2023 Autumn
150 years of Budapest
Budapest is the Hungarian metropolis situated on both banks of the Danube. The history of Buda, Pest and Óbuda – with different names – dates back to Antiquity. Celts, Romans, German tribes, Francs and Slavs lived here not always in peace but the real tragedy came with the Mongols. The Mongolian invasion had a positive consequence that the Hungarian king built a castle in Buda, that later became the capital. The etimology of the town’s name is interesting, Buda derives from the Slavian word „water” and Pest from the Slavian „furnace”. This is no coincidence, because Budapest is the city of 80 thermal springs. The idea of urban unification was born during the Hungarian Enlightenment, the „reform era”, but it took half a century for this Hungarian dream to come true. Budapest has been the capital since 1873, and the streets and buildings we can see here today are due to the design and construction of the Budapest Public Works Council.
Designers of the future
The creative industry centre of the István Széchenyi University in Győr, the Design Campus has developed into a decisive design educational institution of the country. The students can acquire high-level knowledge in cooperation with national corporate and social partners here. „Year after year, more and more young people enroll in all three of our Bachelor and Masters courses, design, graphic design and architecture. We are also proud to be able to launch the Master course of design in English.”, said Gábor U. Nagy, head of the Design Department. The young people can learn from excellent artists, designers. Development is also shown by the students’ successes. Perhaps the most significant is that Bence Kiss has won the competition on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Audi Hungaria Corp., so his works decorate the interior of the passenger bridges of the Ferenc Liszt International Airport in Budapest.
Italian summer
What does an editor-in-chief do when he’s not writing a magazine while summer is in full swing? The short answer to this not at all rhetorical question is as follows: like a significant part of Hungarians, he himself is a tourist. “Our destination was Italy, and during the four days we visited the Cinque Terre, which deserves the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magical five villages, which are a complex of historical, cultural and architectural wonders, each piece of which is characterized by pastel-coloured structures, a kind of rainbow houses,” writes the editor-in-chief, who also visited Pisa with his wife as part of a trip to Italy to take a closer look at the 850-year-old Leaning Tower this year, the Italian specialty of world architecture, the foundation stone of which was laid on August 9, 1173.
38th Formula 1
Max Werstappen was the winner on Hungaroring in front of 102 thousand spectators (303 thousand people in total over the four days), thanking to this Red Bull has broken the longest winning series record by 12 victories. Its not only the hopes of the rivals that were shattered, but also the winner’s Herend trophy. The Formula 1 Qatar Airways Grand Prix was held in front of a packed house, and anyone hoping that this race would bring some turning point in the balance of forces, was disappointed. The qualifying session promised to be a surprise, as the seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton, the uncrowned king of Hungaroring had claimed pole position. For the ninth time! Red Bull by its 12th victory this year has put McLaren’s permanent record set in 1988 by Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna 35 years ago, into the past.
The queen of sports
The top athletes of the world competed for nine days in Budapest, at the World Athletics Championships held at the highest level, about which Sebastian Coe, the President of the World Athletics also spoke in flattering terms. More than 2200 competitors from nearly 200 countries of the world took part at the third most important event of the sport world after the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup. The number of tickets sold exceed 400 thousand, more than one billion people watched the TV broadcasts all over the world, making this event the most-watched Outdoor Athletics World Championships of all time. A world record was also set in Budapest, and from Hungarian point of view it should be emphasized that thanking to hammer thrower Bence Halász, a bronze medal remained in our country. As for the economic benefits of the world championships, the visitors have spent half a million nights in the hotels of Budapest and spent billions of forints in Hungary.
Grapes, harvest, wine
Hungarian wines and Hungarian wine regions play a prominent role in Hungarian gastronomy and in the country image in general. A fundamental factor in the production of premium wines is the abundance of high-quality vineyards, some of which are exceptionally well suited to growing grapes. The „science” of making wine was brought by the settler Hungarians in their rucksacks, but it’s true in general that the culture of viticulture and winemaking dates back to 7-8000 years. Harvest and harvest-related customs are firmly rooted in the everyday folklore of Hungary. The fact that on these days men were even given time off from the military service and even the courts were closed, shows the importance of this event. The harvest was accompanied by special food, as the hard physical work required a good supply of energy.
Open Hotel **** Superior
The four star boutique Open Hotel of 24 rooms, was built six years ago in one of the nicest places of Szentes, in the heart of the town, on the banks of river Kurca, near the Szentes Sport and Recreation Centre, in which each room has its own balcony. „The location is not a coincidence, it’s the most important”, said Erzsébet Török, hotel manager. „In the wellness section of our hotel built in the green belt an outdoor pool, sun terrace and a six-person sauna can be found that will be expanded by extra pools and sauna world. We pay great attention to the families and babies, so a special baby pool is going to be constructed. Our goal is to create idyllic atmosphere within the Open Hotel where both families, friends, companies have a good and familiar atmosphere, be it a holiday, team building, conference, wedding or gathering of friends.
Do we pull or roll?
Beside the corks, which were once the only option for wines, alternative bottle closing solutions have appeared on the market. Many people are worried about them because of the „cork taste”, as this compound created by fungi makes wine unenjoyable. To avoid this, plastic or glass stoppers or screw caps can be used. The last one has become considerably popular over the last decade: in New Zealand 90% of all the bottles are sealed in this way but this method is spreading in Europe and our country too. At Streit-Zagonyi Winery white and rosé wines are screw-locked, while the heavy read wines are corked. Winemaker János Horváth has been cooperating with the winery from the beginning. During recent years he has grown fond of screw cap technology, however he can still imagine the prestige wines only with cork.
Autumn barbecue
You often hear that when the weather is fine, barbecue season starts and smoke rises in most of the family house gardens, the restaurants launch their barbecue menus and our taste buds are flooded with the aroma of delicious smoky dishes. But is summer really the barbecue season? I think we cannot speak about this, as grilling is an activity of the whole year, we just have to use different ingredients in colder weather. To sum up, we can say that those who really like smoky flavour, should not be worried about colder periods. We can indulge our passion at this time of year too, but have to adjust the temperature, time and materials a bit, because our body no longer wants light summer dishes, salads but also more substantial, more intense, heavier meals and stronger tastes.
Hotel Abacus
The Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel**** Superior is located 25 km from Budapest, in Herceghalom. The hotel’s inspiring atmosphere, innovative environment and uncompromising gastronomical philosophy makes it the ideal place for family vacations, wellness weekends, conferences, business meetings and even weddings. The chef, Ferenc Toth, whose resume boasts with extensive foreign experience, uses simple, local and seasonal ingredients from Zsambek’s basin in his dishes. The majority of the spices he uses are grown in the kitchen’s own garden. Their dishes draw on both international sensibilities as well as the traditional Hungarian sense of taste; all while using modern culinary technology. The combination of gastronomical pleasures with a peaceful, familiar atmosphere and modern environment translate into more than half the guests being regulars. Their success was further confirmed when Abacus Business & Wellness Hotel won the title of Best Rural Business and Conference Hotel in Hungary.
Extreme Balaton
András Kovács, the owner and captain of Premium Karolina, Jeanneau, a 35-feet luxury sailboat sails the Hungarian sea day after day, according to its name even under extreme circumstances. The departure point is Balatonfüred port where one can say without exaggaration that in this category Karolina is one of the most elegant, highest quality sailing yachts. The ten-person yacht is spacious and comfortable. Whether you look at the deck area, the interior or the cabins, the combination of comfort and practicality can be felt. All those who want to sunbathe, party or sail in good winds, will find what they are searching for. András, both in sailing and communication with the guests is professional. We don’t exaggarate by saying that whoever chooses the Extreme Balaton will have an extremely good experience.
Hotel Helikon
The 52-year old Hotel Helikon completely reconstructed a year ago is situated in Keszthely, in the second largest town at the lake, one of the most prominent cultural and tourist centres, the Western corner of Balaton. Besides the Festetics Castle built more than two centuries ago and the Church of the Lady of Hungarians that is more than 600 years old, this hotel may be the third most iconic, best-known building right on the shores of Balaton. Thanking to the unique style of Hotel Helikon the balconies of all the rooms overlook the lake, so you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Hungarian sea. You can choose form the standard, deluxe, junior suite and suite room types. Lake Balaton literally stretches under your feet, with the hotel’s own island extending into it.
ST Solar
If solar cells, then ST Solar – we have been saying it for many years, and although the slogan has not changed, the market image of the Dunaújváros-based company has changed somewhat by now: it has widened its portfolio of products, they help their increasingly green-conscious clients to improve energy efficiency with the best hybrid inverters connected to the solar cells and also with the most modern thermal pumps. Zoltán Kovács, owner and Milán Tímár, sales and marketing manager said in an interview to our magazine, ST Solar has acted in time, and now they offer the PowerWorld thermal pumps functioning silently, without any mechanical noise at introductory price. These pumps are suitable both for heating and cooling and hot water production, and its use with solar panels is the road to complete energy independence. The company’s range also offers advanced solar inverters, capable of providing electricity for the household even at night and in case of power failure.
Before you buy a plot…
We talked about the details of buying an estate with Tibor Várhely, architect. The owner of Consolum Architects Ltd. anticipated that in many cases people don’t know what they have bought. In 2020 they launched a service by the name „Before You Buy a Plot”, where they make enquires for individuals before buying. They have recently started to adapt their knowledge and experience to corporate environment. „The essence is: we support the clients in such a way that they can start the deal fully informed. We are also developing a website for the corporate side, we count on big foreign investments, and we can give assistance to the smaller companies to find the right location for their business. Once we have it, practically investigate, reveal everything to prevent our clients buying an estate from losing it out”, said the architect.
Four Flowers
In one of the most popular parts of Lake Balaton, in the vicinity of Siófok, in Balatonszéplak-felső, 800 m from Silver Coast, a newly built, fully furnished luxury apartment house with a garden, jacuzzi, pool and a parking lot for six cars, consisting of four apartments, on a 589 m plot is on sale for 420 million forints. The apartment house has four fully furnished apartments with separate entrances, each of 54 m , three bedrooms, with terraces on the ground floor and balconies on the first floor, fully equipped with air conditioning, heating and cooling, mosquito nets, and machinery. Each of the flats named Tulip, Rose, Orchid and Cactus is themed and features a number of floral motifs. In the garden a front and back terrace, jacuzzi and a light construction swimming-pool, a solar shower, barbecue, sun lounges, benches contribute to your sense of comfort.
Functionality at the highest level
If you are looking for the harmony of luxury and functionality at quality environment, have found your home. In one of the most popular parts of Budapest 3rd district, Csillaghegy, in the Csillaghegy Residence residential park a 67 sqm, 3-room apartment with a 12 sqm terrace on the first floor built in 2021 is for sale. The purchase of the underground garage, a 4 sqm storage and a parking place belonging to the property, is optional, upon request. Entering our apartment, from the entrance hall equipped with a built-in wardrobe we can reach our kitchen-dining-room-sitting-room, two separate bedrooms and at the moment our toilet converted into a utility room and our bathroom with a shower and toilet. In terms of extras, the list is long. Our heat pump system provides the heating and cooling of our flat through the ceiling.
Social life
Through our social events column, we want our readers to gain insight into various, in our opinion high level and exclusive events, parties, inaugurations, film, theatre premieres and fashion shows, exhibitions, concerts, sports events, etc. The list is endless but the various events have something in common: the high quality, high standard and style. Our aim is to inform you about interesting activities and programmes in each issue of our magazine.
The list is endless but there is something still common among the various events, the high quality, high standard and style. Our aim is to inform you about interesting activities and programmes in each issue of our magazine.
In our autumn issue we have been present at a fashion show and a polo event.
Barbara Léber
Fashion designer Barbara Léber has cyclic activity, every seven years she dreams of something new that has been a success again. ”I want quality experience for my clients and also myself in my showroom. The designing of made-to-measure clothing requires depth, attention and pleasant energies. Its essential part is the atmosphere of the environment in which we spend some time with my clients. It was difficult to park at my previous showroom and it has also become too small, so I opened a new one on the main street of Törökbálint. It was a consideration to work in a green area, calm environment, having big space. I work only by announcement and appointment, so I can deal with the client 100%, without time limit. What I never compromise on is the originality, creativity and the most important thing is the constant top quality guaranteed for 20 years.”
ZEMA – why porcelain?
Porcelain was once considered „white gold”. Its ingredients, use of materials, technologies requiring fine art knowledge position it on a place that demands good taste and/or understanding of art from the customer. In Hungary there is possibility for the production of exclusive quality porcelain goods, because porcelain production in Hungary has considerable past. ZEMA Hungarian Porcelain and Jewellery House makes high-quality fine porcelain using its own recipe. The technology at the brand is absolutely manufactory, 100% handmade and hand painted goods are created based on its own recipe. ZEMA’s value creation is tangible: the nobility of the porcelain, the hundreds year old manufactory technology, the porcelain painters’ artistic work and of course the themes appearing on the individual pieces, all of them are reborn, value preserving and eloquent pieces.
Car show, aka
Two years ago, the Germans moved their largest motor show from Frankfurt to Munich. The name was changed to IAA Mobility. Therefore, they were waiting not only for those interested in cars, but also for lovers of scooters, public transport and bicycles. An important element of the event is the large-scale use of open spaces. Due to our closing dates, we can just give a comprehensive overview of the novelties of the event held between 5th and 10th September. The name Xpeng quickly became familiar because VW is trying to conquer the Chinese market together with the Chinese company that will soon launch flying cars. Opel has unveiled its SUV, Experimetal, which showcases the design of Opel in the near future. Mercedes has heralded its new entry-level model with its new concept. The Chinese were present with countless novelties, mostly super hot electric cars.
In the spirit of the blue oval
In this issue, we put four Fords to the test. Top of the range in terms of experience, fuel economy and off-road capability was the new Ranger Raptor. The V6 petrol-engined van is best described as a number-plated off-roader. Not to be left behind, the hybrid version of the Kuga is also four-wheel drive. This model is the counterpoint to the Raptor, as it can get 4.5 litres of fuel in the city. For the station wagon model, the Activ badge indicates its off-road credentials. In practice, this means a slight increase in ground clearance and fender flares for a hotter look. The off-road Focus had an automatic gearbox and a 1.5 turbo petrol engine. The only outlier among our test cars that wasn’t off-road was the Tourneo Connect. This seven-seater family car won us over with its dizzying space and versatility.
Alcaraz, the new world star
Out of the three stars of men’s tennis sport over the last two decades only one remained today: Novak Djokovics who at 36 continues to shine brightly, although his shine is beginning to be eclipsed by a new rising star: Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz. In our feature on him, we reveal that the nearly 20-year old Alcaraz – who in the Wimbledon Grand Slam final in July defeated the Serb with 23 GS wins, by this the number one tennis player of all times – leads the ranking list and has already amassed nearly 20 million dollars by playing tennis. Some people speak about changing the guards already, however quite many are sure that Djokovics can still reclaim the world title and win more GS tournaments. Alcaraz won his first major title at the US Open last year before his current triumph at Wimbledon and has won 12 ATP tournaments so far.
My grandfather’s miracle
It’s the 70th anniversary of the unforgettable England-Hungary match, won 6-3 by the Golden Team at Wembley. Ferenc Hűse recalls the match of the century through his family legacy. „Győző Komlósi, my grandfather’s, and my favourite legacy, was the album in question, which contains the story of the 6-3 victory over England in 1953, a sporting historic event, from the match’s introduction to the unforgettable victory of the Golden Team. The 116-page album, with many articles and MTI photos published in Népsport, recalls the victory at Wembley, crowned by the return match a year later at Népstadion, which was witnessed in person by Grandpa, whose memory and the album are eternal.
It is my dream to share this legacy with those who still care about the triumph of the Golden Team, its unforgettable victory.”
Serial successes
Not since Ferenc Puskás has a Hungarian footballer gained such international recognition as happens with Dominik Szoboszlai, the young captain of the national team, who signed for one of the most famous club teams in the world, FC Liverpool, in England, in the summer. The late genius of the Golden Team, everyone’s Öcsi Puskás, who was deified in Spain as Pancho, was from the late fifties to the mid-sixties a legendary Real Madrid player. Now, more than six decades later a 22 year old young man is following in the footsteps of the great predecessor and can have similar carrier if he can use his talent to go down in the history of this sport as one of the best Hungarian players of world football. This is further away but it’s beyond dispute that the beginning is more than promising – it turns out from our article about the midfielder who has signed for FC Liverpool in summer.
Late parents
In Hollywood a lot of celebrities decide to have children late, in case of actresses and female singers it is completely connected to carrier building. It’s also not common that actors having young partners become fathers in old age. In our compilation, we take a closer look at four female and four male examples. Halle Berry gave birth to her first child at the age of 41 to her partner, Gabriel Aubry. Janet Jackson brought forth her first child at 51 to her husband, a Qatari businessman. Brigitte Nielsen became a mother for the fifth time at 54 to Mattia Dessi, Italian producer. Beverly D’Angelon gave birth to twins at 51 to Al Pacino who at 83 is looking forward to fatherly joys for the fourth time with his 29 year old partner. Recently Robert de Niro has had a daughter with Tiffany Chen, martial arts instructor. Steve Martin became father of a girl at 67. The eight time father Mick Jagger’s youngest child is seven years old born from his partner, a ballerina who is 43 years younger than him.
Ben Affleck, young in his fiftees
Not even Hollywood could write a more twisty script than the love of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez, finding each other and their marriage. They tied the knot last year in Las Vegas, then had an intimate wedding ceremony in Ben Affleck’s home in Georgia. They prepared for renewing their vows at their new Los Angeles residence, a $60 million dream home, surrounded by a fabulous estate, with the participation of numerous stars. Ben Affleck enjoying a distinguished carrier as an actor, producer, screenwriter has been close friends with Matt Damon since he was a teenager. The milestone of both their carriers was their first screenplay and film together, the „Good Will Hunting” which won them both an Academy Award. They are about to make another big splash, adapting the story of the former Nike sports marketing executive, this time with themselves in the lead roles.
