A small piece of world-class gastronomic paradise near Devín. You pass through an impressive garden with a summer terrace and works of art before reaching the restaurant building, a low-rise structure with glass walls and a gabled roof. The staff welcome you, and you step into another world, almost like a gallery in which you become a part of the exhibition itself, while the waitstaff bring small works of art directly to your table. The restaurant works with its own produce as well as ingredients from trusted regional suppliers. The butter is made from the milk of Jersey cows, the bread comes straight from the hands of the baker, and every course reflects precision and a deep passion for food. Sweetness forms a unity with saltiness, bitterness goes hand in hand with acidity, and everything is tied together by the flavour of open fire and an aroma of smoke that runs through the entire tasting menu like a thread. After a series of small bites in varying flavours, textures and shapes, you are served a sourdough bread with two types of butter, one of which reveals a distinctive note of yeast and hazelnuts. Followed by king oyster mushroom, carrot in several variations, sturgeon, beef, and the main course, which is an absolute game changer: the chicken. A piece of chicken set on a yellow base of egg-yolk cream, accompanied by chard. The play with textures and colours accompanies you throughout the evening; with every mouthful, something crackles and pops on the tongue, stimulating the taste buds. The overall impression comes together like a puzzle, completed by excellent company, a glass of fine wine from the largest wine collection in Slovakia, utterly flawless, relaxed, friendly yet highly professional service, and the sound of crackling wood in the fireplace. Every smallest detail is considered, from a stool for handbags, through precise non-alcoholic pairings and numerous artworks, to the facilities in the restrooms. If you manage to secure a reservation, you gain a ticket into the world of ECK, one that will change your perception of what a restaurant visit can be.
