adminOn April 3, 2025, we hosted a musical dinner at Ferdinánd Monarchia Restaurant. The dinner menu was selected from Elvis’s favorite dishes. The star guest of the evening was singer Gábor Lantos and his band, who performed a one-hour show after dinner. Gábor Lantos won the Elvis Festival in Bad Nauheim, Germany, in 2022, where he was awarded the title of the best Elvis impersonator. Since the festival, he has been an invited guest and successful participant at prestigious Elvis singing competitions. The dinner show was hosted by John Laslo Farkas (Master), and I had the honor of being the hostess for the evening. The event was also covered by RTL KLUB TV’s “Fókusz” program; their cameras and reporter captured the evening and I gave an interview, which was broadcast on April 9, 2025. We were also delighted to welcome the reporter and photographer from Nők Lapja Magazine, who honored us with their presence at the event. A separate interview was conducted with me, which will soon be published in the magazine. Special thanks to Ferdinánd Monarchia Restaurant for the fantastic flavors, excellent service, and providing such a cozy and atmospheric venue! The menu served during the evening: Welcome Drink: A glass of sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic cocktail. Appetizer: Bite-sized sandwiches made from Elvis’s favorite — fried banana and peanut butter sandwich. This sandwich is an iconic American dish, widely known as Elvis’s favorite. According to legend, it was first prepared by his mother, Gladys, and today it can be found on the menu of nearly every restaurant around Memphis. Starter: “Meatloaf” — oven-baked meatloaf wrapped in bacon, with a tomato crust, stuffed with vegetables and ham, served with “Buttermilk Biscuits” (buttery Southern-style scones) and gravy. Meatloaf and buttermilk biscuits were among Elvis’s most beloved dishes. They were a staple on the menu for holidays and whenever guests were welcomed. Elvis loved buttermilk biscuits so much that he often ate 6-8 pieces for breakfast. Main Course: Gladys’s roasted chicken with cheesy polenta, spring green salad, and fresh tomatoes. Elvis’s mother, Gladys, often cooked with cornmeal. Chicken breast was Elvis’s most frequently eaten meat, and he liked to have fresh tomatoes served with nearly every meal. Dessert: Mrs. Cocke’s baked banana pudding. Baked banana pudding is a classic Southern American dessert. Elvis loved it so much that it was prepared for him daily. Mrs. Cocke, a nurse at Baptist Memorial Hospital, used to make this pudding for Elvis while he was being treated there. Her version earned his trust, and they became lifelong friends. VEGETARIAN MENU: Welcome Drink: A glass of sparkling wine or a non-alcoholic cocktail. Appetizer: Bite-sized sandwiches made from Elvis’s favorite — fried banana and peanut butter sandwich. Starter: Vegetable tempura with a spicy sweet and sour sauce, served with buttermilk biscuits. Main Course: Mushrooms stuffed with spiced goat cheese, served with sauce, cheesy polenta, spring green salad, and fresh tomatoes. Dessert: Mrs. Cocke’s baked banana pudding.
