Following up from the previous post, where Dukley City Lounge was reviewed, let's talk about misconceptions. There are plenty of them all around the world. Let's do a quick geography quiz.
What's the capital of South Africa? I've lost count how many times people thought that the correct answer is Johannesburg. Other examples:
- New York for the USA
- Rio de Janeiro for Brazil
- Sydney for Australia
The list goes on.
Misconceptions are a combination of ignorance and insufficient information. Without the latter you have to resort to forming your own opinions, no matter how incorrect they might be. Here's one of mine, before internet existed.
Back in the day when I breathed, ate and slept chess I had many chess coaches and ended up with a Yugoslavian who fled the country during its time of turmoil. Although South Africa has got its first world spots it is a third world country and remains a mess. One thing that is a sure constant is the weather. It's brilliant and we know it and can't help sometimes but gloat in the face of foreigners from less fortunately countries weather-wise.
Yet, adults and children alike were in awe yet perplexed at how incredibly well chess players from Russia and other east European countries could play and most of the time beat us with ease. What was their secret?
Somehow, for some reason, our collective consciousness came to the conclusion that these countries must be covered in snow for eleven out of the twelve months of the year and since it's to cold outside, they have no choice but to stay indoors and amuse themselves with games of chess. I kid you not. We all believed it.
When I relayed this information to my coach, he looked at me incredulously as if I just turned into a pink rabbit that jumped out of a magician's hat. Indignant and deeply patriotic he ridiculed this notion and passionately said his country is beautiful and people play football and do loads of other things outside. Their world doesn't revolve around chess. Oh. I listened but dismissed his claims, feeling a little sorry for him.
Well, the time has come to eat my hat. As we flew in from Belgrade to Tivat, the breathtaking scenery was overwhelming. Yes, there were snow on the mountains but in April the weather was as warm as a British summer (if there is one). In summer temperatures reach up to 40°C but fortunately, it's a dry heat and the main tourists are from Russia and neighbouring countries.
The population of Budva is 30 000 but in summer months it reaches 100 000. There are plenty of small cafes around where people get together for drinks and coffee. Food-wise there is one place that's a must and that's Dukley Beach Lounge. How could you simply beat this stunning view?
Exciting cocktails are to be had and if you're peckish the food is rather good as well.
Our starter was Lamb Terrine with Spicy Hummous, Tomato Chutney and Pickled Cucumber Salad. Lamb terrine is a rarity on menus and makes a refreshing change from its well-trodden smoked salmon hand ham hock counterparts. It was a sizeable portion and might as well have been a main course.
Next up was meaty turbot served with a rectangle of polenta topped with goat's cheese. The acidic sauce with gherkins and caperberries worked very well with the two aforementioned elements and I particularly liked the preserved pieces of lemon that lent sweetness to the dish.
Desserts were elegantly presented in martini glasses. My panna cotta topped with fresh strawberries, strawberry sorbet, ice cream and honeycomb couldn't be faulted.
The head chef is Durga Misra from India, who used to work under Eric Chavot at his one Michelin starred restaurant in London, Brasserie Chavot. Starter prices begin at €6 and go up to €18. Main courses and desserts hover below the €30 and €10 mark, respectively.
The Dukley City Lounge in Belgrade and Dukley Beach Lounge in Budva form part of the same group but Dukley's area of expertise is actually real estate development. If you check out the first photo you'll see Dukley Gardens, its latest project. These are luxurious apartments that have almost been completed, perfect for the discerning buyer who loves quality and beauty. Dukley Residences are still in the pipeline and the Marina should be finished by the end of May.
Have you ever visited Montenegro? If so, what did you think? If not, why not?
Want to hear more? Go to my friend, Jeanne's, website to read her point of view.
P.S. For those of you still scratching your heads about the capitals. Answers: Pretoria, Washington D.C., Sau Paolo and Canberra.
Quick Overview
Food
9/10: Good from start to finish.
Value
8/10: Decent portions for reasonably prices by London standards.
Service
8/10: Attentive and friendly.
Ambience
10/10: Best setting one could possibly dream of - blue sea, blue sky and sunny weather.
Recommend
10/10: At the very least go and enjoy a cocktail or two.
Dukley Beach Lounge
Zavala
Budva
Montenegro
I was a guest of Dukley Beach Lounge.
laura banks
i haven't tried it but may have to
laura banks
i haven't tried it but may have to
Emily Hallett
I've never visited, for no particular reason, just never considered it.
Emily Hallett
I've never visited, for no particular reason, just never considered it.
Richard Randall
Spent a couple of nights in Bar, while waiting for the ferry to Italy.
Maxine G
I've never visited, but you make it sound like it would be lovely to travel to!
Maxine G
already signed up to the newsletter
gemma brown
i've not been outside of the uk in 18 years. I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to travelling
Jen
Looks like a beautiful place to visit, wonderful view from the cafe.
Kathrine B
I've never visited- not very adventurous when it comes to holidays abroad, I always return to the same places! But it sounds amazing!
Kat Lucas
I’ve never visited
Margaret Clarkson
No, I haven't. I have been to what was Yugoslavia but to Koprivnica in Croatia. It is lovely there.
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry
I might have made a mistake or two about capital cities (hangs head in shame). Lovely spot you visited.
Susan Williams
Looks like a fabulous place to visit. Very tempted!
Tracey Peach
No never been xxx
Tracey Peach
I've signed up to the newsletter xxx
iain maciver
NO NEVER BEEN YET
James Walker
I have never visited.. there are lots of places I want to.. this is just one of them.
kellyjo walters
nope never been .. we don't go away on holiday, not our thing
claire woods
Never considered as a possible location I want to go too.
claire woods
Never considered as a possible location I want to go too.
pete c
never visited but often been curious about what is there.
Chris Andrews
Have you ever visited Montenegro? If so, what did you think? If not, why not? never been there - not had the opportunity to visit there YET
Chris Andrews
Have you ever visited Montenegro? If so, what did you think? If not, why not? never been there - not had the opportunity to visit there YET
Chris Andrews
have subscribed to email
Sarah Parker
I haven't but would love to go 🙂
cathyj
never been but looks fab
Paula Readings
I have never been, would like to though.
Laura Pritchard
I've never been but looks good!
Natalie Henderson
Never been but I'm definitely going to do some holiday research now!!
Sarah Franks
I haven't visited, mainly because I just haven't gotten around to it yet! But a friend of ours was a journalist working in Bosnia and Serbia, and married their partner who they met while working there. They now live between the UK and Serbia, so they've told us a lot about how beautiful Montenegro is, and we do plan to visit for ourselves just as soon as we can. It really is a stunning place that few people think to visit, because of the connotations with the wars of the past - after the wars ended, we didn't really hear a lot in the news about how the countries in that area had rebuilt themselves, or about the great history and culture those countries have.
joanna sawka
I’ve never visited, but intend to
joanna sawka
I’ve never visited, but intend to
James Donovan
I have never visited. It is never somewhere that I consider when i am booking a holiday. I will do some further research next time.
Laura Rangeley
I've never been - too busy saving for wedding and house - but would love to!
Laura Rangeley
I have also now signed up to the newsletter 🙂
Jonathan Mason
Never been, but it sounds wonderful. It is now on my list of places to visit.
Angie Hoggett
never visited but it looks great
Ruth Harwood
Would love to visit there, just not got to it yet xx
Jeanne Horak-Druiff
Aaah, reliving our wonderful afternoon there through your words and photos! That lamb terrine... And what a great shot of you, you MUST tell me who your official photographer is ;o) Definitely a new FB profile pic 🙂
Darlene Masters
No, I've never visited Montenegro. Never occurred to me. Possibly because I haven't seen many advertisements about the place.
janine atkin
ive never been. never really thought about it
janine atkin
im subscribed
Sheri Darby
I have never been - probably due to no money
Trevor Linvell
Ive not visited it as its not a place id considered going before
Claire Davies
I have never visited Montenegro but would love to!
Claire Davies
I have never visited Montenegro but would love to!
Claire Davies
I have never visited Montenegro but would love to!
Keith Hunt
No as take long cruises.
Keith Hunt
No as take long cruises.
Natalie Crossan
I haven't visited but I'd like to x
Kiran Parry
I have never visited. No reason why but I may consider it.
Kim Styles
I share your love of fish and seafood- it looks amazing
michelle
thanks Kim!