“We were ready for the next level. It was time to take our innovative products abroad and help put haute Mediterranean dishes on the gastronomical map of Budapest. Me and my team would like to help the Mediterranean cuisine’s reputation develop globally, so that top foodies all over the world will see what we’re doing.” – says Marvin Gauci, the owner of the restaurant.
Speaking with this unpretentious 38-year-old superstar chef and owner of multiple restaurants makes one believe in the old adage of the power of positive thinking. Marvin still finds joy and satisfaction in this business even with the responsibility of owning and running five restaurants, flying back and forth between Malta and Budapest and helping to increase the overall awareness of Maltese cuisine on the global gastronomic stage.
The restaurant is located adjacent to Corinthia Hotel Budapest, just off the Grand Boulevard in the centre of the city, ran by three extraordinary gentlemen, László Kézdi-Schalchta, Sergi Huerga Marin, the head chef and Marvin himself. The trio’s history goes way back to Malta, where their love for gastronomy and expertise brought them together. Their role in Caviar & Bull’s success is indubitable. You can find chef Sergi explaining the elements of the degustation menu to a guest sitting at the table, László filleting a fish and Marvin pouring liquid nitrogen as an additional show element for plating.
“In the past three years, we have successfully entertained more than eighty thousand guests, prepared countless unique dishes, and achieved numerous recognitions and awards. Notwithstanding the fact that there is room for further growth for Caviar & Bull on the island, we believe that the concept can develop further beyond the shores of Malta.” – explains László, Marvin’s business partner and Caviar & Bull’s general manager.
“That’s right, a big part of this business is confidence, and let’s face it we don’t lack that!” – said Marvin, adding that with the support of his team, wife and family, he was convinced about the fact that the concept and charm that worked well in Malta in all four of his restaurants for a population of 400,000, would be just as successful in a bigger city in the middle of Europe.
Fusing the best of the Maltese and Hungarian cuisines, Marvin Gauci says that it was quite simple: “Just remove some of the usual ingredients and substitute with new Hungarian flavours.” For example, the original Foie Gras from the Maltese menu was served with molecular caviar made of honey, but now, it is made from sweet Tokaj wine and the Beef Tartare is made with the inclusion of gherkins and paprika, which were not in the original Maltese recipe. There are not so many differences between the new Budapest restaurant and the original one in Malta, but many aspects of ‘Hungarian- ness’ have been seamlessly incorporated, such as the use of the local grey cattle, Mangalica pig, Foie gras, paprika and Tokaj wine, enhancing the dishes furthermore.
“As we speak, we are actually re-inventing some Hungarian recipes and the result will be quite cool and very dramatic. This is what people want. It’s like a surprise.” As Marvin Gauci himself is admittedly a ‘day-to-day’ kind of guy, we can surely expect a lot more surprises from this extraordinary entrepreneur’s restaurant in the near future.
Besides Caviar & Bull Budapest, Marvin also runs the popular St Paul’s Bay restaurant Tarragon – probably the most awarded restaurant in Malta’s gastro history, the Budapest restaurant’s Maltese sister hotel, and recently opened Buddhamann, an Asian influenced eatery. The latest venture he started was Dinner in the Sky.
The launch of Caviar & Bull at the heart of Budapest earlier this year is in line with the management’s strategy to develop the brand overseas. The place is a real gem which walks on the footsteps of its Maltese counterpart, yet ensures a clear Hungarian imprint in its design as well as in the menu. Local fresh ingredients, coming from the best suppliers harmoniously coexist with Caviar & Bull signature dishes and key staples of Hungarian cuisine.
If you would like to taste something special, in a wonderful atmosphere, Caviar & Bull Budapest is your place to be! Right after opening Caviar & Bull has earned a respectable position on TripAdvisor, currently ranked as the top restaurant in Budapest – make sure you don’t miss out on the unique gastronomic experience!
