Page 32 iGap travelguide 2023
P. 32
iGap Travel Guide
32
While it may not be an immediately obvious
observation, the culinary landscape within Kaunas
has been drastically changing over the last few
years, bringing the scene to its current height of
experimentation. Although traditional Lithuanian
eateries remain in the majority (there is sure to be
a sweet-smelling donut bakery,
spurgine
, on every
street corner), tastes now range from Michelin-
level Nordic cuisine to Southeast Asian-inspired
bites. Local and seasonal produce continues to
play a significant role on all menus, with the root
vegetables that Lithuania is most famous for finding
their way into a considerable number of hearty
dishes. Adventurous chefs set on making a mark
further continue to elevate authentic recipes, such
as
varškėčiai
(quark cheese pancakes) and
cepelinai
(potato-meat dumplings), driving them into the
present day. What’s more, a large percentage of
these emerging eateries are located conveniently
on and around Kaunas’ picturesque central street:
Laisvės Alėja.
An exceptional example of elevated traditional
flavours can be found at the multi-award-winning
Monte Pacis. Housed within the astonishingly
beautiful monastery of the same name – right beside
Lithuania’s most prominent example of Baroque
architecture, Pažaislis Monastery – this classically
focused restaurant will leave you as satisfyingly
stuffed as a member of the Grand Duchy of
Lithuania’s nobility.
Fusing history and traditions with nature and
seasonality, Head Chef Raimundas Dambrauskas
creates visually entrancing dishes, each with its
own story to tell. Brunch, business lunches and
leisurely dinners can all be enjoyed here, either with
selections from the a la carte menu or the regularly
changing sample menu, which features either four or
six courses. Current enticing menu options include
locally sourced smoked eel with baby potatoes,
burnt leek mayo and pike caviar; juicy duck breast
with Hasselback potatoes, Pažaislis Monastery apple
chutney and salted plum sauce; and the restaurant’s
signature honey cake complete with quince ice
cream. Having claimed first place in three different
categories at the International Baltic Wine List Awards
2020, Monte Pacis further boasts a tantalising list of
more than 200 rare and small-batch wines.
Delivering modern European fare that almost looks
too good to eat, DIA is an upmarket destination
where booking ahead is not only recommended but
a must. Inside the elegant interiors, guests will find an
intimate dining area complete with a cocktail bar and
an adjoining private courtyard. From lemon-topped
oysters to foie gras served on in-house baked brioche
and rye bread, creamy mushroom risotto, juicy
A SHIFTING CULINARY LANDSCAPE
32
While it may not be an immediately obvious
observation, the culinary landscape within Kaunas
has been drastically changing over the last few
years, bringing the scene to its current height of
experimentation. Although traditional Lithuanian
eateries remain in the majority (there is sure to be
a sweet-smelling donut bakery,
spurgine
, on every
street corner), tastes now range from Michelin-
level Nordic cuisine to Southeast Asian-inspired
bites. Local and seasonal produce continues to
play a significant role on all menus, with the root
vegetables that Lithuania is most famous for finding
their way into a considerable number of hearty
dishes. Adventurous chefs set on making a mark
further continue to elevate authentic recipes, such
as
varškėčiai
(quark cheese pancakes) and
cepelinai
(potato-meat dumplings), driving them into the
present day. What’s more, a large percentage of
these emerging eateries are located conveniently
on and around Kaunas’ picturesque central street:
Laisvės Alėja.
An exceptional example of elevated traditional
flavours can be found at the multi-award-winning
Monte Pacis. Housed within the astonishingly
beautiful monastery of the same name – right beside
Lithuania’s most prominent example of Baroque
architecture, Pažaislis Monastery – this classically
focused restaurant will leave you as satisfyingly
stuffed as a member of the Grand Duchy of
Lithuania’s nobility.
Fusing history and traditions with nature and
seasonality, Head Chef Raimundas Dambrauskas
creates visually entrancing dishes, each with its
own story to tell. Brunch, business lunches and
leisurely dinners can all be enjoyed here, either with
selections from the a la carte menu or the regularly
changing sample menu, which features either four or
six courses. Current enticing menu options include
locally sourced smoked eel with baby potatoes,
burnt leek mayo and pike caviar; juicy duck breast
with Hasselback potatoes, Pažaislis Monastery apple
chutney and salted plum sauce; and the restaurant’s
signature honey cake complete with quince ice
cream. Having claimed first place in three different
categories at the International Baltic Wine List Awards
2020, Monte Pacis further boasts a tantalising list of
more than 200 rare and small-batch wines.
Delivering modern European fare that almost looks
too good to eat, DIA is an upmarket destination
where booking ahead is not only recommended but
a must. Inside the elegant interiors, guests will find an
intimate dining area complete with a cocktail bar and
an adjoining private courtyard. From lemon-topped
oysters to foie gras served on in-house baked brioche
and rye bread, creamy mushroom risotto, juicy
A SHIFTING CULINARY LANDSCAPE
