Fine dining in Europe

As my wife, Judy, and I traveled for 37 days in Central Europe, late August through early October 2010, we found a number of restaurants we would recommend.

In BUDAPEST, Hungary, we had dinner at Dunacorsa Étterem (1051 Budapest, Vigado tér 3; phone [+36] 1 3 186 362), Aug. 30 and Sept. 1. This restaurant, overlooking the Danube, offers fine dining inside and outside. There was a wonderful three-piece orchestra playing classical music. Our bill for two was $40, which included a bottle of Chardonnay. A great selection.

In the wine village of GRIN­ZING, outside Vienna, Austria, a “must” stop is the Heuriger Reinprecht (1190 Wien-Grinzing, Cobenzlgasse 22; phone +43 320 14 71-0). The house was a former convent and is over 300 years old. When you see a spray of pine needles hung up outside the doors, it means this year’s wine is ready to sample. Our dinner of schnitzel and fish plus wine and beer cost €55.60 ($71), Sept. 3. They have live Austrian music every day. It added to the atmosphere to make a marvelous evening.

In VIENNA, another fine choice was Gasthaus Zu Den 3 Hacken (1010 Wein, Singerstrasse 28; phone +43 [0] 1 512 58 95), off Park Ring. This wonderful, old restaurant served typical Viennese cuisine. Our dinner for two, with wine and beer from Schladming, cost €29 ($37), Sept. 6. Open daily except Sunday.

In romantic PRAGUE, Czech Republic, we had dinner at the Palffy Palac Club (Valdstejnská 14, Prague 1, Malá Strana 101 00; phone +420 257 530 522), Sept. 9. Romantically lighted with candelabra, this was a gourmand experience in the Baroque palace of the Palffy family. The delicate French-Californian cuisine was served on Palffy porcelain, with wine in Czech crystal glasses.

Our excellent five-course dinner for three, including drinks, a bottle of wine and tip, cost CZK3,940 ($210). Reservations suggested.

DOUG BARNETT
Siesta Key, FL