European Union Certified Master Chef serving traditional and authentic cuisine
Grand Re-Opening Celebration slated for Friday, December 16
Pittsburgh (December 13, 2016) – Huszar, an authentic Hungarian eatery on Pittsburgh’s Northside, is pleased to announce the hiring of executive chef Peter Gurbacs, a rising culinary talent and European Union-certified Master Chef direct from Hungary.
Traditional and authentic Hungarian cuisine is now being served daily for dinner from 5-9 p.m., with lunch-time service beginning January 2017.
Gurbacs is preparing such Hungarian favorites as Chicken Paprikas, Goulash, Bakonyi Steak (pan-seared pork cutlet served with homemade nokedli), and the sweet and savory crepes called palacsinta.
The new chef is preparing a traditional Hungarian holiday buffet for Huszar’s grand re-opening celebration slated for Friday, December 16 from 7 to 11 p.m.
Huszar, located at 627 East North Avenue, is owned and operated by Judy and Michael Torma. Ms. Torma’s parents, Steven and Emerencia Banai, emigrated to the United States in 1956, fleeing that year’s revolution in their native Hungary. Ms. Torma met her husband in Hungary while on a study abroad program in 1986.
Given that family history, it was almost destiny that they would end up finding a chef in Hungary.
In June of this year the Tormas were celebrating their 30th anniversary in Papa, Hungary. One of Ms. Torma’s cousins recommended they meet with a chef at a local restaurant. In a further twist of fate, the restaurant was a favorite dining spot of Ms. Torma’s father, who maintained a nearby residence.
Thus began a series of conversations with Gurbacs, who was granted a cultural exchange visa allowing him to share Hungarian culinary expertise in the United States.
Gurbacs recently earned a coveted Master Chef designation in the European Union, awarded after a rigorous one-year process comprising advanced courses in food service and learning an additional language. Master Chef consideration is only available to culinary professionals with a minimum of 10 years of experience and upon the recommendation of a current certified Master Chef.
“It’s a great honor to be here in this country and I’m so excited to fulfill Judy and Michael’s vision and share my passion with Pittsburgh,” said Gurbacs. “Part of celebrating my native Hungarian cuisine is by taking a fresh approach to these classic dishes.”
Huszar first opened in December 2015 after extensive interior renovations and is dedicated in honor of Ms. Torma’s parents and to the hospitality, cuisine, and tavern-culture of Hungary. The intimate Northside eatery has become a popular every-other-Thursday destination with the live music of the Gypsy Stringz, attracting a diverse audience of Hungarian immigrants, Northside residents, and patrons from across the region.
“We’re so fortunate that Peter agreed to pull up stakes and move to Pittsburgh, join us in this incredible journey, and pursue his own American Dream — much like my Mom and Dad did 60 years ago,” said Ms. Torma.
Information: (412) 322-8795,ewww.huszarpittsburgh.com , or at www.facebook.com/huszarpgh