MAZEL TOV Restaurant & Gastro Cellar

We had a very special dinner in a “Jewish Ruin Bar”, MAZEL TOV. In the middle of the party area of the Jewish neighborhood is a section filled with RUIN Bars and Restaurants. Mazel Tov is located in a spot that was an abandoned, rundown tenement building. It is very unique with Israeli-type food, hummus and kabobs, but with interesting twists like baked beets and all very interestingly spiced dishes and just as varied is the customers. Lee drank a “Fordbidden Fruit” which was Ciroc apple, JC Apricot Brandy, fahej and narancs bitters. Karen drank a “Specter” which was Old Nick White Rum, Disaronno Amaretto, vanilia, eper (strawberry), and saline. Try to recreate those at home! BTW, Bruce had a great Budapest red wine. The décor is described as "shabby chic" with 1930s furniture, a secret garden look, a glass ceiling, hanging plants, an open courtyard. Although not kosher it does stand as a memory of the district's Jewish heritage and its openness in feel and menu makes it seem very accepting. community and acceptance.
One of the back walls of the current establishment was originally part of the wall of the old Jewish ghetto during World War II. In the decades after the war, many of the area's buildings fell apart or were abandoned. In the last 20 years many of them have started to be repurposed into "ruin bars," with a very “bohemian” (60’s for some of us) look.

Then we went to the Gastro Cellar for a drink. Not just a drink but a PALINKA, the National Drink of Budapest. See VIDEO. It is made from fermented fruits like plums, apricots, or cherries, known for its intense fruity aroma and high alcohol content (often 60-90%). We all tasted it but Lee and Bruce DRANK it!!!!Read more