Escape from the City
The greatest surprise on a random summer weekend is when you find something marvelous at the places that you expect nothing particular from. And more greatly, when it is close to a very small Lithuanian town Anyksciai, in the middle of Lithuanian meadow and in an authentic Lithuanian wooden house. It’s an escape from the city absolutely worth an hour drive from Vilnius! Firstly, because it is a family (home) restaurant, Kaces Virtuvele (Kitten’s Kitchen), run by a Lithuanian artist of sand paintings (http://www.uabkontora.lt/index.php/en/sand-jazz.html) Jurgita Minderyte Motiekaite and her husband Arunas.
Secondly, because the menu is vibrant, i.e. its changing based on the season for the best fresh products or based just on the mood of the artful family. The menu of today was impressive, i.e. sea bass soup, fresh (!-which is usually just impossible in Lithuania, since we do not get those in out waters) spanish gambas, mussels in the coconut sauce, mackerel grilled just in front of you with great orange fusion, venison stake and many other. Not to forget the great home-smoked fish they offer for take away or fancy home-made desserts, such as hot and cold tarts, chili chocolate cake, ice-cream cakes (Tartufo) or just ice-cream with oil and truffles (!).
Thirdly, they do also offer minimalist selection of rather good quality of wines (including desert ones), which are greatly combined with the food they offer, e.g. some “salty” rosé or sicilian Marsala, brought there from one oft the italian families that have the oldest roots of it’s production.
Finally, the place and food speak for itself, family who escaped the city and are sharing their own foodventures from all over the word in a small authentic cuisine brings some special vibe, which lets you sit and eat there slowly, enjoying every bit and slow breath of a Lithuanian “campagne”. Definitely worth passing by when you are close to Anyksciai, as well as when you are longing for a nice escape from the city life. P.S. Don’t forget to reserve a table in advance!
