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 mMAY | 2015

your CORINTHIA

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

Eros Ramazzotti.

INTERVIEWInterview with Gbor Eszes,

Purchasing Manager of Corinthia Hotel Budapest

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

for you to enjoy.

NEWSCrocodile la carte Gastro Boulevard Budapest conquests Gourmet Festival

with crocoroll

WelcomeFROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

Dear Guests,> How plain and height With dewdrops are bright! How pearls have crownd The plants all around! How sighs the breeze Thro thicket and trees! How loudly in the suns clear rays The sweet birds carol forth their lays! Goethe is one of my favourite writers and poets and I simply love to lounge in the evening with one of his books and a glass of cool, feather light ros wine. Call me sentimental, but as I read this lovely poem titled In Summer by this genius author, I really started to feel the energy of this upcoming wonderful season.At Corinthia Hotel Budapest I get the same vibes from the team and as you read the articles of Your Corinthia Magazine, I am sure that you, too, will have the same impression through our colourful and exciting programmes, offers and news.This month, Executive Chef Peter Bolyki surprises us with a spicy vegetarian meal for an authentic Far Eastern sensation. Quick to prepare, tempting to taste and lovely to smell: this Thai Red Curry with Asparagus and Tofu is really worth sampling. Beside the royal flavours, we are proud to present other departments of the hotel as well. Last month we were happy to introduce Balzs Cserhti, the outstanding lifeguard of the Royal Spa that is simply beyond all praise. Therefore, this time we pay a visit to another department of Corinthia Hotel Budapest and introduce an excellent member of Purchasing, Gbor Eszes, who talks about his impressions, experiences and career.The Brunches of May are also very special. Our heart-warming Mothers Day programme provides a special way to say thank you to the hardest working and most caring member of the family. The following weekend we continue with the sweetest brunch ever, calling all chocoholics for our Chocolate Brunch. We also invite you to sail away with us to the island of the finest dishes (third weekend in May), when instead of waiters, real pirates will be serving guests. Dont miss the hearty rum cocktails created just for this event! If you still hanker after adventure, we invite you to take a ride down the iconic mother road, enjoying the best of traditional American food accompanied by artisan beer on the Route 66 Brunch. The last Sunday of May is always dedicated to children. Therefore we are all aglow to offer an array of the finest dishes including all the favourite meals of little ones with 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 May 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 magazine 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 > OUR WONDERFUL GARDEN OF ROYAL RESIDENCES - coloured by lovely flowers of May.

FAMOUS GUEST Eros Ramazzotti

GUESTBOOK

CROCODILE LA CARTE> Gastro Boulevard Budapest debuts at the Gourmet Festival with a snappy crocodile dish for real gastro adventurers. Corinthia Hotel Budapest is proud to present Gastro Boulevard Budapest, encompassing its 6-in-1 set of top class outlets. With the introduction of the Michelin-recommended Far Eastern

Rickshaw last year, this is the second time the hotel presents its cuisine at the Gourmet Festival. Our impressive booth allows visitors to sample the signature dish of this years festival, famed Hungarian papriks csirke (chicken paprika) as well as an exciting hot-and-cold dessert with a blend of lively textures and flavours. But unquestionably, the biggest hit of Gastro Boulevard Budapest is going to be the crocoroll.Peter Bolyki, Executive Chef of Corinthia Hotel Budapest, was somewhat mysterious but also very enthusiastic about this exceptional and special meal: Luxury dining is not only about combining the most modern technologies with the finest quality ingredients. People, tastes and demands change. It is essential to come up with something surprising, interesting and unique, to be innovative, experimental, daring, but in a free and easy way. Tasting crocodile is a truly matchless experience. The mellow texture complements the sassy and exciting flavour of the meat with the right amount and selection of spices. We serve this meal as a real summer delicacy since it represents everything that this season is admired for: the heat, the temper and exotic adventures. I believe crocodile is going to be a popular and much loved meal, since it is pure, tender and served in a sophisticated yet exciting way.It is certainly worth visiting Gastro Boulevard Budapest at the Gourmet Festival and not only for the crocodile. The luckiest guests will also have the opportunity to win an amazing Sunday Brunch in the fabulous Corinthia Hotel Budapest.

> In June 1920 the Treaty of Trianon fixed Hungarys borders. Compared with the pre-war kingdom, Hungary had lost 71% of its territory, 66% of its population, and with the new borders, about one-third of the Magyar population became minorities in the neighboring countries of Romania, Yugoslavia, and Czechoslovakia.How did the Grand Hotel Royal survive this era of change and hardship? As one of the leading luxury hotels in the city (e.g. The Ritz had disappeared), there was still demand for a luxury hotel. Whoever was in power, whoever visited the city, needed accommodations and a venue to hold conferences. The management realized the need to expand their foreign network of travel agencies. Meanwhile, in-house, more bathrooms were added, reducing the total number of rooms. Restaurants were rebuilt, the Apollo Cinemas license was renewed and the whole building received a total face-lift. However, competition from the hotels lining the banks of the Danube continued to be tough.But these were dark days. Life was hard for all Hungarians. One day, in April 1921, officials and workers of the movie industry gathered at the Royal Apollo, where they protested against the high tax burden and the restrictive laws which were slaughtering cinemas. Over 1,200 people took part. A rallying cry became wages and the increased cost of living a 6,000% rise in prices since 1913 against a 450% rise of wages. In 1922 the Royal Apollo Cinema had to close down. Around this time, film producer Alexander Korda briefly lived at the Royal. In spring

1923 the Pesti Kabar (Cabaret of Pest) also settled at the Royal. The same year, 1923, the founder of the Grand Hotel Royal, Frigyes Glck was declared bankrupt. His company, the Royal Nagyszll Rt survived and slowly the management of the company was able to bring the hotel business back on its feet. Zoltn Kornyi became the farsighted new spin-doctor of the Grand Hotel Royal. International relations with travel agencies were rebuilt, although it proved difficult to captivate the attention

of British, French and Italian travelers. The scars of the recently fought war were not yet healed. The management of the hotel recognized the need for a competent restaurant manager. In 1920 a man who had successfully operated his own restaurant in a pavilion at the City Park approached them: Kroly Gundel. Born in Budapest in 1883, Gundel had worked for his father in the Hotel Archduke Stephen, followed by employment at various prestigious establishments in Switzerland, Germany, England and France. Since 1910 he had managed his own restaurant at the City Park, now he wanted to move closer to the action, to the heart of the city. Today we know that the roaring twenties were about to start. In hindsight, Gundels move came at the right moment. Kornyi equipped the restaurant with cutting edge European appliances and techniques. Outstanding cuisine now met perfect service. For the next five years Gundel catapulted the Royal back to the top of the charts: it ranked again as one of the best hotel restaurants on the continent.Zoltn Kornyis next step was the search for a perfect gipsy band for the hotel, traditionally a solid cornerstone of the entertainment programs in the Palm Court. In Nagyvrad, he found Kroly and Istvn Burah, who became the celebrated house-band of the Royal. At the Royal Bar, Lilly and Emmy Schwarz, sisters from Vienna, played at two pianos.During a particular hot summer in 1927, a press article in Sznhzi let (Theatre Life) read: The favorite meeting place is

in the Royal Palm Garden. After the hot and busy Elizabeth Boulevard, visitors appreciate the cool air of the restaurant. With a new air conditioning system the hotel owners pamper their guests.This year the restored and rebuilt Grand Hotel Royal celebrates the 10th anniversary of its Reopening on the 30th of April, 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 Gbor Eszes, PURCHASING MANAGER

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

The beginning - Chapter 7How long have you worked at the hotel?I started in Corinthia Hotel Budapest in October 2007.Which areas have you worked in, and where are you now?I always worked in the finance department, starting as purchasing driver, then as assistant. Four years after starting, I was given the opportunity to manage the purchasingWhat are your duties?My job includes the making and sending of purchase orders, negotiating with suppliers. I am responsible for purchasing of all food and beverage products, room amenities, printing materials, branded items, hygienic products and cleaning materials.What was your happiest experience in relation to the hotel?There have been many great memories of the last 7 years. My favorite experiences were the trip to Malta in 2012, the Christmas night with my girlfriend in Corinthia in 2013, and of course the staff parties.What is your favorite place in Budapest? (can be a square, a park, a club, an outdoor terrace, a city side...etc.)I like the historical places in Budapest, and all the amazing caves. I also like the nature, so I enjoy going on excursions in Buda hills and parks.How do you relax?Nowadays I dont have much free time because of house renovation. After a long day of work, I enjoy the working out at gym, because it provides additional energy.If you won Euro Jackpot, what would you do with the money?I would make a trip around the world and apply for a space travel of course. What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?Sky diving, driving a racing car, caving in the most beautiful places of the world.

CORINTHIA ON THE COURT> It is our labour of love to make a stand for noble causes and to feel the importance and joy of volunteering. But besides corporate social responsibility, the Corinthia Hotel Budapest team also supports initiatives and events that are based on creating value and forming communities. The Tennis Manager Open is one such example. Business people from all sectors and fields competing in a healthy and fun way: this tournament is a perfect opportunity for managers to forget about charts, data, deals, strategies and deadlines. Tams Hmori, organizer of the Manager Open, is enthusiastic about the upcoming games: It is amazing to look back to the time when everything started. Eleven years ago there were only a couple managers for whom tennis meant more than just a hobby, but they were excellent businessmen at the same time. I wanted to involve more players and over the years it turned out that this tournament developed faster than I ever dreamed possible. It is gratifying to see colleagues, friends, players who were there at the first match still competing with undiminished energy and passion. This year, managers will have the chance to compete in nine cities around Hungary with the final being organized in Budapest.The tournament is open to anyone from any company, city or country. The only condition is to have a partner, since this competition is not about playing solo. The aim of the contest is also to strengthen business and personal partnerships in a free-and-easy way. And it really is worth applying: there are fantastic prizes and, of course, the champions cup and gold medal go to the winner. There are several categories, so increasing the chances to succeed in the Manager Open.We at Corinthia Hotel Budapest are extremely proud to enter the tournament: General Manager Mr. Thomas M. Fischers passion and talent for tennis is undeniable, therefore we are very much looking forward to this years Manager Open. It will be our big chance to show once again that our service is among the best in the country, in the context of tennis as well.

MOTHERS DAY BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: May 3, 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.

> Mothers Day is the time to celebrate the hardest working member of the family! To mark the day, we have put together seasonal dishes, a fantastic cake corner, vegetarian dishes, live Gypsy music and a childrens choir. Its the perfect way to say thank you!

CHOCOLATE BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: May 10, 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.

> Calling all chocoholics! This Sunday Brunch dwells lovingly on a confection close to the hearts of many: chocolate. We have chocolate fountains spouting white and brown varieties, hot chocolate drinks flavoured with ginger, strawberry and

paprika, and a pastry chef on hand to demonstrate the art of making bonbons. All in all, its a real sweet Sunday Brunch.

PIRATES BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: May 17, 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.

> Theres a skull and crossbones flag flying this Sunday, and plenty of pirate goings on for adults and kids alike. Be our guest on the board and enjoy a rum cocktail on the bridge of the galleon before diving into a medley of skewered food pleasures. Of course, it

wouldnt be Pirates Brunch without an exciting treasure hunt throughout the hotel. There will be no waiter service, however, only costumed crew members with eye patches and the occasional wooden leg! We provide a glimpse of the adventurous life of the pirates and hopefully you will gladly sail away with us to the island of the best dishes.

ROUTE 66 BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: 24 May, 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.

> Come with us and ride down the iconic mother road this Sunday, enjoying the best of American food on the way. Theres a whole pig roasting and six different types of beef sizzling in the show kitchen. No route 66 trip would

be complete without chicken wings, hamburgers and french fries, accompanied by mellow artisan beer. Weve even arranged for a local beer maker to come along and introduce his craft. Our team members are dressed for the occasion in all-american gear, and even they will be tapping their feet at the classical country & western music. Head out west on route 66: the journey starts at Corinthia Hotel Budapest!

CHILDRENS DAY BRUNCHLOCATION: Brasserie & Atrium RestaurantDATE: May 31, 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.

> Our Childrens Day Brunch is aimed directly at kids and everything they love: helium-filled balloons, lively music care of the Csics band, costumed animators making the day even more fun for children, and naturally a host of delicious food and drinks. For example, kids

champagne, colourful lemonades, mega lollies, explosive candies,hamburger, pizza, and for the kid who loves to cook, supervised cupcake making!

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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

THAI RED CURRY WITH ASPARAGUS AND TOFU

PREPARATION METHODS Heat peanut oil in large wok or pan over medium high heat. Add tofu triangles and

cook for 3 minutes; flip tofu over and cook 3 minutes more on other side. Place tofu on a plate lined with paper towels .

Return the pan to medium-high heat, add the coconut milk and cook, stirring constantly, until it thickens (about 2 minutes). Stir in red curry paste and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add broth, soy sauce, kafir leaves, galangal, ginger, lemongras and sugar. Once sauce comes add the asparagus and cook 3 minutes more. Return tofu to the pan and stir until coated with curry sauce. Remove from heat and serve over noodles or rice; garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.

INGREDIENTS 1 tbsp. peanut oil | 150 gramm tofu | cut into triangles | 0,1 liter unsweetened coconut milk, 25 gramm red curry paste | 1 liter vegetable broth | 2 tbsp. soy sauce | 1 tbsp. light brown sugar | 1 medium red bell pepper | thinly sliced | 1 piece kafir leaves | 1 slice galangal | 2 slices ginger and 1 thai lemongras | 50 gramm asparagus, tough ends removed | cut into 3 cm pieces | cooked rice or rice noodles | lime wedges and cilantro leaves for serving

BARTENDERS OFFER IN MAY:

MOLECULAR MIXOLOGY

LOCATION: le BarOPENING OUR: 18:00-1:00

Tomorrow is happening now! Join us to a real travel in time experience and let yourself to be amazed by the beverages of the future if you feel desire for a bit of challenge. Special decorations, flasks and test-tubes will represent the super scientific chemistrical part of beverage production in the upcoming years. Listen to the smooth tones of music of the future, mixed by DJ Moodologist who will make time travel really amusing.

LE BAR IS AN ELEGANT LOUNGE BAR, AN IDEAL VENUE FOR FRIENDLY CHATS, INFORMAL BUSINESS MEETINGS OR DRINKS FOR TWO. A TALENTED RESIDENT PIANIST CREATED A COZY, RELAXED ATMOSPHERE. MUSIC LOVERS CAN ALSO DISCOVER A QUALITY SELECTION OF MUSICAL AND CULTURAL EVENTS HOSTED REGULARLY AT LE BAR, LIKE DJ NIGHT ON FRIDAYS OR SALON MUSIC ON SATURDAYS.

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

COLOURFUL FESTIVALS PLINKA FESTIVAL> The Annual Plinka Festival of Budapest awaits visitors with an increased area, a bigger variety of exhibitors, a lot of different spirits and whats more: free entry. Apple plays the starring role between May 7 and 10 in Vroshza Park, where youll have the chance to taste the blend of the best apple plinkas of the country for the first time. Several apple related food and beverage specialties will be available to accompany the fine plinkas as usual. Join us in the warm sunlight of spring and enjoy jazz concerts, street musicians swinging away and have some fun.

ROSALIA ROS FESTIVAL> Brought to you by the organizers of the prestigious Budapest International Wine Festival, Rosalia is Hungarys only festival dedicated to ros wines, sparkling wines and champagnes. The three-day event 8th-10th May in the Gesztenyskert - features a Ros Garden, with plenty of tasting, jazz concerts, kids programs and traditional Hungarian food paired with your wine. A ros wine challenge is also part of the event.

MAY CELEBRATION AT THE STATE OPERA HOUSE > The Faust225 Festival from 15th May to 1st June - focuses around the 225th anniversary of the appearance of fragments of Goethes Faust, Part I. Five splendid works based on the theme of Faust will be played (including the premier of Gounods opera and the Hungarian premiere of Busonis work), with the Budapest Philharmonic Orchestra giving a concert of rarities to close this gem of a series, more than two weeks long and replete with both Hungarian and foreign artists of international renown. All performances will take place at the Opera House.

BELGIAN BEER FESTIVAL > The fifth annual Belgian Beer Festival will be held on 15th-17th May, at a brand new location, the Blna, Budapests newest state-of-the-art cultural center. Beer lovers can taste over 150 different types of Belgian beer from 31 breweries.

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PROGRAMS IN MAY RECOMMENDED BY THE CORINTHIA HOTEL BUDAPEST CONCIERGE TEAMMAY 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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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

BUDAI GOURMET > Budai Gourmet is a gastro festival brought to you by the people behind Sziget Festival and the award winning Costes Restaurant. The festival aims to bring together the best wine makers, plinka distillers, restaurants and confectioners along with a market place for producers to showcase their homemade cheese, ham, sausage, jam, honey, chocolate and other delicacies.In recent years there have been more and more gastro-themed festivals in Budapest and they all try to bring something unique. Budai Gourmet adds a twist by inviting more than 25 of Hungarys top restaurants for a culinary extravaganza. Bock, Costes, Csalogny 26, Dryn, Nobu, Rosenstein and Tigris are just some of the restaurants to try at the festival.Budai Gourmet is held between 21st and 24th May at the Millenris and includes live musical performances on two stages.

EXHIBITIONS AND FAIRS> Fascination of Nature. Paintings by Qi Baishi from the Collection of the Beijing Fine Art AcademyThe retrospective exhibition presents a comprehensive view from the oeuvre of Qi Baishi, an outstanding master of 20th-century Chinese painting. The over one hundred works to be displayed at the Budapest show will allow visitors to follow the changes in the Chinese masters career. Besides landscapes and figurative works, the core of the exhibition will be formed by the masterpieces from his mature period, after his change of style, represented by depictions of plants and birds.At the first show of its kind in Europe, some 110 paintings from the artists estate will be displayed at the Hungarian National Gallery.

> 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 particular and open-minded visitors with unique works by representative artists and craftsmen, designers and antquarians, 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.