Fine ski days. More like these coming up
Oh yes, the fresh snow in Bansko has injected yet more excitement into this vintage snow season. I was out again testing freestyle WhiteDot skis in some safe off piste areas.
Happy days.
There’s no doubt about it, my having joined several group skimania classes my technique has improved no end this season. Taking some lessons really make the difference to the many who feel stuck in the “intermediate rut”.
Practice in the fresh snow
And here’s the thing. When we have those big flakes floating like parachutes in the still air, I also see many skiers (not so much snow boarders) struggle to turn.
Time for honing that technique.
From the band of skimania instrutors I’ve been gaining tips from Theodore to Nickolai, Marine to Vessi and of course George himself. There’s a ski and snow board instrutor waiting at skimania that will take your skills to the next level. Be sure to book and if a six day lift pass is to be ordered, I require at least five day’s notice.
Crikey! more snow
Yes, Monday will see the snow tumble down. Temperatures being a little higher, this will be wet snow lower down. But higher up, this new fall will make for some fine conditions on Tuesday and onwards.
From Friday 15th for at the three days temperatures will rise
Restaurant reviews
Dedo Kotse, pork, peppers and potatoes
Here’s quick round up of some of the places I’ve been visiting over the last few weeks. Like many here, I try and avoid places with touts outside. Just don’t like it (and it’s against the law).
Dedo Kotse, an excellent mehana, which from my recent visit still delivers value and quality. Open all year. Located by the main (lower) square. Live rock music (think Bryan Adama, Bon Jovi style) to accompany traditional Bansko dishes. Local prices and friendly service. Well worth strolling down Pirin street passing the touts and going to Dedo Kotse. Picture above of my pork dish from Friday evening. Flaming rakia too. A nice touch.
Dedo Kotse, flaming rakia
Queen’s pub has had a beer price increase. Reports on food, and service, still variable.
Euphoria, located by turning right at the main traffic lights, before the Kempinski hotel, has sunny terraces. Good for the longer evenings. Food reports still variable. Menue too large. But friendly and attentive service on my last visit. Excellent live band Wednesday / Thursday. Check before visiting. Live Sky football.
Victoria, opposite the Kempinski, new Bansko menu. Try the spinach salad. No smoking area is huge plus. It is well worth a try. Safe, but still recommended. Delivery service too.
Mezze restaurant at Lavina complex is part of a small Sofia chain. Nice.
Come Prima midweek cut price menu getting its supporters. All at the Kempinski. The Teppanyaki bar and grill at the Kempinski, is my personal favourite. Sushi there too.
Sing Sing piano bar features Eli from Taboo. She rocked the house down on the World Cup weekend. Either Taboo or iGroove are playing Friday and Saturday nights. Both at the Kempinski Grand Arena Hotel.
Sing Sing is my favourite late night venue. But be warned, things kick off 22:30 and keep going till 03:30. If reserving your Sing Sing table ask for 10% off a bottle of spirits. A special BanskoBlog reader offer.
Gastros, (Gastros.bg) with Greek chef Dimitri, delivering sunny Greek hospitality. Located opposite Valon supermarket at town entrance. Value for money. They’ll arrange a taxi to pick you up.
Bistro Pirin, (opposite ice rink) low prices, simple well priced basics and roaring fire.
Pirin 75, the special Happy Hour(s) from 14:00 to 23:00 3 lev draught beer. Thursdays Ladies night — order “one drink get two” offer. Fridays: DJ Sergio. Mondays: 50% off all cocktails.
Avalon hotel. Thursday and Friday evenings only. Curry nights. Be sure to book well ahead. Excellent value; children eat for free. A warm welcome from James and Vanya awaits.
Others — please comment below on your favourites this season. For my mountain restaurant favourites
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iphone, ipad and ipod touch Bansko App update
Click on image to download iphone app
Watch out for app update 1.1 coming soon.
New gallery section and front page design.
YouSay for just some of the App feedback. Much appreciated. I’m working on the Android, Blackberry and Windows versions.
If you have a business or hotel or apartment complex that you would like to be listed on the interactive app zavedenia map, then do please contact me.
Homes to rent: I have some one (45 euros per night) and two bedroom apartments (60 euros per night inclusive) to rent minimum 2 nights stay. All just a genuine 200m from gondola. Contact for details.
lance…you must surely have got fat after sampling all those restaurants and quaffing copious quantities of wine and beer. Take a leaf out of my book and show some restraint particularly when it comes to late night and early morning revelling. Getting up early to be one of the first on the gondola has its benefits. Tip of the day…..go for a coffee at the VIP lounge at the top of the gondola. They charge the same as elsewhere on the piste but you get the surroundings to which you are more accustomed to.
Thank you Richard, hahaha very good.
yes seriously, I am a fan of the VIP Room too. Good idea to take morning coffee (or tea) there.
As for my waistline — true it can be a challenge too far showing restraint in restaurants. But whether this says something for the Bulgarian food, or lots of exercise, but this winter I\’m slimmer than I\’ve been for three years. Four kilos have vanished. This could could come in handy for Friday…