Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
gathered drapes are the opening gambit for an evening of superb food. French dishes
with a twist is how you might describe the divine creations of German chef Paul Peter
Kopij, who plans seasonal innovations and additions to a cleverly sophisticated, yet
simple menu. Cream of carrot or shiitake mushroom soup, and beef carpaccio with
beet and pine-nut salad are some of the starters likely to be on offer. Then there's breast
of duck cooked in Guinness ale, while whatever fish is freshest from the daily market
will be the favored seafood option. Best are the homemade ice creams; choose either La
Mandragora's ice cream assortment, or crème brûlée with green apple ice cream.
Str. Mendeleev 29.
&
072-280-6187.
Reservations essential. Main courses L24-L49 ($8.60-$18/£4.60-£9.40). MC,
V. Mon-Sat 6pm-late; kitchen closes 11pm.
INEXPENSIVE
La Taifas
ROMANIAN/INTERNATIONAL Restaurateur Gibi Anghe-
lescu's atmospheric venture (this is the younger sibling of Bistro Atheneu) seems like
the work of an Arabian Nights fantasist, with brightly colored walls and plenty of sil-
ver, copper, onion-domes, and filigree motifs; the name means “having a chat” and
that seems to be what the cushioned, carpeted seating areas encourage you to do. All
in all, an atmospheric, fun venue where there's often live music. The kitchen changes
its mind daily, and items are chalked up on a board; best to simply ask for the favored
dish of the day, but do ask about the mint cod
(cod cu ment
â
),
which is filleted and
allowed to soak up the flavor from a bed of mint for 24 hours. La Taifas is also fairly
good value, with a fabulous lunchtime special: 6
Value
€
($7.50) for a three-course meal
with a glass of wine (12:30-2:30pm).
Str. Gheorghe Manu 16.
&
021/212-7788.
Main courses L7-L30 ($2.50-$11/£1.30-£5.80). MC, V. Noon-1am.
Market 8
DELI Superbly styled with a designer's eye for contemporary flair,
this lovely deli occupies a sidewalk corner in the Lipscani District. It opened mid-
2005 to instant popularity, welcomed for its artful integration of lounge-bar with cafe-
style delicatessen, brought to life with fanciful furniture (assorted, clever armchairs), a
small gallery of carefully chosen books, paintings, and other objects d'arts, and purple
walls painted with what can only be described as alien plant life. You can pop in to
buy take-home eats, but you'd be missing out: Grab a seat in the eclectic-smart restau-
rant and be prepared to be charmed by your waiter. Beers are served in frosted glasses,
best with simple sandwiches (try olive-encrusted ciabatta with eggplant, feta, crème
fraîche, bacon, and mozzarella). There's a simple, ever-changing menu of wholesome
meals, such as pastas, pork schnitzel, or fragrant chicken prepared with cashews.
Str. Stavropoleos 8.
&
021/313-4167.
dom@digi.ro. Main courses L14-L28 ($5-$10/£2.70-£5.40); sandwiches
L10-L14 ($3.60-$5/£1.90-£2.70). No credit cards. Mon-Sat 8am-10pm.
EXPLORING BUCHAREST
CITY TOURS & GUIDED WALKS
CRIF Tours
(
&
021/444-0164;
www.discoverromania.ro) is owned by Cristian Flo-
rea, an English-speaking guide who leads groups and individuals not only through
Bucharest, but also to other parts of the country. His knowledge of Romanian history
alone is reason enough to get in contact with him.
Cultural Travel & Tours
(
&
021/
336-3163;
www.cttours.ro) offer exactly what their name suggests. Tailor-made tours
of Bucharest start at 29
($36) per person, and you can also arrange guided tours of
any part of the country. Also offering personalized, culturally geared itineraries is the
€
