In Search of ‘The Best’
BEST OF BUDAPEST AWARDS GALA

The 11th annual Best of Budapest Awards Gala took place on May 23, 2004 at the InterContinental Hotel Ballroom. Now a Budapest tradition, these awards have been given out yearly for our readers’ choice of the best hospitality and service companies in the city. This year there were over 1,000 nominations. The lively night of exclusive social and art entertainment was fired up with the opening act by the famed singing violinist, Katica Illényi, followed by a greeting message from Best of Budapest Publisher Peter Freed. The award ceremony proceeded to give recognition to those that have worked diligently to provide us with their BEST during 2003. The evening featured the much anticipated landmark, “Taste of Town,” where 14 leading restaurants showed off their best and most popular culinary delicacies from vast repertoires. Food lovers had the opportunity to choose samples from cuisine specialties that covered a wide territory of international gastronomy, ranging from the exotic flavors of Japan and India to French, Russian and Hungarian classics. The dinner was followed by raffles organized for the benefit of the Terry Fox and Make a Wish Foundations. After the official ceremonies, gala guests continued their celebrations well into the early hours, dancing to live music. Aside from the stimulating entertainment carte de jour, the event also offered a unique occasion to meet business and public leaders who continue to play an important part in Budapest’s revival as a cultural and business center in the region.

On May 23, 2004, Budapest Week Publishing and DT - Diplomacy and Trade, celebrated the 11th annual Best of Budapest Awards Gala, honoring Hungary’s service sector. Awards were given to the best hospitality and service companies in the capital city.

Leading restaurants created magical table decorations ... some of which were edible and delicious.	Winners of the “Best of Budapest” awards in various categories accepted honors from Budapest Week Publisher Peter Freed.
A tradition now in Budapest for 11 years, the finest restaurants brought their tastiest dishes to the gala.	Many companies supported the Best of Budapest Gala, recognizing the importance of the hospitality and service sectors.
Leading business personalities came to the gala with a smile, scouting the true “Best” of Budapest.	Chefs of the evening are as much to be thanked as the restaurants themselves.
Members of the community enjoyed the evening, and the pleasure of each other’s company.	Newly elected EP member, Katalin Lévai with journalist Nóra Lakos and DT editor Andrew Princz
Guests were surpised at the kinds of creative compositions found at the tables.	Mixing wine and beer became popular as the evening wore on ...
Péter Hegedűs of ABB greeting Carl Hala of InterContinental Hotel.	Champagne and drinks added to the elegance of the gala.
Toward the end of the gala, guests took to the dance floor and partied down, as per tradition.	András Sugár, head of T-Mobile, danced the night away.
	A glance, a gaze, and a good party was the order of the evening - until early hours.