| Dishes and
wines of the region can deservedly be mentioned among the
many wonders of the Balaton. The wine
of Badacsony is legendary, its unique taste and full-bodied,
strong and sometimes spicy aroma come from the soil of the
hill, containing friable volcanic rock, and from the Mediterranean
climate of its southern slopes. The Badacsony Hill, the best-known grape-producing
hill of the region, can be seen from afar, thanks to its
individual shape. At the regularly held autumn Vintage Days,
everyone can try the famous Szürkebarát (Grey
Monk) of Badacsony, or Kéknyelű. Wines of the
region of Füred and Csopak are stronger and more fiery,
their character is lighter. On the hills of Tihany
blue grapes such as Merlot, Zweigelt and Cabernet Franc,
are produced.
Wines from the southern side of the lake, where the soil
is sandy and contains loess, have a totally different flavour.
Here the wine cellars produce a light nectar that is fruity
and rich in aromas.
The Balaton offers dishes characterised
by four different types of terrain: water, hills, rolling
uplands and the flat plain. Every kind of cooking ingredient
is abundantly available. Fish is, of course, the
most important typical dish of the region, mainly the pikeperch of Balaton.
According to tradition, it must be grilled whole until golden
brown and served with a slice of lemon in its mouth. Fish
soup is also a well-loved dish, it is most delicious when
it is made f rom several types of fish. Dishes prepared from
wild game are also worth trying. Roe deer, rabbit, red deer,
wild hog and pheasant find their way into the restaurant
kitchens from the extensive local forests and meadows.
|

Fish soup

Pepper filled with fish
|