Blog Posts
The Most Delicious Dishes in Bulgarian Cuisine
Bulgarian cuisine combines the traditional dishes of our lands with the spiciness, appetizing appearance and unique aroma of the Orient. A combination created over the centuries… And the most delicious are the wonderful ingredients from the Balkans which fascinates every foreigner.
Among the most popular products used in Bulgarian cuisine are white brined cheese and yogurt, and all well-known recipes have been created for centuries. But who are the most liked by foreigners? Those who leave them speechless, you can see in our top 5.
The Most Liked Meals from the Bulgarian Cuisine
Shopska and Shepherd’s Salad
Undoubtedly, the Shopska salad is the leader in the ranking, but we put it in the first place together with the Shepherd’s salad, because it is not inferior to it. The wonderful combination of vegetable flavors is something that most people “fall in love” with.
Yoghurt
Our country is known around the world, especially in Asia, with the yoghurt. For us, yogurt may be quite ordinary, but travelers who have not tried it always remain fascinated.
Banitsa
Quick, easy and very tasty! If you have guests from another country, be sure to prepare banitsa for them. We guarantee that they will like it.
Moussaka
It is not a completely Bulgarian dish, but if we have to characterize the Balkan cuisine as a whole, we will note that there are many similar recipes with some variations in different places.
Barbecue
Lamb or piglet (whichever you prefer), roasted on embers = meat that just falls apart and melts in your mouth. The aroma is simply indescribable.
A Brief History of Bulgarian Cuisine
We have already mentioned that nowadays the cuisine combines the traditions and tastes of the Balkan peoples with those of the Asian world. In the past, the creation of the Bulgarian state marked the beginning of the merging of the kitchens of the Thracians, Slavs and Proto-Bulgarians. Thus, a common national cuisine is gradually being built, in which each of the ethnic groups has its contribution.
According to the researches, the main ingredients of ancient cuisine in our lands were traditional vegetables (cabbage, carrots, beets, turnips, onions, garlic), various types of meat (sheep, goat, pork, beef, poultry, game), cereals ( millet, oats, barley, rye, wheat), as well as legumes (beans, lentils, peas, vetch). Later (sometime around the 16th and 17th centuries), recipes began to be enriched with plants and animals found in America. Previously unknown foods such as beans, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes, corn, sunflowers, turkey and others appear. But that’s not all, the mix becomes even bigger with the addition of rice, eggplant and special spices from the east. After the Liberation, European cuisine began to have a serious influence.
After 1965, many of the main ingredients were missing from the market, so people began to replace them with others that are still part of our national cuisine. For example, butter has been replaced with lard, olives – with pickles… Balkantourist creates some of the emblematic dishes of our country. Then the transition required other innovations such as various modifications of “Shopska salad”, “Shepherd’s salad”, “Mill salad”, kavrma.
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If you want something really very tasty, welcome to the Simona restaurant. Here we prepare everything with passion and attention to detail, because the ultimate goal is to achieve a uniquely delicious result.
For Real Daredevils – The Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Do you like nature? Do you regularly hike in the mountains?! Eco-trails are your passion and the hours of walking and climbing do not scare you?! Think twice! Why? We are going to show you some eco-trails which are incredibly beautyfull, but real dangerous for the physical health of the visitors, too.
Top 3 of the Most Dangerous Eco-Trails in the World
Huashan Mountain, China
Unique place of great religious significance for more than 2 millennia. The first Taoist temple was built there 2300 years ago and since then the place and its surroundings have been among the favorites of travelers. There are many temples, but the most impressive is the network of long and dangerously steep paths leading to five peaks arranged in the shape of a flower.
And if you do not believe that it can be dangerous, we will note that in some places there is no real path, but just stiff wooden boards and carved grooves in the rock to support the legs. The only security is sticking to slightly rusted chains attached to the stone. So in case you are afraid of heights and you are not among the most careful people in the world, you better not go there.
The Way of the King (El Caminito del Rey), Malaga, Spain
So beautiful, but just as dangerous route, which was created in 1901 to provide access to hydropower workers to two waterfalls. Construction was completed in 1905. However, the path did not get its name until 1921, when Alfonso XIII passed through it.
Over time, the path became very dangerous, which is why the authorities decided to block access to it. It has been rebuilt and secured since April 2015, after being closed for more than a decade due to multiple deaths. It winds on dangerous rocks 100 meters above the river Guadalorse and is 3 km long (its width is only a meter).
Angels Landing, Utah, USA
One of the most popular trails in Zion National Park in Southwestern Utah in the United States. In ancient Hebrew, “zaion” means a sanctuary, a temple, but the place is more for lovers of strong adrenaline, rather than for meek religious people.
The eco-trail is about 4 km long and for the most part is not so scary. Towards the end, however, things change dramatically. Continuing means walking on a steep and narrow ridge with dangerous ravines on both sides. A set of chains are placed to help tourists, but even they can not bring you peace of mind. However, those who dare to cross the dangerous terrain receive an indescribable reward – one of the most stunning views in the world.
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The situation this year is not the most suitable for such distant destinations, but if you have a job in Sofia, we will be waiting for you at Art Hotel Simona. With us you will not raise the adrenaline as with the most dangerous eco-trails, but you will satisfy your need for art experiences with our designer rooms. In addition, you will feed your eyes and stomachs with the amazing offers of the Simona restaurant. And, of course, everything is in line with the new conditions and safety requirements!
The Unknown Sofia: Paleontological Museum at Sofia University
The topic of dinosaurs and extinct species is among the most interesting for the children and for the adults too. When it comes to paleontology, however, it seems that we are not familiar enough and many people do not even know that there are such museums so close to them. One of them is the paleontological museum at Sofia University, which we have chosen to present in the “Unknown Sofia” section.
History of the Museum
Under the dome of the North Wing of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski ”the secrets of the distant geological epochs have been hidden for almost 70 years. The place was established in 1956, but is not among the popular places to visit by tourists. The reason for this is not the fact that there is nothing to show, but the unusual location.
The idea for the museum came from the famous Bulgarian geologist Prof. Georgi Zlatarski, who formed the first paleontological collection in the late 19th century. At the beginning of the next century, extremely valuable and rich collections were purchased and so gradually this temple of knowledge began to develop and enrich. In its current form, it was arranged in 1965 and now the collection of materials collected in the course of research activities exceeds 15,000 samples. Among them are a huge number of fossils, rock samples and maps from Bulgaria and neighboring territories.
What Can We See There?
The central place in the collection is for the pride of paleontologists – a restored skeleton of the genus Deinoterium* with impressive dimensions of 7 meters in length and 4.20 meters in height. It is made of authentically preserved bones (more than 90%). Other impressive finds include the remains of a saber-toothed tiger, porcupine, giraffe, tapir and monkey, as well as a fossilized dolphin skeleton found near Balchik.
Where is the Museum?
Address: 15 Tsar Osvoboditel Blvd., Sofia University, North Wing, 5th floor
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 10:00 until 12:00 am and from 01:00 until 04:00pm.
*Dinoterii (deinoteriums) – an extinct genus of giant mammals related to modern elephants. They disappeared at the end of the last ice age, around 11,000 BC. A well-preserved skeleton was discovered in Bulgaria in 1963 in the region of Haskovo.
Practical Tips for Choosing the Right Hotel for You
As with everything else, we choose the hotel according to our capabilities and needs. However, in order to feel as comfortable as possible, it is not the lowest price that should be our guide, but our overall sense of the place. So first answer a few very important questions, and when you do, we believe that it will be much easier for you to choose the most suitable option for you.
Important Questions Before Each Trip
What is the Most Important to You?
We are aware that you may not know exactly what you want from the hotel to make the right choice. That’s why we come to the rescue with a little advice. Before you start your search, make a quick list of things you need for a more enjoyable night. For example, free breakfast, personal attitude, modern interior, delicious food…
At What Price Should the Night at the Hotel be?
And in the beginning it is good to set a budget within which you can fit. Or be aware of what you are willing to compromise on.
What Amenities Do You Want?
Internet, TV, free parking, free breakfast?! Or do you want to pamper yourself with a spa and pool or take care of your good shape in the hotel gym?! It is good to know that in some hotels the extras are included in the price per night, but in others they are paid extra. So it’s not bad to check.
How Big Should Be the Hotel?
People are different – some feel comfortable in cozy small hotels, others prefer the anonymity and most of the capabilities of large hotels. So do not ignore this question, because it is essential for your pleasant stay in the chosen place.
How Many Beds Do You Need?
Where and how we will sleep is not an insignificant issue at all, so be sure to provide beds for children if you travel with them. The quality of sleep has no way not to affect your overall feeling during rest.
Tips for Choosing the Right Hotel:
- Browse the hotel’s website, as well as its presentation on social networks;
- Pay attention to the photos and videos to get a better idea of the place;
- Check the location if it will be convenient for you;
- Review guest ratings, especially those from the last year;
- Also read the negative reviews;
- Call the selected hotel to inquire about the facilities and get an idea of the staff.
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And if you have a trip to Sofia, do not wonder where to spend the night! Welcome to one of the design rooms of Art Hotel Simona! Here we pay special attention to all the important details for you to make sure that your stay with us will be unforgettable.
Adventure During Pandemic (5 Safety Tips)
The pandemic continues to be among the top topics in the news programs around the world and in our country, too. We already know that we must learn to live somehow in the new reality and to be more responsible for our health and that of others. And yet, in the last half year, one of the questions that has plagued us is whether we should travel for pleasure. In the current situation, do we need to minimize the joy of meeting new places and people ?! What do you think?!
The world has gone through similar trials before. But total social isolation is not a good option according – neither for our mental nor physical health, much less for our financial stability. But this is a broader topic, we will focus on some valuable tips from Forbes magazine on how to travel safely during a pandemic.
Rules for Responsible Tourists
Travel with a Car
Of course, we know this is not always possible, but when it is do it. Also, choose destinations that are not far from your home so that you do not have to use public toilets.
It is a good idea to prepare something to eat and drink from home to save on stops at restaurants and shops. Get napkins, utensils and anything else you might need. Also, don’t forget to charge your equipment or equip yourself with a car charger. The idea is that you don’t have to stop before the end point. If you need to refuel, put on gloves and a mask and pay with a card, but you already know this.
No Food Indoors
In many places, eating indoors is not an option, but even so, choose to eat outdoors or take it home (like in the Simona restaurant, where we offer catering, as well as a great summer garden). Why?! Even if the space is large and well ventilated, consider the risks. So you can support local restaurants without endangering yourself and their staff.
Check the Hygiene in Your Hotel
We will repeat, but the new conditions require special attention to hygiene. That is why Art Hotel Simona has developed its own cleaning program to ensure compliance with safety requirements. When traveling, make sure the hotel of your choice has done the same.
Skip Some Procedures
Yes, we know that hotels need to provide our comfort, so we expect someone to clean up after us. But think do you need a new towel every day (for example)?! It is also good to ask about the necessary consumables in advance so as to reduce the visits to the maid.
Bonus Tip
Because times are really complicated and difficult, the opportunity to clear your mind somewhere far from home is associated with a great responsibility of choice. But you can still enjoy the pleasure of traveling if you are vigilant about everyone’s safety. Moving during a pandemic just requires a little more planning and time, but this attention is good for everyone in the long run. And it will also allow you to relax and enjoy your vacation.
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We are waiting for you in the design rooms of Art Hotel Simona and the wonderful summer garden of the Simona restaurant, where we strictly follow the hygiene and disinfection. We insist on thorough cleaning to be safe for the health of our guests and employees.
The Secrets of the Perfect Barbecue
We are at such a time of year that it smells like barbecue everywhere. No matter how much you like meat, this aroma will not leave you impartial. We have to admit that it is very tasty, and it is easy to prepare. However, there are some subtleties that are good to know when you cooking barbecue food to make sure you get the best results. We from Art Hotel Simona and Simona Restaurant have collected some tips and we are happy to share them with you.
Before that let’s go back into the time and trace the history of this way of cooking meat. People have used it since 1.8 million years ago, according to Planet Barbecue (Workman Publishing, 2010).
Briefly About the Appearance of the Barbecue
Well, in the form in which we now know the barbecue – grilled meat or oven, covered with spices and sauce, it is assumed that the tradition originated in the Caribbean. The first drawings of such cooking are by Spaniards who arrive in the Caribbean and discover that the locals roast the caught fish and game on fire, placed on special wooden panels. They themselves called the method “barbacoa”.
According to a legend, the man who carried the idea into European cuisine was the sailor Christopher Columbus. He arrived in these lands in the 15th century and was amazed by the cooking of the local tribes. The taste left him speechless, because he had never tried anything like it before.
Whether the story of Columbus is quite real, we can not be sure, but the reason for baking at low temperature for a long time is crystal clear. Wild meat is tougher and therefore needs longer heat treatment.
Modern Version of the Barbecue
In the current version, the barbecue comes from African slaves in the United States of America, who were given the worst part of the meat. That’s why they had to somehow prepare it to soften and make it more juicy. It turned out that barbecue is the most suitable option.
Tips for the Perfect Barbecue
Do not Use a Gas Barbecue
There are different ways to cook a barbecue, but most experts recommend not using a gas grill. With this type of barbecue you get the necessary heat, but the taste is completely different.
Do not Increase the Temperature
The right way to cook a barbecue is at a low temperature and slowly, so be patient.
Marinate the Meat in Advance
Prepare your favorite marinade sauce and let it stand for a few hours or even overnight. If you do not have that much time, you can speed up the process by leaving the meat out of the refrigerator. At room temperature it will taste and flavor much faster.
Cut Just Before Serving
After roasting the meat, also let it stand for a while – a few minutes. Cut just before you start eating to keep it juicy and tender.
Air Circulation is the Main Secret
The meat should not touch anything other than the grill, ie. the fire must be low. Bake on a flameless embers.
Prepare the Grill So That the Meat Does not Stick
It is good to grease it a few minutes before putting the products on the grill. Red onions also work.
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If you want to eat something tasty and you don’t want to prepare it, welcome to Simona Restaurant. Here we approach cooking as an art and always try to offer our guests uniquely delicious culinary masterpieces.
