Tvirtove prie Didziulio

The Twirtove pri Didziulio was a chance find during a trip in August 2018 with my family through Lithuania. Located directly on the A1 from Kaunas to Lithuania, the large brick building can not be overlooked. The huge building looks a bit like a castle, I would rather have expected it in the Spanish Sierra Nevada than in the Baltic States. Just as surprising as the exterior view was the interior one: large rooms, partly stretching over several floors, galleries with large windows, encircling covered wooden decking with seating: all with a fabulous view of the large lake behind. The restaurant manager had time for a conversation, even introduced me to the friendly cook. For a reasonable amount (about 7 EUR per person for entree and drink) there were fresh prepared dishes, the focus was on regional specialties, the menu also offered some from the neighboring countries. I decided to go for a "Chicken Kiev" and got a version with a dill and herb filling and plenty of crispy fresh salad: together with a decent fruit juice and a still water a perfect early dinner before driving on. Some nice details should be mentioned: - I was allowed to take a look in the kitchen, which was clean and tidy - The sanitary facilities were clean, had soap and towels as usual in the Baltic states and also in good quality - The decor is at times unusually playful and reinforces the impression of an old castle: on the facade a large stylized spider web, inside a whole collection of old knight armor, witch figures and pewter dishes - Large children have been taken care of: one of the guest rooms includes a gigantic (twice the standard size!) Pool table. Little children find a plastic play castle in the entrance area and have plenty of space to romp about - Oh yes, the highlight: whoever comes in the evening has a fantastic view of the sunset directly over the lake. Our conclusion: we will gladly come back.