On the margins of last weekend's terrace opening and the future of catering...
I liaise with restaurant owners, chefs, caterers on a daily basis as part of my job.
This gives me up-to-date information from the hotline on how this segment is experiencing the force majeure situation that has been going on since last year. Closing, opening, closing, opening...
For many, the pandemic has brought a permanent farewell, for others a renovation, sometimes a completely new menu, a completely different cooking technique.
For the first time in months, there is a sense that the easing of the situation is starting to lift the industry. It is not yesterday that counts, but today and tomorrow. All the negativity that had been building up seemed to dissipate as soon as the light at the end of the tunnel flickered.
There is renewed hope that there will be and there is still Hungarian hospitality. The paper-box culinary horror and the friendly beer binges and online dates on Zoom, Google Meets could be over.
I've had quite a few conversations on the subject in recent weeks. In fact, everyone who wanted to was prepared, “as they said: they had time”...
But many were still caught off guard by the outcome of last weekend.
The internet and the press exploded this week. On one side, there were stories about crowded terraces, people without masks, irresponsible behaviour. On the other, there was an ode of joy that at last we have, albeit partially, regained some of our freedom. Sharing.
This is the word that comes to mind when I think about what is going on around us and I think I am not alone. I've got a plethora of examples swirling around in my head, they've been here for a while:
-virus deniers vs. virus fearers
-responders-conTRA vaccine opponents
-host vs employee.
Let's just take the last one, because this is a gastronomy site. Look at the owner, who was forced to close down, overnight, laying off his staff, or the employee, who was forced to look for another job because his job as such ceased to exist.
There were also serious disagreements within the profession. Some have been able to keep their workers and many have not, which has created controversy. At the moment it is very difficult to find skilled workers in this area, and it is also flowing from the tap, because many have sent their workers away. There is also talk of unrealistic wage demands.
Now, please, where is the truth here? Who and what has done right or wrong among the above?
Viewpoints...and this is just a thought-provoking summary.
What is certain is that if we reach four million vaccinated citizens, then the interiors will be open to those who have a vaccination card and are willing to show their personal documents.
According to the latest information, this could happen today or tomorrow, but don't expect beer on tap in many places, as there is supposedly none, “pistachios were out, there was no chocolate” :D!
