Buy & Sell Bulgaria Insight Newsletter

Ingredients for 3-4 portions:

- 3 medium tomatoes
- 3 red peppers
- 1 onion
- 2-3 tbs. of vegetable oil
- 200 gr. of feta cheese
- 3 eggs
- chopped parsley
- salt and pepper

How to cook:
Cut the ingredients into small pieces. Heat the oil in a frying pan and put the onions, leaving them to simmer for 5 minutes. Add the peppers and the tomatoes and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Add the cheese and eggs and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and serve. Delicious with some toast.

Recommended by Richard Payne, client and good friend of Eurolink

The restaurant is situated not far from the centre and a few minutes’ walk from Caesar’s Casino. It is not easy to find, since the building is in traditional style and is tucked away by other buildings. I was passing by and was curious with the outdoor table layout and the BBQ at the back, so I cautiously walked in and made a wonderful discovery! It is a full fledge restaurant of two storeys, arranged in wonderful Bulgarian traditional style as the picture above.

As I walked in the central area, there was a large copper chimney with indoor BBQ grill with the bar at one side, but what amazed me was the wonderful collection of wines - lots of them!!! I would assume that indoor BBQ should be very popular in the winter.

Another point goes to the waitress who was very friendly while taking me to my table and happily serving my richly deserved desires. The meal was also very well cooked and juicy, and of very good value (6 Euros) - I can’t wait to try out some lamb meal next time!

For those wishing to experience traditional Bulgarian meal in Varna, I would certainly recommend this place - it is the perfect way to impress yourself and your friends.

Rating 9/10

By Sebastian Kinsman, Ex-partner
of Chris Violaris, MD of Buy & Sell Bulgaria

On the sultry evening of August 8, 2007, our daughter Lara Daphnie Kinsman was christened by the Bishop of Varna and Veliki Preslav, Metropolitan Kyrill, Member of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, at Varna’s Assumption Cathedral.

It was a considerable event. Friends arrived in Varna from across Bulgaria. Victoria’s mother, Valentina, and sister Anya, travelled from Kishiniev in Moldova, and my brother Ivan flew in with his family from Poland. Soderoula, Chris Violaris’s sister, had gone to great efforts to get every detail right for the elaborate ceremony. Chris Violaris also went to some expense buying the various paraphernalia at a special Orthodox Christening shop in Athens. There was a men’s choir to add to the richness of the occasion.

Anyway, Lara Daphne was eventually well and truly dunked in the giant copper bowl filled with water mixed with olive oil. She cried her eyes out, was dressed, and we moved on to the smart Horizont Restaurant for dinner. This took place on the terrace overlooking the Black Sea. This was a hell of a spread: shopska salad with rakia, lavrak, a local white-fleshed fish, accompanied by white wine produced from the grapes grown on “Marina Hills”, and dessert.

Everything had gone perfectly from the moment we rolled up at the Cathedral in Chris Violaris’s Rolls Royce Silver Phantom until the moment Alex, Lara’s half-brother, banged his head into a plate glass window at the restaurant, causing a bloody gash. And everything went perfectly again after a swift visit to the local Accident and Emergency Hospital where he was stitched up.

Lara Daphne Kinsman has quite exotic origins: English father, Moldovian mother - the beautiful Victoria, whose bright blue eyes she has inherited, Bulgarian half-brother, and now she has a Cypriot Godfather.

Clockwise from left to right: Sebastian, Chris, Chris’s wife Assia, Chris’s daughter Stephanie, Lara’s half-brother Alex and Victoria with Lara Daphne

This dish used to be prepared at the Rila Monastery kitchen. Rila Monastery is one of the famous Bulgarian Visitors attractions - a monastery which has survived many attacks by the Ottoman Turks and has provided a shelter for many persecuted people.

Ingredients:

- 1 kg braised beef
- 4 medium tomatoes
- 120 g mushrooms
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 onion
- 150 g olives
- a bunch of parsley
- 2 tbs vegetable oil
- 25 g butter
- 1 tbs sugar
- 2 1/2 cups beef-stock
- black pepper, paprika and salt

How to cook:
Cut the beef into cubes or small pieces and fry in a pan with a little oil for about 5 minutes. Add the chopped onions, beef-stock and paprika, 5 minutes later add the mushrooms and rice and simmer for about 15 minutes. Add the chopped tomatoes, add salt, butter, 1 tbs sugar and the olives, then cook for further 5 minutes. Preheat oven to 190°C. Put the content of the pan into a baking dish and cook for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley and pepper before serving. Bon Apetit!

Villa Aqua Beach Resort in Varna is the Eastern European continuation of the tradition that started 30 years ago, in 1972, in New York with the establishment of the famous boutique hotel and restaurant The Box Tree. Villa Aqua Beach Resort is situated within 13 km of the town of Varna, in the begining of the beach resort “Golden Sands” not far from the “International Journalists house”, and 15 minutes distant from the beach. The complex has a private parking and 24-hour security guard.

“Villa Aqua” has a magnificent inner courtyard with a beautiful garden, open-air swimming pool, summer cocktail bar, jazz-club and restaurant, famous with its unique cuisine. Restaurant “The Box Tree” is a member of the “Chaine des rotisseurs” and offers remarkable French and Bulgarian traditional dishes.

“Villa Aqua” restaurant offers opportunities for unforgettable evenings, business and private celebrations, corporate events, far from the sounds of the trivial round.

Rating 9/10

Ingredients:

- 1 1/4 kg aubergines (about 4-5 large aubergines)
- 200 g white brined cheese or feta cheese
- 50 g breadcrumbs
- vegetable oil
- 100 g plain flour
- 6 eggs
- parsley
- a bunch of dill
- black pepper and salt

How to cook:
Wash and dry the aubergines, slice 1/2 cm thick, sprinkle with salt and put aside for 10-15 minutes. Drain any juices which are running from the aubergine slices. Put each slice in flour and fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side.
Make a filling by mixing 4 eggs, cheese, parsley and pepper. Place a tbs of the mixture onto one slice and cover with another slice, making it look at as a sandwich. Do the same with the other aubergine slices.
Then dip the “sandwiches” in the remaining 2 eggs (beaten), cover in breadcrumbs and fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side.
The same recipe can be made with peppers, but instead of slicing them, you simply fill them.

BM Restaurant Chain started its existence in 1997. Since then it has successfully developed and extended its brand. Each restaurant has its own charm and individuality. BM The Garden offers a list of selected recipes from the Bulgarian and European cuisine stressing on the sea specialties, always fresh and tempting. The restaurant is located among the fascinating greenery of the Varna Sea Garden, giving coolness and peace. Its style is elegant and trendy. The cozy atmosphere is created by slight music, quality service and individual approach to the client.

Rating of 9/10

The “Barite” complex, is located 36 km northwest of Varna, in the forest of the village of Chernevo. It spreads over 18 decares at 160 m above sea level. It consists of 5 houses, a national-style restaurant built of stone and wood, a museum of crafts in the open, an ethnographic collection of lifestyle items of the local people of Chernevo, a hall for quiet games, and a children’s playground. The restaurant, makes you feel at home, where one can share the tasty food with friends and enjoy the invigorative power of various drinks. The menu includes national cuisine, with the basic principle of their cooking being “Quality dishes are prepared from quality products”. The biggest pleasure is making the choice of “parlenki” (dampers), the sight of which tempts each visitor and are prepared only at the “Barite”. During the winter the live fire in the fireplace predisposes each guest to tranquillity and oblivion of the city clamour. Every night an orchestra entertains the guests, performing music of all genres.

Rating of 9/10

In Bulgaria, there is a tradition called July Morning as an echo from the hippy period in the 1980s and maybe as far back as the 1970s. Young and elder people from all over the country travel (often hitchhiking) to the Black Sea coast on the night of June 30 to meet the first sun rays on the 1st of July. Naturally, British rock band Uriah Heep’s 1972 hit July Morning is the main refrain.

Although the tradition was emotionally linked to the hippy movement in America, it is still popular in Bulgaria. It is probably not observed anywhere else, because of its specific role as a subtle protest during communist times. Celebrations started in Varna in 1991, two years after the communist government resigned and in recent years have spread to other towns and cities. Initially, celebrants gathered on Pier 1 at the Port of Varna East; now the vigil takes place on beaches as well.

Some argue that the tradition has lost its original meaning over time. Also, younger people do not necessarily know under what circumstances it was started or even who the author of the song was (namely, Uriah Heep). In Bulgaria, the sea is associated in the first place with summer vacation and having a good time, and July 1 is about when vacation starts for most high schools and colleges.

The feeling of elation from the first morning sun rays as a symbol of a new beginning in life, however, is still the main reason people observe the celebration. July Morning may be related to sun worship and to midsummer night rites popular throughout Bulgarian lands ever since antiquity. It is believed that the best way to experience July Morning is to retreat with a few friends to one of the quiet beaches on the Black Sea facing east.

Staro Selo (Old Village) restaurant is situated in the immediate vicinity of the Sea Garden and the Naval Academy in Varna. It has over 100 seats and a rich assortment of salads, starters, main dishes and drinks. In a typical folk-style atmosphere you can enjoy specialties of Bulgarian national cuisine like kavarma, shishcheta, vreteno. The place is suitable for family celebrations, business meetings or simply enjoy a meal with friends. You will have the pleasure to hear the unique Bulgarian folk music, as well as Macedonian and old-time city songs. In Staro Selo you will not only enjoy taste, you will also enjoy what you see and hear.

Rating of 8/10

Ingredients: 500g minced veal, 300g minced pork, 1 bunch of spring onions, half a cupful rice, one cupful yogurt, parsley, mint, paprika, pepper, 30-40 vine or cabbage leaves, 100g butter or half a cupful of sunflower oil, salt.

Fry the finely chopped onions in part of the oil for 10 min. Add the paprika and some water, stir and take off the stove. Add the meat, rice, pepper, mint and finely chopped parsley. Pour over with warm salted water and simmer until the water has been absorbed by the rice. Scale the vine or cabbage leaves with salted hot water and put 1 tsp. of the prepared mixture on each leave. Roll together and arrange in a saucepan, pour over 3/2 cupful of warm water and 1 tsp. oil, close with a lid and simmer on a low heat. When ready, pour over the beaten yogurt and melted butter with paprika in it. Serve with vegetables. The same recipe may be used for stuffed peppers and eggplants.

George Michael’s show in Sofia unfolded at Lokomotiv stadium on a giant eighty-ton stage, fixed with equipment that was transported to the Bulgarian capital with a fleet of 36 TIR vehicles.

A mature and politically engaged George Michael took the stage in Sofia Monday evening, 28th May, in support of the plight of the five Bulgarian nurses jailed in Libya. Widely described as the most impatiently awaited gig of the year in Bulgaria, the concert was part of George Michael’s “25 Live” concert tour, his first in over fifteen years. The British pop star cancelled a concert in Germany to come to Bulgaria and embrace the campaign “You are not alone”, which aims to raise the international profile of the nurses, sentenced to death in Libya on bogus charges of intentionally infecting 426 children with AIDS.

“The very special reason for being here tonight is to support the “You are not alone” campaign and free the five nurses and a Palestinian doctor jailed in Libya! And do it now!,” George Michael said to an exalted audience of fifteen thousand fans packed at Lokomotiv stadium.

The huge scene and impressive visual effects of the show were something unseen in Bulgaria so far. Three big video walls - one if them tongue-shaped and slipping out into the audience - showed the star performing on stage and video clips in combination with impressive light effects and massive sound that offered the fans a once-in-a-lifetime experience and proved that high-quality remains George Michael trade mark. “Freedom”, one of his best written, produced and sung songs, put a logical end to the show with a plea for the release of the Bulgarian women. “This song is especially for the Bulgarian nurses sentenced to death in Libya. I dedicate this song to them - let’s cry out Freedom together, so that the whole world hears us. Freedom is what they need most! What a terrible injustice,” said the Megastar, without hiding his happiness that the proceeds of his mega concert will go to the association Freedom for the Nurses, founded by their relatives.

I am the basis of all wealth, the heritage of the wise, the thrifty and the prudent.

I am the poor man’s joy and comfort, the rich man’s prize, the right hand of capital, the silent partner of many thousands of successful men.

I am the solace of the widow, the comfort of old age, the cornerstone of security against misfortune and want.

I am handed down to children through generations, as a thing of great worth.

I am the choicest fruit of toil, Credit respects me. Yet I am humble. I stand before every man bidding him to know me for what I am and possess me.

I grow and increase in value through the countless days. Though I seem dormant, my worth increases, never failing, never ceasing. Time is my aid and population heaps up my gain. Fire and the elements I defy, for they cannot destroy me.

My possessors learn to believe in me; invariably they become envied. While all other things wither and decay, I survive. the centuries find me younger, increase my strength.

I am the foundation of banks, the producer of food and the basis of wealth thoughout the world. Yet I am so common that thousands, unthinking and unknowing, pass me by.

I am Land!

Provided by Joel House, client and good friend of Buy & Sell Bulgaria

Mr Baba is a year round restaurant , that offers the freshest fish and the most delicious dishes. Enjoy classy European cuisine in the unique atmosphere of a legendary battle ship. Every day the maitre patissier is preparing sweets, which are well known among the conoisseurs.

Situated on the pier, Mr Baba offers a magnificent view to the sea , the Varna beach and the city. There is also a VIP hall on the ship, available for business appointments, the two decks are a great place to celebrate your holiday or arrange a party.

Rating of 8/10

Gyuveche (say it, “GYOO-vech-ay”) is a popular catch-all dish, which you can make with just about anything you have in the fridge. It gets its name from the small individual ceramic dishes in which it’s traditionally cooked and served. I suppose you could prepare the recipe in a casserole dish, but then you’d have a casserole, not a gyuveche.

Here’s the recipe…

What you need (for a single serving):

• About 200-300 grams cheese (you may use as many different kinds of cheese as you like, but make sure to include feta cheese as it is the traditional one for this dish and is not as oily when it melts)
• 1 egg
• various chopped herbs

And everything else is optional because Bulgarians use whatever is left over in the fridge to make this dish:
• any kind of cooked chicken, pork, or beef
• any kind of sausages or hot dogs
• vegetables: tomatoes, peppers, small hot pepper, mushrooms, cooked potatoes
• fresh greens: parsley, dill, celery leaves

How to make it: Chop or dice everything you want to put in. Make alternating layers of cheese, meat, and vegetables, and finish with cheese. Bake in the oven at 200 C (app. 375 F) for 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Break the egg on top and put back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes depending on how well-done you like your eggs. Serve with fresh bread or toast. Enjoy!

May 8 marks the day of victory for Allies in World War II

On Mar. 7, 1945, the Western Allies - whose chief commanders in the field were Omar N. Bradley and Bernard Law Montgomery - crossed the Rhine after having smashed through the strongly fortified Siegfried Line and overran West Germany. German collapse came after the meeting (Apr. 25) of the Western and Russian armies at Torgau in Saxony, and after Hitler’s death amid the ruins of Berlin, which was falling to the Russians under marshals Zhukov and Konev. The unconditional surrender of Germany was signed at Rheims on May 7 and ratified at Berlin on May 8.

This is the name day for all who have names like flowers and trees and, like me, Lili (Lily-of-the-valley; Lilium). This is also the orthodox “Palm Sunday”. It is always one week before Easter. On this day most people go to church, they buy some willow twigs which are blessed and then tied to the entrance of the home as a proclamation of faith in the resurrection of Christ.

Being one of the most beautiful spring holidays it celebrates the day of the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, when he was welcomed with palms and olive branches. Bulgarian Orthodox tradition uses more readily-available willow branches instead of palms, and people weave them into small crowns, which they put on the head of young children for health and blessing. All who are named after flowers and trees celebrate their name day on this day.

Happy Name Day to me!!!!:)

There are many birthday boys and girls in April. Our dear colleagues Nevin Halil (Legal Department at Buy & Sell Bulgaria), and good clients and friends Margaret Coleman, Stephen Day, Darren Finch, Kristina Trodden, Latesha Tuck and Anastasia Irodotou have their special day this month. We would like to wish them all many happy returns and the best of luck!

“Nikovata Kashta”, which means “Niko’s House”, is situated in the place of Akchelar near the sea capital of Varna, on the road to Aladja Monastery (Golden Sands resort area). It seats 70 and is positioned in a marvelous National Revival, 2-storey house with a large terrace and spacious yard. The tavern “Nikovata Kashta” carries you away into the warm and cozy atmosphere of the old time taverns. There you will be entertained royally! It offers tasty specialties from the Bulgarian national cuisine. The menu includes a variety of salads, warm and cold hors d’oeuvres, a la minutes, barbecue, main dishes, and deserts. There is also a rich assortment of white and red wines, brandy, alcohol and non-alcohol drinks. Why not try it out, it is perfect for every occasion.
Rating of 8/10.

All over the country, Bulgarians marked on 24th February the holiday, known as Todorovden (the day of Todor or Theodor), also called the Horse Easter. The Orthodox Church celebrates the day on the first Saturday of the Easter Fast.

On this day there were many traditional horse races and our dear colleague Teodora (Reception) had a name day. Happy name day Teddy, wishing you loads of smiles and luck!

In the picture above, the mayor of the neighborhood of Konstantinovo (next to Marina Hills) is preparing the thoroughbreds Vagner and Granada for the traditional races on Todorovden. In actual fact we have been invited by the mayor to see some races, which have been organized for April, 8th as well. For any of you who enjoy horse riding, let us know when you come over and we can arrange a ride.