DINING
we had too many meals (including delicious goulash dishes) to list. You won't have a difficult problem finding good local food. My two favorite restaurants were converted boats that no longer cruise, but are still located on the Danube River with great views.

SPOON CAFE
Spoon Cafe & Lounge is just a few blocks from the Marriott, directly across from the Inter Continental. My favorite dish was definitely the cold Strawberry soup. It sounds nasty, and I was never a fan of cold soup, but I tried it. It was so ridiculously good I went back a second time. You have to love the Hungarians for mastering cold fruit soups. On a hot day they hit the spot. I don't think anyone makes them better than the Hungarians. The menu is in both Hungarian and English. Spoon Cafe & Lounge, H-1052 Budapest, Vigad� ter, Pier 3; tel.: 36-1-411-0933.

THE A38 SHIP RESTAURANT
The other place was the A38 Ship restaurant. Once a Ukrainian stone-carrier ship, this has been turned into a popular club and restaurant. For lunch I had another tasty cold soup. This time it was plum, and boy was it tasty! Don't get me started - I'm starting to get hungry again! The menu was unique, and the service was good. The A38 Ship restaurant, tel.: 36-1-464-39- 46; email restaurant@a38.hu.

GERBEAUD CAFE
You can't miss the legendary Gerbeaud cafe. Built in 1858 and remodeled in 1997, it's just a few blocks from the hotel and a block in from the Danube. This cafe serves delicious coffee, pastries, appetizers and ice cream. They boast they are the largest, most traditional and most famous cafe-confectioners in Europe. Gerbeaud House, 1051 Budapest, V�r�smarty ter 7.; tel.: 36-1- 429-9020. For more click HERE.