Three generations of my Hungarian family dined at Balaton.
Though my family is from Hungary, I being American born and bred never tasted true traditional Hungarian food. I figured the tastes would be similar to German food, but with more paprika and sour cream. I was pleasantly surprised.
I had the mushroom paprikash with sliced portobello mushrooms, onions, buttery spatzel, all served together in a stew like consistency. My dish was light, delicious, and comforting.
The 2nd generation had veal schnitzel or weiner schnitzel. Tender veal
that cut elegantly with a knife. The dish came with spatzel and a small salad with a lightly sugared vinaigrette.
The 1st generation had her mother's favorite recipe to cook which was the stuffed cabbage. With every bite my grandma recited stories of her childhood in Hungary. Grandma even said that the violinist who used to play at the restaurant was an old friend of hers after she moved to Cleveland.
Overall Balaton was a beautiful introduction into Hungarian cuisine. My palate has opened to food of my heritage and I can't wait to try more delicious entrees.
entrees.