I love Montenegro! Is there any country in the world so small in size that has such a wide range of magnificent landscape? (Country is the 160th largest in the world, smaller than Connecticut) Rugged coastline, towering mountains, a breathtaking fjord, and the deepest gorge in Europe. Feeling in the mood for some authentic cuisine from this country I headed up to the Bronx, the restaurant of Cakor which is located off Arthur Avenue in the area of "Little Albania." Cakor which has been opened four years is not only popular with native of Montenegro, but with the diaspora from the other Balkan countries as well. 

For the hungry carnivore, I highly recommend the "CANKOR COMBO." Three meats; Sujak the item looking somewhat pink in color, Qufte, resembling a small hamburger patty, and the Civapi, the small sausages. Each of the meats had their own distinct robust flavor, and all very tasty. The trio of meats was accompanied by a generous piece of Bulgarian feta, red peppers and potato. Cakor also pours a very nice "House Red" from Montenegro, full bodied, and semi-dry.

The CAKOR COMBO more than filled me up good for lunch, however, when the owner Ismet Sujok learned of my travels and love for his country, especially that I stayed three days in the village of Gusinje ( a spectacular mountain setting on the Albanian border) where he is from, he insisted that I try the "special dish" for this evening, assuring me, "my treat, my treat."  Stuffed Red Pepper with Mashed Potatoes (yes, they are orange in color) and pieces of Montenegrin lamb. Wow, sooo very good! 

Ismet Sujak, the big-hearted, highly animated owner of CAKOR with his wife. His "story" is amazing, arriving alone to NYC by himself at the age of sixteen not knowing anyone. He met his wife when she was fourteen. Ismet explained to me that CAKOR is named after a dramatic high-ridge mountain pass between Montenegro and Kosovo.

No this is not the Bronx . . . but one of my favorite dinners in Montenegro. What a  combination, yummy prawn risotto and the setting looking across the Adriatic in the village of Milocer. I encourage travel to Montenegro, however, do not go in the height of summer, but off-season if possible. I went in mid-May and it was wonderful and not expensive. Do you see that house jutting out over the water? I stayed there for only $70 a night.