Many many years ago – in 1997 to be exact – when I first came to Lithuania Ponių Laimė was on Gedimino g. I remember it for it’s pink and red interior, grand piano, clean, free toilets (a rarity at that time in Lithuania) and delicately decorated cakes. Together with Hanna, my Finnish classmate at Vilnius University, we would skip our afternoon conversation course to spend the afternoon drinking coffee…
Continue 3 Comments April 7, 2009
The unassuming facade and minimal interior of Bistro 18 stand in stark contrast to the rich flavours that jump off of their menu. Thai chicken, pan-fried fois gras, pork tenderloin marinated in olives and sun-dried tomatos…
In the United States, they celebrate the coming of spring by standing around all day waiting for a rodent to stick his head out of the snow. In Lithuania, they burn giant girls made of straw. At the Ethnographical Museum in Rumšiškės near Kaunas, Užgavenis (Shrove Tuesday) is celebrated the Sunday before with a very pagan arts and crafts festival, music, and food…
Continue Leave a Comment December 7, 2008
The year 2006 brought many changes to Vilnius; the restoration of Gedimino gatvė has nearly been completed, as well as that of the Rotusės square, the Prime Minister was sacked and a new government was formed, and on May 1st, Lithuania raised the requirements for clean air in bars and restaurants to European Union standards resulting in most of the Senamiestis (old town) bars becoming non-smoking…
Continue Leave a Comment December 3, 2008
I’ve been in Lithuania since 2003, and this is at least the 3rd time Universiteto 4 has been renovated and rebranded. Never a fan of Sola Luna, I’m pleased to say that the latest restaurant, Fiorentino has got it just about right…
Continue Leave a Comment December 3, 2008
What is Lithuanian food anyway? Certainly, centuries of Russian, Polish and even Tatarian influence have left their mark on the country’s cuisine. Various potato dishes are usually considered “traditional” in Lithuania, despite the fact that the potato only arrived in the country in the mid-1800’s. No matter the origin, the Lithuanian kitchen contains a vast array of meat, fish and incredibly creative potato dishes.
Continue 2 Comments November 28, 2008
