Located in the heart of the Palace District, Stifler Beerhouse & Kitchen attracts guests not only with its beer specialties running on more than 30 taps but also with the power of the female team working in the kitchen. The chef, Réka Laczi, and her right-hand, Dorina Vidra, have been carrying the house's gastronomic world on their shoulders for nearly a year – and in the process, they are rewriting what we have thought about the male-dominated profession of hospitality until now. We sat down to talk with them about what it’s like to work as a young female chef today, how their dishes are born, and why they aren't afraid to experiment with beer-gastro pairings.
What is the biggest challenge in the kitchen of a bustling, downtown place? And what is the greatest joy?
Réka: The biggest challenge is the consistency of quality – making sure every guest receives the same experience, regardless of the volume of traffic. And the joy is when we go home satisfied after a long day, knowing that we succeeded once again.
Dorina: For me, the greatest joy is always direct feedback – when guests or the owners specifically highlight how well something turned out. The difficulty? That every day holds a surprise; no two shifts are the same.
In most kitchens, men are in the majority. In your case, however, women are carrying the place on their backs. How intentional was this?
Réka: It turned out this way more or less, but for me, it is very liberating. In the past, many places only hired women for dishwashing or as assistants; we rarely got into leadership roles. Here, however, we are proving that the "girl team" works – and not just in any way.
Dorina: It’s less surprising today, but guests are still often amazed that we only have women working at the grill and the fryer.
Has it ever happened that someone was surprised to find out only girls work in the kitchen?
Réka: Of course! For example, recently the delivery men were surprised when it turned out there was no man to help lift the service counter weighing several hundred kilos. In the end, we solved it – we can be "strong" too, if necessary.
What would you say to young girls who are thinking about a career as a chef but are uncertain?
Réka: Perseverance! I didn't prepare for this career path either, but it became a passion. If someone is determined enough, let nothing discourage them.
Dorina: Dare to dream! People tried to talk me out of it too, but if you have talent and passion in you, every difficulty can be overcome.
Stifler Beerhouse has a strong beer selection. How much do you integrate beer into the kitchen?
Réka: It’s receiving more and more emphasis. Dorina, for example, experiments with beer in desserts as well.
Dorina: For the autumn menu change, we are consciously building on it, from appetizers to main courses. Guests love beer-gastro pairings, and we enjoy the creative possibilities as well.
If you had to pair one dish with an IPA, what would you choose? And what about a full-bodied, barrel-aged stout?
Réka: A good burger always works with an IPA. Fortunately, there are IPAs that even go perfectly with a dessert.
Do you attend beer tastings to ensure the harmony is perfect, or do you work more from instinct?
Réka: Yes, it happens. Additionally, we have a beer expert colleague in the marketing team who is always up to date and helps if there's something new worth trying.
Was there a dish that was born from a personal experience?
Réka: Yes, the Padrón peppers. I worked in a Spanish kitchen before, and during a vacation, I decided that if I ever had my own kitchen, this ingredient would definitely have a place on the menu.
Was there a dish that was born from a personal experience?
Réka: Yes, the Padrón peppers. I worked in a Spanish kitchen before, and during a vacation, I decided that if I ever had my own kitchen, this ingredient would definitely have a place on the menu.
If you weren't a chef, what would be "Plan B"?
Réka: A stylist or a makeup artist. But creativity is essential in a chef's work as well.
Dorina: I originally trained to be a pastry chef, but I'm glad I can work in a broader field with Réka.
What is the absolute "veto" item that you would never put on the menu, but would have anytime at home?
Réka: Pizza. I love it, but there’s no place for it here – you can’t make a truly good one without a proper oven.
Dorina: Fried cheese, but only the pre-breaded, "weekend-saving" version.
What would you ask for as a last supper?
Réka: Pumpkin macarons and lots of Ben & Jerry’s.
Dorina: Penne Arrabiata, simple and great.
The kitchen of Stifler Beerhouse & Kitchen is therefore not just about creative dishes that harmonize with beers, but about the female energy of two talented young chefs and a pastry chef who elevate the gastronomic experience to a new level day by day. Under Réka's leadership and with Dorina's creative desserts, the kitchen has become true "girl power," where professional knowledge, courage, and solidarity are the most important ingredients.
So, if you are curious to see what it's like when a female hand pairs the best flavors not only with beers but also with the frying pan, head to the Palace District! At Stifler Beerhouse & Kitchen, you won't just have a good meal, but you'll also experience what it's like when the kitchen is truly dictated by the girls – with style, passion, and without compromise.
Source: https://welovebudapest.com/