Could it be? Is it really possible that the cuisine of Hungary is now an official "endangered cuisine" of New York City? (This being any country's cuisine with ONLY ONE restaurant in the city.) I am amazed and very sad, as it seemed just yesterday, well the early 80's, when there was a very healthy selection, especially in Manhattan's Yorkville area. Pardon me as I am getting nostalgic, as I recall the colorful, ornate, high spirited Red Tulip, one of my favorite all-time restaurants period. Yes, it is true - there is only one Hungarian, and it should be embraced, cherished.  It is Andrea's Cafe & Bakery. Andrea's is no Red Tulip, but it does serve a decent selection of classic Hungarian dishes in a small atmospheric setting. The restaurant has been located between 84th-85th on Second Avenue for eleven years, though its roots go back to 1976, when Rose, Andre's mother opened a bakery in Forest Hills in 1976. 

You will find a good selection (though not great) of the big-time flavorful, if somewhat heavy signature dishes of Hungarian cuisine at Andre's, such as Veal Goulash, Stuffed Cabbage, Stuffed Pepper, Turoscusza Tepertoval (noodles w/farmers cheese, bacon and sour cream). Above is Chicken Paprikash with Nokedli. A stewed dish of tender chicken with sour cream and handmade noodles. Very tasty!

Andre's is on the small cozy side, holding approximately twenty people, however, it is "atmospheric" with photos, posters of Hungary. Above is a large photo of the iconic link bridge in Budapest which spans the Danube. To enter Budapest by boat, which I was fortunate to do several years ago as you glide under the bridge, is truly magical. Also, Hungarian music is played. While I was dining the famous Hungarian rock band of the seventies/eighties, Demjen Rozsi was on.

Andre's has handsome brick walls which adds warmth. As mentioned before, plenty of images of the country abound in the restaurant. From humorous posters to photos of vineyards. Hungary produces some good wine, though most famous being the red Egri Bikaver, or better known as "Bulls Blood." Tokaji Sarga is my favorite white wine. Andre's serves both with other selections as well.

University students from Hungary visiting New York, They are enjoying their Goulash Soup.

Poster of  Hungary's "Gold Team." In 1953 they won the World Cup. 

Though I found the selection of "entrees" somewhat limited, this was not the case with the dessert offerings at Andre's. From fifteen pastries and several strudels to choose from. And of course the Hungarian crepe, known as "Palacsinta." The above photo is of an apricot palacsinta. Very good! There is a large display of all desserts in a display case as you enter the restaurant, and I noticed does a very brisk business. As the ONLY remaining Hungarian restaurant in the city, I encourage all to try Andre's - we need to preserve the cuisines of country's that are sadly disappearing. 

Hungarian language lesson - "Hello" (yo na-pot)    "Thank you"  (ku-sur-num)    "Delicious"   (fi-num)

Interesting fact about Hungary - The Hungarian language is known as Magyar. It is the direct descendent of the language spoken by the Huns, and therefore not an Indo-European language. It has only two related languages in Europe: Finnish (Suomi) and Estonian (Eesti keel)

Address - 1631 Second Avenue (84-85th)  (718) 830 - 0266