We drove Helen back to her house and she insisted we come in to visit. Her husband Mike was there. It was just a matter of minutes until the food and drink came out. Helen served a platter of bread, cheese and other Slovak specialities, including some wonderful pastries.
Mike brought out a bottle of pear brandy. Renata said she would be the designated driver. Every time Robert and I looked down we each had another shot glass full of the clear, smooth liquid.
Mike even insisted that we had to have a final toast “at the gate” (the equivalent of the American “one for the road”). Soon, we realized it was nearly 10 p.m. Renata’s mother was expecting us–for DINNER! I couldn’t believe I had to prepare to eat yet again!
But the food was so delicious. Chicken with this fabulous cream sauce, potatoes, cucumbers. Oh my…
You just can’t beat the Slovaks when it comes to hospitality. It was a wonderful end to a truly memorable day.
to be continued…
Photos by Lisa A. Alzo, June 8, 2010
Copyright 2010 Lisa A. Alzo
All Rights Reserved
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Back in the late 1970's my husband were living in Slovenia. It was the same thing with the food and sweets.
Some times in the smaller restaurants the cook would take us to the back or we could see what was cooking and then order.
They also had a pear brandy and we brought a bottle home, it has the pear still in it.
We never drank it but it makes a good conversation piece. They make a mean plum brandy, Slivovits, too
Hi Lisa ~ Just wanted to tell you how much I am enjoying all your posts about your trip to Slovakia…it's great to be able to enjoy the trip vicariously!! I must say though – I feel like I gain a couple of pounds with each post I read 🙂