Baryakova

Velyan Ognev (just off central sq., Vuzrazhdane, in old town) Cuisines: European

About

Like most mehanas, this is an extended-family affair in an old 19th-century building covered in traditional decorations (dark timber beams and tables; bright red embroidered table cloths), but the quality of the food is a cut above. There are a number of specialties -- tender pork leg, grilled over coals; ceramic hot plate with sizzling strips of meat and vegetables; the "three meats" (strips of chicken, pork, and veal), cooked with sauerkraut in a pot and served with rice. The latter is Banska Kapama, a local delicacy, as is Banski Staretz, a local "dry" sausage (like salami, but not as fatty and uniquely spiced). Order this with white cheese and fresh bread as a starter. Note that Baryakova is open evenings only, and that the family takes a month off in summer but cannot say in advance which month this will be.