Pilies Kepyklelė

April 8, 2009

Pilies Kepyklelė in the early spring before they put the tables out.

It’s Saturday morning, you lay in bed semi-conscientious of the sun streaming through the window. You sense it is a reasonable time to get up but your eyes remain closed, in protest to the splitting headache that will surely follow the moment you open them. After last night’s party, one could argue that the only thing to do is remain in bed, except that after a long winter a warm spring day is not to be wasted. There is only one thing to do: drag your tired, broken self to Pilies Kepyklelė for lietiniai (crepes), coffee and a fresh squeezed grapefruit juice.

At least, that’s what I do after a long night out. The first question is of course, “What is a ‘reasonable’ time to get up?” OK. Well, during the warm months, the sun shines on the sidewalk tables from about 10.30–12.30 and from 11.00 it’s definitely a fight to grab one of the few spots. If you’re the type (like me) who enjoys their breakfast outside where it’s oh so entertaining to watch the locals pass by, then sleepy-eyed and all, I recommend getting out of bed as early as humanly possible. If you’re not one for late night parties, then a morning walk through Sereikškių park will work up an appetite for the best bulvinų blynai (potato pancakes) in town.

Can’t decide what to order? I have the same problem, but here are a couple of sure to please favorites:

Obviously start off with a coffee and a glass of fresh squeezed juice. As I mentioned above, the bulvinų blynai, served with a slice of fried salmon and a generous dollop of cranberry sour cream sauce, are melt-in-your-mouth good. I also love the lietiniai with ham and cheese, smothered in sour cream (I like to cover it all in pepper). If you’re in the mood for dessert, try the shortcake with cherries or the fresh fruit smoothie for a healthier option.

PS… don’t think that Pilies Kepyklelė is only for the summer months… when the weather turns colder, the cozy interior will warm you right up—that, and a bowl of cheese soup and a glass of brandy!

Pilies g. 19, Vilnius, Tel. +37052608992

Filed under: Food & Drink,Lithuania

Tags: cafe, cake, coffee, food, Lithuania, Lithuanian, Pilies Kepyklele, restaurant, Vilnius