallest details. In Corinthia Hotel Budapest, this has been our goal since the hotels inaugural year, 1896. GHA is not only a great opportunity for us, being connected to partner luxury hotels of the world and providing top quality services with the same enthusiasm and commitment, but we can confirm it creates genuine added value for guests as well. GHA shows its appreciation for guests by offering the Discovery loyalty program that only requires a minute to join and has no preconditions. The benefits are extremely attractive: guests who sign up start on Gold level and immediately receive complimentary services. To attain the higher tiers of membership (Platinum and Black), guests only need to spend nights at any GHA hotel, and as their status is enhanced, they become entitled to ever more benefits, for instance, late check-in and check-out, special amenities and a certain upgrade of the booked room at the time of check-in.Just as at every GHA member hotel, Corinthia Hotel Budapest also offers special Local Experiences for Platinum and Black level guests as a bonus experience. Through a Local Experience, members are invited to discover a world few travellers get the opportunity to explore. It is completely free to request and promises an unforgettable memory. This year, Corinthia Hotel Budapest is happy to offer 5 different Local Experiences, each with exclusive and luxurious elements: driving a Lamborghini, creating your own dessert under the guidance of our Executive Chef, private time in the Royal Spa, an exclusive gemstone shopping opportunity and a behind-the-scenes tour of Madch Theatre. Each experience offers genuine VIP treatment for the most loyal members. The GHA loyalty program is very easy to join and it is certainly worth taking that minute to register. Our Front Office will be pleased to help you with the program. We at Corinthia Hotel Budapest very much look forward to welcoming you on your next visit as a returning GHA member.For further information and registration, please contact the Front Office at the Reception desk, or visit www.gha.com.

GUESTBOOK

> > On June 28, 1914 two shots fired in the city of Sarajevo brought an end to a great time in the life of Budapest and the Grand Hotel Royal; a time, which was by many, regarded as a carefree period. A Bosnian Serb assassinated Archduke Franz Ferdinand, the heir to the Austrian throne. Within days Austria-Hungary presented Serbia with an ultimatum that made war inevitable. Hungarys Prime Minister, Count Istvn Tisza, initially opposed the ultimatum but changed his mind when Germany announced its support for Austria-Hungary. The Elizabeth Ring road was crowded with bands, playing military music and cheerful patriotic demonstrators expecting a quick, easy victory after the declaration of war. By late August all great European powers were at war. The First World War, the Great War, had begun. Although the war was fought on foreign soil, Hungary was ill-prepared for the fight. The countrys armaments were obsolete, and its industries and infrastructure were not equipped for a war economy.In October 1915, for the first time in the history of the Grand Hotel Royal, balls and concerts at the hotel were cancelled. The grand ballroom became the Apollo Cinema. As before, thousands of people came to the hotel, this time seeking diversion from the devastating news of the war. Movies showed there twice daily.By the end of 1915, Hungary felt the full impact of the war. Inflation ran rampant, wages were frozen, food shortages developed, and the government banned the export of grain, even to Austria. The breakfast room of the Grand Hotel Royal functioned as an illegal marketplace. A newspaper reported: There is a big bill on the door with the sentence: Only hotel guests are allowed to take a seat in this room. The warning is totally inefficient, but it is not without any sense because of the police. There is a mass of people dealing with several commodities in this room. Business is just as busy in the coffee house of the Royal as it was in the peacetime on the commodity exchange. They do business, sell and buy items in very large quantities. This commodity exchange has no supervisory board or council. They are only afraid of the police. They always look at the door with one eye, because if the police comes, everybody has to sit down at the tables pretending they are having breakfast. Franz Joseph died in Novenber 1916, and Karl IV became the new King of Hungary. Karl insisted that Hungarians expand voting rights. By 1917 the Hungarian government was slowly losing domestic control in the face of mounting popular dissatisfaction caused by the war. Of the 3.6 million

soldiers Hungary sent to war, 2.1 million did not return. To make matters worse, Germanys unrestricted submarine warfare and U-boat attacks on American mechant ships forced President Woodrow Wilson to ask the permission of Congress to declare war on Germany. Hence, on April 6, 1917, America entered the Great War. By 1918, Hungarys farms and factories were producing only half of their 1913 output. The war-weary Hungarian people had abandoned any realistic hope of victory. Despite all troubles and economic hardship, a new hotel building rose in Budapest, on the other side of the Danube. During the last two years of the war, the Hotel Gellert was built and completed. It opened on September 24, 1918. Today it is together with the Grand Hotel Royal one of the great legacies of grand Budapest hotel history. After the outbreak of the war the two psychoanalysts Sndor Ferenczi and Sigmund Freud exchanged 828 letters between Vienna and Budapest. Ferenczi became Freuds closest and most important colleague: You are now really the only one who still works beside me, Freud wrote to Ferenczi on July 31, 1915. After all, he added, the others are militarily paralysed. While Freuds closest Viennese colleagues were all at the front, Ferenczi was first stationed in the peaceful garrison town of Ppa, and then he worked at the Mria Valria Hospital in Budapest. On October 31, 1918 the unrest that had been simmering in Budapest for some time erupted into outright revolution. The new government dissolved parliament, pronounced Hungary an independent republic with Karolyi as provisional president, and proclaimed universal suffrage as well as freedom of the press and assembly. The new Party leaders first headquarters were in the Grand Hotel Royal. On November 7, 1918, Ferenczi wrote from the Grand Hotel Royal to Freud in Vienna: Your prophecy about our imminent proletarianisation has come true but the magnates and the capitalists are now hovering in the same danger. If Bolshevism gets its way in Germany, then the collapse of the entire civilisation of the world is unavoidable France, England, America, and Japan will also get their turn, and an epoch of brutalization and infantilization will confront the world. We are living poor in a great time!This year the restored and rebuilt Grand Hotel Royal celebrates the 11th anniversary of its reopening as Corinthia Hotel. Several historical periods and chapters will be presented to the readers in the coming issues.

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MEET THE STAFFINTERVIEW WITH Balzs Cserhti, LIFEGUARD OF THE ROYAL SPA

The Grand Story OF CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST BY TIBOR MESKL, SENIOR MANAGER ON DUTY

The beginning - Chapter 6How long have you worked at the hotel?My first day in the hotel was 20 July 2012, as a temporary swimming pool attendant. Later, in August, my contract was made permanent.Which areas have you worked in, and where are you now?I started work as a lifeguard in the hotels SPA section and I am still working in this position. What are your duties?My job is extremely varied; first and foremost guests should be 100% satisfied with our services. We create the appropriate atmosphere for rest and relaxation. In the pool area, I supervise the appropriate, safe operation of the jacuzzis, swimming pool, saunas and steam cabin; I check water temperatures and monitor the prescribed temperatures of the saunas, resetting them if I find any problems. It is also my duty to ensure that there are always sufficient quantities of textiles in the SPA area for guests and therapists. We devote a great deal of attention to the safety of guests, which is our primary task. We provide immediate first aid or lifesaving procedures in the case of an accident (which can happen at any time). Our duties also encompass keeping the fitness room tidy and seeing that the exercise machines pose no hazard and can be operated safely. What was your happiest experience in relation to the hotel?The happiest memory I have in relation to the hotel was an experience of a lifetime. It was my first staff party. When the first prize was drawn for the raffle there was a pause and then my name was read out! The prize was a trip to the London Corinthia hotel, including the airfare. This was probably one of the biggest surprises and one of the best experiences of my life. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?I use my leisure time in different ways, but sport and exercise are essential to me. I am a great fan of active recreation. I like being outdoors as much as possible. If time allows, Ill go cycling or running but what I like most of all is horseback riding, which I have done since I was a child. For me this represents rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. Currently I have really got into reading as well, but I am still a beginner in this field.What is your favorite food and drink?The truth is that I am not a choosy type, I eat everything that is tasty. But perhaps what I really enjoy and could eat every day, in any quantity, is lngos (fried dough with various toppings). As regards desserts, I love pancakes. Since I come from a wine growing region I enjoy a glass of fine wine now and then. Do you have a favorite travel destination in Hungary and abroad?Ive travelled a lot in Hungary but not everywhere, thats why I would like to see the whole country. I am especially interested in the Northern Range and the castles that are located there. I am fascinated by history. I would willingly travel to those parts of the world that have become famous throughout history. I am attracted to the ancient civilizations, which is why I would love to go to Egypt, Asia and South America.

IN THE SPOTLIGHTTHE SHOW IS ON AGAIN!

> Corinthia Hotel Budapest is proud to present the second chapter of its Spotlight series. The premiere show, Romeo and Juliet, performed by Zsuzsanna Vg and Dnes Kocsis, proved to be an amazing sold out hit in the Brasserie & Atrium Restaurant. The spotlight is on once again as we welcome the wonderful Peller Sisters, Anna and Mariann, who will take us to Hollywood with a dazzling medley of legendary hits on 24 April.Our hosting artists and guests spend a relaxed evening with smooth melodies and an array of incredible dishes, created with infinite care by our Executive Chef, Peter Bolyki. Before dinner, our Lobby provides the ideal ambience for an informal chat with the performers. The Brasserie & Atrium Restaurant warmly welcomes Spotlight guests, providing them with their very own private Hollywood box and tempting them with the delicious flavours, fragrant scents and enchanting melodies.The next chapter in the Spotlight series will be Swing a Song, starring Dorottya Udvaros and Erika Nray on 19 June, creating nostalgic moments by singing famous swing hits and recounting fascinating and charming stories. To experience an exceptional evening with music and dishes par excellence, dont hesitate to reserve your seat.

FURTHER INFORMATION AND TABLE RESERVATION: +36 1479 4720, CUISINE.BUDAPEST@CORINTHIA.COM

EASTER BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: April 05, 12:00-16:00PRICE: HUF 8,900 per adult, 50% discount for children between 6 and 14 years old and complimentary for children under 6.

> This Easter Brunch is really special as it brings together Hungarian customs and traditions that are typical for this celebration of spring and rebirth. A giant bunny and Roy the Squirrel welcome one and all with chocolates, a sprinkling of cologne for the ladies and a glass of plinka fruit brandy. Eggs, ham and lamb are served while a live Gypsy band plays spirited music to accompany the occasion. An egg hunt with the little ones makes this feast a truly family occasion.

FARMERS BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: April 12, 12:00-16:00PRICE: HUF 8,900 per adult, 50% discount for children between 6 and 14 years old and complimentary for children under 6.

> We are going organic, at least we try to live and eat healthy!Theres a fantastic fruit and vegetable selection on our Sunday buffet, a large choice of farmhouse sausages and artisan cheeses from Bkk, a display of bags and baskets and plenty more going on. Get a taste for sustainable living at our Farmers Brunch.

MATY BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: April 19, 12:00-16:00PRICE: HUF 8,900 per adult, 50% discount for children between 6 and 14 years old and complimentary for children under 6.

> Let us introduce you to Hungarys famous needlework Maty pattern, part of the World Heritage by UNESCO honor-designed collection.To match the fabulous fashion, there is an equally stylish buffet with house wine selection, Hungarian beers, Hungarian quality sparkling wine and lively Gypsy music by Csics Band.

ROYAL BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: April 26, 12:00-16:00PRICE: HUF 8,900 per adult, 50% discount for children between 6 and 14 years old and complimentary for children under 6.

> At the end of April we celebrate our anniversary as Corinthia Hotel Budapest. We also look back in time to the days when this was the Grand Hotel Royal, inaugurated in 1896. A popular exhibition reveals the history and the present-day of the house, and we offer the opportunity to glimpse the life and operations of the hotel under the care of Tibor Meskl, who started his career here in 1962.

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TABLE RESERVATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION: +36 1 479-4800 or cuisine.budapest@corinthia.com facebook.com/corinthiahotelbudapest

Recipe of the Month

THE EXECUTIVE CHEF RECOMMENDS

> Pter Bolyki joined the hotel having already established himself as a highly skilled professional in a number

of countries. He had been working for Hapag Lloyd MS

Hanseatic, Regent Seven Seas Mariner, Palais Auersperg and

the Adventure Catering and Schnbrunn Orangerie. We

invite you to cook with us and try Pters favorites

INGREDIENTS 50g butter

3 shallots, finely chopped500g barley

1.5 liter hot vegetable stock1 tbsp finely chopped thyme

2 tbsp mascarpone3 tbsp grated parmesan125g cold butter, diced

125g fresh morelcabernet sauvignon vinegar,

to taste

WILD GARLIC BARLEY RISOTTO WITH MOREL MUSHROOM

PREPARATION METHODS For the risotto, heat the butter in a frying pan. Gently fry the shallots until

softened. Add the barley and stir to coat in the butter and shallots. Cook until the barley is translucent.

Add the hot stock and thyme and cook until the barley is al dente. For the morels, trim the white rim around the base of the morels, then soak in

warm water to remove any sand that may be inside the mushrooms. Drain. Heat a little olive oil a pan set over high heat and fry the morels with the minced

shallot until golden-brown. Deglaze the pan with the white wine and cover with a lid. Cook until the wine has evaporated, then add the stock and cook with a lid on until the stock has evaporated and the mushrooms are glazed. Remove from the heat and reserve for later.

To finish the risotto remove from the heat and add the chopped wild garlic, mascarpone, mushrooms, grated parmesan and the diced cold butter. Keep stirring until all the ingredients are combined and hot.

Add a few drops of cabernet sauvignon vinegar, season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with freshly grated parmesan.

RICKSHAW RESTAURANT> For a truly unique dining experience, Corinthia Hotel Budapests Rickshaw Restaurant offers authentic dishes from across the Orient in an atmosphere which compliments the traditional arts and textiles of the Far East. Offering world class quality and fantastic gastronomic experiences reminiscent of the Far East in downtown Budapest, our chef dazzles diners with traditional Asian flavors prepared exclusively with the finest, freshest ingredients.

SICHUAN WEEKS IN RICKSHAWLOCATION: Rickshaw RestaurantDATE: 1 April - 1 May OPENING HOUR: Wednesday to Sunday 18:00-23:00

Sichuan is colloquially known as the heavenly country due to its abundance of food and natural resources. One ancient Chinese account declared that the people of Sichuan uphold good flavor, and they are fond of hot and spicy taste. Sichuan cuisine is composed of seven basic flavours: sour, pungent, hot, sweet, bitter, aromatic and salty. Discover our carefully selected Sichuan influenced delicacies. This exciting menu includes typical favourites: Chinese fishcake skewer, Hot and sour soup, Gong pao chicken breast, and Grilled pineapple with ginger scented caramel sauce. These dishes are all designed to be shared at the table.

PRICE: HUF 6,900 per adult, served for minimum 2 persons.

TABLE RESERVATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION: CUISINE.budapest@corinthia.com, +36 1 479 4855

COLOURFUL FESTIVALS EASTER IN BUDAPEST > Egg painting is one of the oldest Easter traditions. The technique has been refined over the centuries and each region has developed its own unique and distinctive designs. Egg decoration became a form of art and it is still part of Easter celebrations today. Traditional Easter meals include boiled smoked ham, horseradish, boiled eggs, potato salad and Easter bread.On Easter Sunday the Easter bunny brings presents for kids, which they have to find during an Easter egg hunt. Traditionally, on Easter Monday, the boys visited the girls, recited a poem and doused them with buckets of water. In exchange for the dousing, the girls rewarded their visitors with Easter eggs, chocolate treats and a shot of plinka fruit brandy. Easter in Buda Castle (Budavri Hsvti Sokadalom) is a two-day celebration that brings alive old folk customs surrounding Easter. This event is all about traditions, art, culture and gastronomy. Easter in Buda Castle features a handicraft and gastro fair, live folk music, dance performances and plenty of programs for kids. Visitors can sample traditional Easter dishes, learn Easter egg painting techniques, participate in traditional games that are a lot of fun and much more.

BUDAPEST SPRING FESTIVAL> 10-26 April has the most unique programs in store. Pulling together the best in classical music, opera, jazz and folk music, this annual festival is the largest cultural event in Hungary. A multitude of venues throughout the city welcome both Hungarian and international performers. Budapest celebrates its 35th Spring Festival in 2015.There will be over 50 performances and exhibitions to choose from during the 17 days of the festival, the Budapest Opera will premier Aida, the Papp Lszl Sport Arena will celebrate the silver anniversary of the Hungarian Wedding Feast, the Palace of Arts will feature a series of classical concerts and several plays are on the repertoire at theatres.

THE TITANIC FILMFEST> held in art cinemas (Toldi, Urnia, Puskin, rkmozg) on 10-18 April is the biggest international film festival in Hungary. The most outstanding and innovative movie of the festival is presented with the Breaking Waves Award.

BUDAPEST 100> held on 18-19 April, is an annual celebration of 100-year-old buildings in the city. More than fifty buildings (a mixture of residential houses, schools, museums and offices normally closed to the public) spread around the city are part of this years event. The Hungarian Contemporary Architecture Centre offers free, guided tours in every district that are part of the event.

> Passion, rites, raging emotions, mysticism, humor and paying respect these are just some of the

experiences that the BUDAPEST DANCE FESTIVAL will offer on 27 April 3 May. Masterpieces will be brought to life in the National Dance Theatre and in the Festival Theatre through performances by renowned Hungarian and international dance troupes. World Dance Day on 29 April will be celebrated with a Gala evening dedicated to the Hungarian dance profession.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIESBIKE & CRUISE> two great experiences in one packageGet your bike delivered to the hotel and discover the city on your own. Whenever you want, just check the departure time of The Giraffe Hop on Hop off boat timetable and join the cruise. The boat leaves from Dock 8A. Feel free to disembark, wander around on your own and let nature and the city amaze you, while you are gently rocked by the Danube.

RIVERRIDE THE FLOATING BUS> Before we splash into the water, we show you Budapests places of interest on dry land. We depart from Szchenyi Istvn Square (formerly Roosevelt Square) near the Academy of Science and take the Akadmia Street-Garibaldi Street-Ndor Street-Jzsef Attila Street route to reach the Little Boulevard. We go to the Synagogue in Dohny Street and then hurry to Andrssy Avenue. Turning on to Dzsa Gyrgy Road we target the Danube, meanwhile sharing a few interesting facts about the Zoo and the amphibious bus. After the splash we cruise past Parliament, while presenting Margaret Island, Margaret Bridge, the Royal Palace, Parliament and the Chain Bridge.

EXHIBITIONS AND FAIRS > Ludwig Museum is showcasing a unique collection of photos Photographed by Vilmos Zsigmond from 10 April until 21 June. Vilmos Zsigmond, an Academy Award camera-man, has also been honored with numerous other prestigious international cinematic awards. A trademark of his works is the creative and artistic application of light. Due to his unique style his lifework is extremely diverse: his shots are at one moment poetic, at another realist, detailed or grandiose. The core of the present exhibition comprises photos never displayed in public before: some 150 pictures encompassing a timeline from the 1940s until today present the main characteristics of a creative mind, of a worldwide known camera-man of Hungarian origin.

> GOUBA is a regularly scheduled art market in the Gozsdu courtyard every Sunday from 10 am to 7 pm, inviting both tourists and locals for a refreshing walk in the heart of the city. Gouba entertains demanding and open-minded visitors with unique works by outstanding artists and craftsmen, designers and antiquarians, as well as valuable works of art and antiques. An even more unique ambience is created by the young musicians who play well-known and new jazz compositions, to the delight of the audience.

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PROGRAMS IN APRIL RECOMMENDED BY THE CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST CONCIERGE TEAMAPRIL BRINGS SPRING FEVER, ENCOURAGING THE WORLD TO RISE UP RENEWED WITH A STORM OF PROGRAMS, LIKE

For further information and reservations, please contact the Concierge.Tams UngrChief Concierge

TABLE RESERVATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION: +36 1 479-4800 or cuisine.budapest@corinthia.com facebook.com/corinthiahotelbudapest

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