Bucharest: A Traditional Meal

1. Peasant Church Art

2. Sculpture on Museum grounds

It was a warm November day by Ontario standards (14°C) when two hungry Canadians walked into a patio restaurant following a visit to the Bucharest Peasant Museum. As this is Romania, they were able to comfortably sit for lunch in the courtyard located directly behind the museum as there were propane heaters set about to cut the chill.  Vin Fiert, or mulled wine, was heating in a large ceramic cast and breathing off a steamy spiced mist which helped to set the mood. Two large mugs were filled and brought with menus that had been exchanged for the English versions kept behind the counter for the occasional tourists that stop by.  After perusing the choices five dishes were selected, all confirmed to be lacto-ovo-vegetarian friendly.

3. Beth adds hot pepper to
Ciorbă

The meal started with the tradition Ciorbă - a hardy rustic sour soup usually spiced with paprika and smoked pork. However this version was Ciorbă de legume. Rob also selected this soup over the more popular Ciorbă de burtă, or tripe soup, in an effort to reduce the amount of cream in his diet.  Though generously portioned, Beth quickly ate the delicious soup as it was a very late lunch and resumed her efforts to lure the two stray cats pacing the patio in search of dropped morsels of food.

4. A bountiful spread

The main dishes brought to the table were equally delicious. Sarmale served with mămăliga, more commonly known as cabbage rolls and polenta, arrived for Beth. She enjoyed the rich spices and fresh dill flavour that is a common ingredient with many Romanian dishes and reminded her of Vio’s cooking at the Windsor Market. Rob’s potato dish was served with a side dish of mămăligă cu brânză şi smântână which is polenta covered with a generous dollop of sour cream topped with grated telemea, a feta like cheese.  It was quite filling and he was unable to finish it despite Beth’s effort to help. As typically happens with language barriers, although it was confirmed to be meat-free, Rob’s potatoes were served with slană, a Romanian bacon that is both fatty and thickly cut. Beth quickly stole some pieces from his plate which she used to successfully entice the large grey tomcat over to the table.  Beth asked for bread while Rob ordered a second mug of Vin Fiert.

5. Cat whispering technique # 3

The late lunch was a satisfying one as it was both delicious and would tie them over for the day.  Rob paid the meager bill of 73 Romanian Leu, or 20 Canadian dollars, before finishing the now tepid mulled wine. Beth relaxed with the grey tom which after eating the offerings had jumped onto her lap for a nap.