Hungary - Eastern Europe - page 339

Porcelain, Pottery & Crystal
Ajka Crystal Hungary's renowned crystal producer from the Lake Balaton Region
sells fine stemware and other crystal at great prices. Founded by Bernát Neumann in
1878, the company was privatized by FOTEX Rt. in 1990. Showcased are the com-
pany's brilliant yet simple crystal glasses, chalices, and crystal artwork. V. József Attila u.
7. & 1/317-8133. Metro: Deák tér (all lines).
Herend Shop Hand-painted Herend porcelain, first produced in 1826 in the
town of Herend near Veszprém in western Hungary, is world-renowned (check it out
at www.herend.com). This shop, the oldest and largest Herend shop in Budapest, has
the widest selection in the capital. They can arrange shipping (visit www.tourist
post.hu). Even if you don't intend to buy, come just to see some gorgeous examples
of Hungary's most famous product. The store is located in Pest's Inner City, on quiet
József nádor tér, just a few minutes' walk from Vörösmarty tér. Open Monday
through Friday from 10am to 6pm, Saturday from 9am to 1pm. There is also a
Herend shop at V. Kigyó u. 5 ( & 1/318-3439 ) that also offers shipping. If you're
planning a trip to Veszprém or Lake Balaton, don't miss the Herend Museum in
the town of Herend (p. 358 in “The Lake Balaton Region”). V. József nádor tér 11.
& 1/318-9200. www.herend.hu. Metro: Vörösmarty tér (Yellow line) or Deák tér (all lines).
Herend Village Pottery If the formal Herend porcelain isn't your style (or in your
price range), this delightful, casual pottery might be just the thing. The majolika
(village pottery) is a hand-painted folklore-inspired way of making pottery. Various
patterns and solid colors are available; all are dishwasher and oven safe. Because every-
thing is handcrafted, it's possible to order and reorder particular pieces at a later time.
Prices are reasonable here. The owners are very knowledgeable and eager to assist, but
not pushy. Open Tuesday through Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to noon. II. Fó
utca 61. & 1/356-7899. Metro: Batthyány tér (Red line).
Zsolnay Márkabolt Delightfully gaudy Zsolnay porcelain, from the southern city
of Pécs, is Hungary's second-most-celebrated brand of porcelain, and this shop has
Budapest's widest selection. They arrange shipping through Touristpost (p. 329). Even
if you don't intend to buy, come just to see some fabulous examples of Hungary's other
internationally known porcelain. Check out examples of the pottery at www.zsolnay
usa.com. The store is open Monday through Friday 10am to 6pm, Saturday 10am to
1pm. V. Kígyó u. 4. & 1/318-3712. Metro: Vörösmarty tér (Yellow line) or Deák tér (all lines).
Wine, Spirits & Cheese
Budapest Wine Society Truly among the experts in wine, the Wine Society oper-
ates in four shops in Budapest. Founded by Tom Howells and Attila Tálos, the shop
sells an immense number of wines produced by over 50 local wine-growers. Drop in
for free samples on Saturday. Open from Monday to Friday noon to 8pm, Saturday
10am to 3pm. XI. Ráday u. 7. & 1/219-5647. Metro: Kálvin tér (Blue line). www.bortarsasag.hu.
Also: Batthyány u. 59. & 1/212-2569 . Metro: Batthyány tér (Red line).
The House of Hungarian Pálinka Locals say that good Pálinka (a traditional
form of brandy) should warm the stomach, not burn the throat, a common side effect
of strong brandy. This shop offers the finest selection of Pálinka—distilled from every-
thing from plums, pears, apples, and walnuts to honey-paprika—that will indeed
delight both stomach and throat. Watch out for the head-spinning effect. Open
Monday through Saturday 9am to 7pm. VIII. Rákóczi Street 17. & 1/338-4219. www.

magyarpalinkahaza.hu. Metro: Blaha Lujza tér (Red line) or bus 7.