Winner of last year's Bib Gourmand award, Macok Bistro in Eger has been going strong for almost 10 years. In an interview with the chef of the restaurant, which is a hit with gastronomic tourists, romantics and families alike, we discussed the secret to their success and the problems facing the hospitality sector.
opened in 2014, the basic concept of the restaurant has remained unchanged since its opening. Dishes based on the foundations of Hungarian cuisine are reinterpreted to meet the needs of the present day, served in a bistro style. This is complemented by a Mediterranean twist in the choice of ingredients, but the menu remains accessible and likeable for everyone. A great example is the beef cheek with bull's blood, smoked celeriac puree and padron peppers, with toadstools or the citrusy cauliflower cream soup served with fish balls. The setting couldn't be more welcoming and the service is direct.
„As it's a family business, we wanted the atmosphere to be accordingly, we didn't want to be a fussy one, fine dining restaurant. Some people do it much better, so we prefer to reimagine classic dishes in slightly larger portions. Of course, we put a lot of emphasis on serving and raw ingredients - something that Matusz-Vad, for example, has been a big help with from the beginning.” - says János.
The Matusz-Vad at the service of Bistro Macok
Our company mainly supplies fresh ingredients to Bistro Macok. For example, for many dishes we are the supplier of beef, a steak, farmyard chicken, game, fish and mangalica. But in addition to the wide range and impeccable quality, John also likes to work with us for other reasons.
„What I would definitely stress is flexibility and punctual delivery. The fact that I can place an order until 6pm and receive it the next day is good because I don't have to stockpile raw materials. This is especially true in the summer, when Saturday deliveries are possible. I'm also very happy with telesales, the customer service staff are always helpful and friendly.”
Despite the difficulties, they hope for a strong summer
Although for reasons that are known to all, the past year has been particularly they were tough for the hospitality and tourism sector, the Macok Bistro has fortunately been busy, with good turnover throughout the year and weekends almost always full. János is optimistic about the summer season, although he sees the market shrinking. They are very lucky in terms of location, as Eger is an attractive tourist destination all year round, with fewer and fewer people with the financial means to afford regular visits to restaurants. Whereas the average family used to dine out two or three times during a weekend in Eger in the summer, experience shows that this now stops at one. But this is not what he sees as the most threatening problem, it is finding and retaining skilled workers, which is looking increasingly desperate. Although in their case the core staff is stable regardless of the season, they, like most places, have a huge problem of staff expansion when the terrace opens.
„My feeling is that this will be a huge problem in the future. Amazingly difficult to find people with the right skills and experience whether in the kitchen or on the service front. The biggest problem I find is education. Since the change of regime, standards have been steadily declining, and it seems as if schools are just going for the „rations”. Up until a few years before that, there were always one or two students worth keeping and I was happy to deal with them, now I'm happy if they don't go elsewhere in a month.
Eger's main attractions
If the with delicious snacks Eger is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hungary. The city's history and cultural heritage, as well as its beautiful natural surroundings, attract visitors all year round. The unique treasures of Eger cannot be discovered in a short visit, but if you are only here for a few days, the following places are worth a visit.
Eger Castle is one of the most famous sights of the city. With centuries of history, Baroque and Gothic buildings, exhibitions and beautiful views, the 15th-century castle offers a fun-filled programme for the whole family. The castle is currently being rebuilt and restored to offer visitors an even better experience. Night-time castle tours and the annual wine festival offer a special experience for those who want to discover the castle's hidden secrets.
The historic centre of Eger is another popular attraction. The Dobó Square and the minaret in the heart of the city are a reminder of Ottoman times. Strolling through the narrow streets, you will find a cavalcade of Baroque and Renaissance buildings. A stroll through the historic city centre reveals not only the buildings and history, but also the gastronomic specialities of the Eger wine region. Restaurants and cafés offer a year-round programme of events and festivals.
Travellers are also attracted by the natural treasures of Eger and its surroundings. The Érsek Garden behind the Eger Castle is a beautiful green area, offering a relaxing break from the hustle and bustle of city life, while the Szépasszony Valley is the most beautiful part of the Eger wine region, where wine lovers can enjoy a wide range of wineries and hiking trails. The diversity of Eger's natural environment and the year-round programmes ensure that everyone can find a leisure activity to suit their interests.
