Four Seasons Gresham Palace Budapest has created unique activities for guests interested in Hungarian culinary traditions for the summer season.

Cake and Café Culture

The charm of Hungary includes the decadent compulsion to indulge in a leisurely appointment for coffee and cake; it is not a treat, it is a culture. One of the most famous local cakes, the Rigó Jancsi, is bound to a romantic legend:

She was a princess, and he a Hungarian gypsy prímás. He played violin at the restaurant while she dined with her husband. Eyes met, hearts fluttered. The diamond ring she removed from her finger to put in his hand. Secret meetings, then abandoning her young family. All this, in 1896 in Paris. Love was born and a cake was named after him: racy for its time, lavish with chocolate. The affair didn’t last, but thanks to the delicious cake, his name lives on Rigó Jancsi.

To present the cake and café culture at its best, Four Seasons has created a cooking class with Pastry Chef Arpad Szucs and/or a two hour city tour including cake tastings in famous Ruzwurm Café in the Buda Castle district originating back to 1827.

It’s All About Paprika

Hungarian paprika is thought to be one of the finest in the world, with more than 40 different types available. Executive Chef Simone Cerea will give a cooking class around the famous ingredient. The lesson includes a visit to Central Market Hall, shopping and preparation of a Hungarian three course lunch menu. A set of hot and sweet paprikas and apron are provided as a keepsake gift.

Experience More at Four Seasons

Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest offers the Experience More package, applicable only for Danube River view rooms and suites. The package includes daily American breakfast and a Hotel Credit of once per room per stay, which can be used against any food and beverage and Spa treatment charges. The package is available from May 15 to September 30, 2012.