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 mJUNE | 2015

your CORINTHIA

INTROWelcome words from the General Manager, a

photo that we love and a special guest, Helen Mirren

INTERVIEWInterview with Zoltn Szab,

Director of Food and Beverages

PROGRAMS Plan your cultural programmes with us!

We have listed a number of events for you to enjoy.

NEWSWe are all aglow to turn the Spotlight

on again and invite you to an enchanting Midsummer Eve show

WelcomeFROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Guests,> There is something truly magical about June. No wonder that William Shakespeare was inspired by the enchanting Midsummer Night. Sparkling days, tender nights, light-hearted moments and a passion for life: summer is unquestionably here. At this time of year our senses are especially focused on all the scents and flavours of this magical season, and all the feelings it engenders. At Corinthia Hotel Budapest I sense these same vibes from the team and, as you read the articles of Your Corinthia Magazine, I am sure that you, too, will get the same impression through our and exciting programs, offers and news.This month, Executive Chef Peter Bolyki surprises us with a feather-light meal that is not only mouth-watering but really healthy, too. The exciting blend of textures and flavours make this Asparagus Benedict really worth sampling, not to mention that its a safe choice for the beach figure we all want. W e are proud to present other departments of the hotel as well. Last month we were happy to introduce a member of Purchasing, Gbor Eszes, and this month we interviewed Zoltn Szab, Director of F&B, about his experiences, impressions and career.The Brunches of June are also very special. We start the month with an authentic summer by the lake feeling serving the sort of meals that are enjoyed on the shores of our lovely Balaton. The following weekend we continue the aqua sensation, calling all explorers who wish to sample the various flavours of the riverside countries along the blue Danube. By the third weekend in the month the heat will probably be making life in the city challenging, so we are sure our light and refreshing meals in the Ice-cold Brunch will prove massively popular. The last Sunday of June is dedicated to utter relaxation and health-conscious dining. We are all aglow to offer an array of the finest dishes that are not only delicious but full of vitamins and important fibre and trace elements. Without question, we offer the usual haute cuisine experience for which the Brasserie & Atrium Restaurant is famous.The cultural and leisure opportunities of Budapest offer countless new programs in June, and 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 magazine and you will find within its pages programs that meet your needs and interests and that best suit your taste.

Thomas M. Fischer | GENERAL MANAGER

PHOTO OF THE MONTH > LE BAR - Have a light-hearted time at Le Bar and do not miss our lovely seasonal cocktails

FAMOUS GUEST Helen Mirren

GUESTBOOK

A SIP OF LUXURY> There is no doubt that every moment has its colour, melody, scent and flavour. This is what can make a memory last and delight our senses, this is how we can cherish a feeling even for a lifetime. Sitting by the fire on a cold winters day with a gripping novel, sipping a glass of full bodied red wine Lounging on the beach with the salty-sweet taste of the sea in our mouth, feeling the gentle summer breeze Or waking up in the morning and having a cup of coffee in bed next to the one we belong to these are the mosaics of our life that bring warmth to the heart any time they come to mind.This philosophy is what Le Bar probably the most homely part of our hotel is based on. Three different sections for various ways of spending free time, complemented with the finest beverages. From Tuesday to Sunday, dimmed lights and live music attract guests who wish to spend a light-hearted evening. Having a feather-light white wine, accompanied by smooth piano melodies at the beginning of the week, or sampling the world-famous Hungarian plinka (fruit brandy) to the sounds of lively Gypsy music every Saturday are perfect ways to spend free-and-easy time in good company at the front of Le Bar, between the grandiose walls of the spacious Atrium II.Entering from the direction of the Lobby, one experiences something very different. A living-room atmosphere with an impressive library, comfortable armchairs and a fireplace that is especially lovely in wintertime. Read a magazine or select a book along with a delicious coffee or tea: this is the most relaxing way to have some quality private time. And last but not least, there is the heart of Le Bar with a large screen relaying the most important sports events all day. During championship finals, tennis, football or basketball, fans gather together and sometimes the whole place turns into a real sport pub with ecstatic sounds of cheering.The beverage selection is simply endless, but perhaps the seasonal cocktails are the top choice of all guests. There can be no greater pleasure in a bar than to mix a drink yourself. At Le Bar it is completely natural, since bartenders serve beverages on a silver tray with mini shaker, showing how to do the mixing professionally. It is definitely an opportunity not to be missed.Happy hours feature special offers and an ever-changing range of drinks, and of course, there is an array of light snacks, sandwiches, carb-smart and gluten-free dishes when the pangs of hunger strike! Dniel Horvath, Le Bar Manager, talked with undeniable enthusiasm about the place: I simply got to love being here. For me, the magic of the bar is in its exciting unpredictability. At one moment it is chilled, tranquil, with couples, readers, business people sipping coffee, and the next moment it is full of laughing groups of friends. Some days I enjoy long chats with guests, and other days I need to focus on the service itself, because the place is crowded. This is a great challenge and I can claim it is my mission to keep Le Bar moving forward. There is no doubt that it is worth paying a visit to this special part of the hotel and maybe experiencing an unforgettable moment sweetened by the flavour of luxury.

> In this chapter, I would like to share a very interesting time in the life of the Grand Hotel Royal highlighting special personalities who left their mark on the hotel.In 1928, a certain brahm Pl checked into the Royal. 15 years earlier, as a young music student, he had admired the stars who were staying here. Now he was known as Paul Abraham, the famous composer. Very few have left us so many evergreens as Abraham. He spent almost two years at the hotel. From here he watched the world premiere of his operetta Der Gatte des Frauleins. He lived in room 205, where he worked on Victoria and Her Hussar, which premiered in Budapest two years later, in 1930. It was a smashing success! Of course the Grand Hotel atmosphere inspired his hotel-operetta Ball at The Savoy, which granted him world-wide recognition. He started writing film scores for UFA (German) films: Film music is the purest form of the art; here we really have to show what we can. he said in 1931. In 1933, however, the persecution of Jews in Germany drove him out of the country, to New York. He returned to Europe after the war and died in Hamburg in 1960.

One night during the swinging 20s a pair of bright eyes peeped into the Palm Court. Josephine Baker, the Black Venus, had arrived in Budapest. She was the star of the Paris revue theatre Folies Bergre. Baker was particularly famous for a highly acclaimed performance, the scandalous banana leaf dance. Her husband Count Pepito di Abatino a terribly jealous man, stayed with her at the Royal. He had already suffered from the open secret that Josephine had an affair with Simenon, the Belgian author and inventor of Inspector Maigret. But here, unfortunately, the Black Venus caught the attention of a young, hot-blooded Hungarian cavalry officer. Andrew Czolovodi sent her bunches of red roses and love letters. As the Hungarian did not show the least intention to abandon his efforts, Count Pepito di Abatino challenged Czolovodi to a duel in St. Stephens cemetery. The duel lasted only 10 minutes, ending when di Abatino was scratched by Czolovodis blade. A few years later, the appearance of

Josephine Baker was accompanied by severe protests against the decadent Negro dancer. From Germany, the marching boots of a new era were sounding. And Hungary listened.The movies were coming back to the Royal. This time they were nicknamed the talkies. The first Hungarian sound movie A Kk blvny (A Blue Idol) appeared in 1931. The new Hungarian Caesar of film Istvn Ger, gave this talented local industry a new lease of life and reopened the Royal Apollo Cinema. The economic crises of the outgoing 1920s affected the travel market all over Europe. The 1920s appear today like a dance on the volcanoes, coming to an end with the big Wall Street crash in 1929. During the 1930s the newly formed state travel office IBUSZ (Idegenforgalmi, Beszerzsi, Utazsi s Szlltsi Rt. = Tourism, Acquisition, Travel and Transport Plc.) reached agreements with Polish, German, Italian, Swiss and British travel agencies, which led to increased tourism between 1933 and 1937. The number of visitors rose from 102,000 to 183,000 in this period. However, state-controlled tourism rarely brings a high class of traveler.During these years Hungary was ruled by Mikls Horthy de Nagybnya, Duke of Szeged and Otranto, the self-styled His Serene Highness the Regent of Hungary. Jokingly referred to as the Admiral without a fleet he was the last commander of the Austro-Hungarian Navy Horthy was, in a country without a coastline, ruling as the Regent of a Kingdom without a King.A staunch conservative, Horthy eventually began to sympathize with fascism and appointed several pro-fascist officials to cabinet posts in the 1930s. When the Nazi government of Adolf Hitler began to rise to power, putting pressure on neighbouring nations to return territories lost after the war, Horthy became a willing accomplice.

This year the restored and rebuilt Grand Hotel Royal celebrated the 12th anniversary of its Reopening on April 30, 2003 as Corinthia Hotel. Several historical periods and chapters will be presented to the readers in the coming issues to commemorate this magnificent hotel.

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MEET THE STAFFINTERVIEW WITH Zoltn Szab, DIRECTOR OF FOOD AND BEVERAGES

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

The beginning - Chapter 81. How long have you worked at Corinthia Hotel Budapest? This is my fourth month Yes, Ive just started!2. Which areas have you worked in, and where are you now? Department of Food and Beverage, Ive always worked in this field.3. What are your duties? Whatever you can drink or eat within the establishment is my duty! Seriously, anything that is related to food or beverage is my responsibility, even the staff canteen! 4. What was your happiest experience in relation to the hotel? When I had to dance to an ABBA song in a full costume in front of the entire hotel... 5. If you couldnt work in the hotel business, what profession would you choose?Oceanologist, that was the plan of my childhood... 6. What is your favorite place in Budapest? The best place in Budapest is called Fellini Cultural Bistro, you hardly ever come across anything better than this. But, there are few flee markets which are worth a visit.7. How do you relax? I read. Actually I read a lot, philosophy and other literature, I love Marcus Aurelius, but I like early Nietzsche, too. 8. Which achievement in your life are you most pleased about?Running a marathon under 4 hours, and opening The Shelbourne in Dublin. Both were the most difficult tasks in my life. 9. What hidden talents do you have? They say I can sing well... 10. If you won a Euro Jackpot, what would you do with the money? Give to someone who needs it more... I have everything a man can ask for. But I think I would buy the Flying dragon from Admiral, the best yacht in the world...11. If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be? Legend of the seven seas12.What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?Do an Ironman race on the Lava Island Kona, Hawaii, swim the English Channel and have a kiss in outer space, overlooking Earth, in total weightlessness - obviously, this one may remain undone...13. If your life had a theme song, what would it be? Music of the Solomon Islands or Melanisean choir.+1 What would you say is your personal motto?The only way to predict the future is to create it.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT THE SHOW IS ON AGAIN!> Corinthia Hotel Budapest is proud to present the third chapter in its Spotlight series on the evening of June 19. Our first Spotlight performance, The Romeo and Juliet premiere, performed by Zsuzsanna Vg and Dnes Kocsis, proved to be an amazing hit with sell-out shows in the Brasserie & Atrium Restaurant. In April, the stage glowed with two glittering star artists: Mariann and Anna Peller. The beautiful sisters transported us to dazzling Hollywood care of a medley of legendary hits.Now we are all aglow to turn the spotlight on again and welcome the wonderful Dorottya Udvaros and Erika Nray, who will surely remind us why swing became insanely popular - and remains a favorite for many. World famous songs, behind-the-scenes stories in a unique atmosphere: once again Spotlight promises a peerless experience with vintage highlights from the history of music.Of course, the night wouldnt be complete without involving all the senses: our hosting artists and guests can spend a relaxed evening accompanied by an array of incredible dishes, created with infinite care by our Executive Chef, Peter Bolyki. To experience an exceptional evening with music and flavours par excellence, dont hesitate to reserve your seat.

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

MY BALATON BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: June 7, 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.

> Get the authentic summer by the lake feeling with deep fried hake, corn on the cob, fantastic Hungarian lngos with traditional toppings, Hungarian beer, lemonade and cosmopolitan cocktails. All this happens to the sounds of a live Gypsy band, and theres even a kids corner where children can make miniature sailing boats.

ALONG THE DANUBE BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: June 14, 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.

> Take a culinary journey along the Danube and experience authentic cuisines from the varied countries that line its banks. Join us for a waltz along the blue Danube to sample German sausage, Wiener Schnitzel, Serbian cevapcici and Hungarian favourites accompanied by German beer, Austrian schnapps and a Hungarian wine selection. Riverside-style decorations and authentic costumes will add to the cultural atmosphere.

ICE COLD BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: June 21, 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.

> By the third week in June, the summer sun will heat up the Hungarian capital, so what could be better than an Ice Cold Brunch? Weve compiled a light summer menu with seafood on ice, chilled soup, plenty of salads, an ice cream counter and best of all, some stunning cocktails - mojito, Pina Colada, Tequila sunrise, Peppermint lemonade. All this is set in a pleasant summer atmosphere and served with Gypsy music that adds to the chilled out mood.

WELLNESS BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: June 28, 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.

> For those in need of a health kick this summer, look no further than our Wellness brunch. Packed full of delicious and nutritious dishes, our carb-smart menu is accompanied by a smoothie and juice bar. Diners can also enjoy a discounted spa-voucher for an utterly relaxing time and for some energising laps in the swimming pool.

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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 favourites

INSTRUCTIONS Break each egg into a separate small bowl. Trim the bottom 2 cm of the asparagus stalks, then slice them thinly lengthwise. Cook the asparagus for 3 minutes, until bright green and tender. Remove with a slotted spoon, then add the apple cider vinegar and reduce the heat

to a low simmer. Carefully slide in each egg, one at a time. Remove from the heat, and allow the eggs to cook for 5 minutes, until the whites

are set and the yolks are still soft. Drain on a paper towel. Make the Sauce Pour boiling water into a blender, then cover and let sit for 10 minutes. Dump out

the water and dry the container thoroughly. Blend the egg yolks with the lemon juice, salt, and paprika. With the blender running on low, slowly pour in the hot melted butter. Blend for about 30 seconds until the sauce has thickened and the butter is well

incorporated. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Serve each egg over a plate of asparagus stalks and Prosciuto topped with

hollandaise and chives.

INGREDIENTS 8 large asparagus 4 large eggs 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar 2 slices of Prosciuto ham

HOLLANDAISE SAUCE 2 large egg yolks 150 g melted grass-fed butter or ghee 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice teaspoon sea salt

BEIJING WEEKS IN RICKSHAW

LOCATION: Rickshaw RestaurantDATE: 1 June - 1 July

OPENING HOUR: Wednesday to Sunday 18:00-23:00

We are sure you have heard about our Peking duck, but have you ever sampled it? We would like to invite you a travel to Beijing, the grandiose capital of China, the town that is well-known for its colourful and busy life, and of course its amazingly spicy, unique and rich flavours. Beijings cuisine is coloured by culinary traditions from all over the country. In this lively city something happens every second just like in our kitchen. Honor us by being our guest and let us pamper your senses with the finest traditional meals from the Far-East.PRICE: HUF 6,900 per adult, served for minimum 2 persons.Table reservation and further information: cuisine.budapest@corinthia.com, +36 1 479 4855

FOR A TRULY UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE, CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPESTS RICKSHAW RESTAURANT OFFERS AUTHENTIC DISHES FROM ACROSS THE ORIENT IN A COMPLEMENTARY ATMOSPHERE OF TRADITIONAL ARTS AND TEXTILES FROM THE FAR EAST. OFFERING WORLD CLASS QUALITY AND MEMORABLE GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCES REMINISCENT OF THE FAR EAST IN DOWNTOWN BUDAPEST, OUR CHEF DAZZLES DINERS WITH TRADITIONAL ASIAN FLAVOURS PREPARED EXCLUSIVELY WITH THE FINEST, FRESHEST INGREDIENTS.

ASPARAGUS BENEDICT

RECIEVE A REVITALISING GIFT WORTH 65 EURO

Book the 90 minute ESPA Back, Face and Scalp treatment

and receive a complimentary 180ml Pink Hair and

Scalp Mud upon checkout.

This offer is exclusively available for our Hotel guests.

Renowned as our Hero treatment and loved by all; this

ESPA experience delivers triple results by targeting three

key areas of stress the back, the face and the scalp,

making it the ideal treatment for anyone.

This treatment is a beautiful combination of body and face

experience, and a customized facial with skin analysis targets

areas of concern.

Includes: Facial cleanse and detailed skin analysis, back exfoliation and back massage with stretching techniques,

personalized ESPA facial and a scalp massage. This deeply

relaxing and warming treatment is also ideal for couples

to have a beautiful spa experience together.

CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST, ERZSBET KRT 43-49, 1073 BUDAPEST, HUNGARY+36 1 479 4000 I BUDAPEST@CORINTHIA.COM I CORINTHIA.COM/BUDAPEST

Spring Reviver

> BELVROSI FESTIVAL is a free feast of music that takes place on June 5-7 in the inner city of Budapest, along Zrnyi Street from Erzsbet Square to Szabadsg Square. Visitors can enjoy live jazz, rock, pop and folk concerts on three different stages. Kids programs, fashion shows, film screenings and dance shows are also part of the festival. Budapest hosts a number of lively summer festivals and the Belvrosi Festival promises to be a great warm-up for the season.

> Contemporary dancers, international artists and traditional Hungarian folk dancers meet for the DANUBE CARNIVAL on June 6-21 in Budapest to celebrate the joy of dance. The carnival incorporates 15 local and international ensembles with nearly 300 artists. Principal venues include Vrsmarty Square, the Margaret Island Open-air Stage, the Danube Palace and the Heritage House.

> Budapest offers a non-stop theatre experience: as the indoor theaters close, the outdoor ones open. BUDAPEST SUMMER FESTIVAL is on air from June 12 to August 31. Programs are offered at two venues: on Margaret Island and in Vrosmajor. In 2015, the Margaret Island Open-air Stage celebrates its constantly changing and varied repertoire - premiers in opera, ballet, musicals and classical music including Liszt and Dante (classical music opening concert); Puccini: Tosca, Karl Goldmark: Queen of Sheba (opera); Carl Orff: Catulli Carmina & Carmina Burana (ballet); Chico & The Gypsies (world music concert), and much more.

> Spend a night in Budapests museums to find out if they really do come to life in the afterhours. On June 20, museums across the capital open their doors to visitors until 2.30 a.m. for the NIGHT OF MUSEUMS.Participating venues include the Hungarian National Museum, the Budapest History Museum, the House of Terror, the Hungarian National Gallery, the Museum of Applied Arts and the Hungarian Natural History Museum.Unique museums with quirky collections are also on the list, such as the Hospital in the Rock Museum, the Underground Railway Museum, the Museum of Electrotechnics and the Postal Museum. All can be visited with a single ticket, including bus transfers between the main venues.

> A handful of enthusiastic people who are in love with Budapest came up with the idea to organise the first urban festival for everybody who adores this city, especially the changes that have occurred in the capital in recent years. This idea became BUDAPEST ESSENTIALS (June 25-28), everything this city has to offer in a single package: music, parties, culture, gastronomy and an absolutely indescribable atmosphere! For four days, with one ticket, the whole city turns into a giant festival.

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PROGRAMS IN JUNE RECOMMENDED BY THE CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST CONCIERGE TEAMTHE FIRST MONTH OF SUMMER IS ALL ABOUT OUTDOOR FESTIVALS

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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ARE YOU PLANNING TO VISIT US AGAIN? Treat yourself with one of our tempting offers and create lasting memories with Corinthia Hotel Budapest. Your next adventure starts here

SEE MORE AT: Corinthia.com/Budapest Inspire me

AND EXHIBITIONS AND FAIRS> Light defines the environment, thus the exhibition places side by side cultural and artistic examples of presence brought to our awareness by means of light: the situations and representations that are created by natural and artificial interior and exterior lights, interior installations and exterior night architecture. The exhibition MORE LIGHT! at the New Budapest Gallery presents a wide array of experiments by Hungarian artists of this global trend; compositions which hold their ground on the international level. Beyond showcasing works which make use of artificial light, the exhibition broadens its horizon of thought in a direction where the works of art raise the question: what does existence in light mean to us?

> GOUBA is a regularly scheduled art market in the GOZSDU courtyard every Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm, inviting both tourists and locals for a refreshing walk in the heart of the city. Gouba entertains particular and open-minded visitors with unique works by representative 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 evergreen and new jazz compositions, to the delight of the audience.

PRIVATE BUDAPEST BOAT TRIPS BY DUNARAMA> Budapest is unique since there is not another beautifully illuminated capital in Europe where you can enjoy the sights from the river in the middle of the city. Marveling at the brightly lit capital from a silent water limousine is an unforgettable experience for both tourists and locals. Devote a day to a boat trip in Budapest with your partner, your friends or guests. It is the perfect opportunity to take photos of the Houses of Parliament, the Royal Castle, Gellrt Hill and several famous universities. Have a closer look at the famous bridges of the Danube and the developing cultural hub centered around the National Theatre and Palace of Arts. If you feel like stretching your legs during the boat trip, do not hesitate, you only need to decide where to disembark. You can choose from several ports such as Margaret Island the green oasis of Budapest, Batthyny Square the neighborhood of the Castle district or the Blna Cultural and Exhibition Center.