We decided to bring a piece of our signature hospitality into the everyday lives of children growing up in children’s homes in Bratislava. The greatest gift we can give someone is our time. That’s why we focused on experiences that will remain as cherished memories of Christmas 2023 for these children. Here’s what our program looked like…
INTERACTION WITH THE HEAD CHEF
After an initial welcome, we took the children straight to the heart of the restaurant – the kitchen. The entire tour was led by head chef Jakub Benčo, who showed the kids how things work, how dishes are prepared, and answered all their curious questions. The children had the chance to unleash their imagination and make their own pizza. Together with the chef, they rolled out dough, arranged ingredients, and baked until crispy. Every single one was truly mouthwatering. The kids let loose, and we could feel they were enjoying it just as much as we were.
“I didn’t see it as doing something nice for them – quite the opposite, these kids did something for me. The meetings I’ve had with these young ones over the past month reminded me how powerfully food can bring people together and why I love what I do. It was a fantastic experience!” says the chef.
FUN AND GAMES
We also prepared a competition for the children to design the best Italian bruschetta based on a template. “The goal was to get as close as possible to the chef’s visual while using all available ingredients like mayonnaise, salami, tomatoes, capers, and chives. The children worked in teams, and their attention was focused in the same direction for a brief moment. They had a time limit, since chefs also need to know how to work under pressure. They fought tooth and nail, and a sweet reward awaited the winners,” says our HR manager Viktória Benčová, who spent all the Sundays with the children.
TOGETHER AT ONE TABLE
We approached the shared lunch in true Italian spirit, at a large table filled with pizza and tiramisu. We shared food, chatted, laughed, and joked around. There was always something to talk about, and it was always perfect. “Every day we serve hundreds of guests who leave with an experience and emotion. But with these meetings with children, we were venturing into the unknown, so to speak. They brought us a completely new, previously unknown type of energy and childlike honesty. It was very natural and enriching, which is why we want to continue deepening these newly formed friendships,” says restaurant co-owner Marek Mravec.
WHAT WAS UNDER THE TREE?
The fun doesn’t stop – it keeps building! Santa came a little early and brought the children a gift in the form of a trip to Family Park. Roller coasters, carousels, water activities and more await us. We’ll wait for warmer weather and head out for an adventure. We’re already excited! Our real gift came in the words of director Slávka Oroszová from the Center for Children and Families Bratislava: “We wholeheartedly thank you for the wonderful idea and for making the lunches during Advent Sundays happen. The children talk about it with such enthusiasm – they had so much fun and learned interesting things about what goes on behind the scenes in gastronomy.”
WHAT LED US TO THIS?
As restaurant owner Maxim Blahovec says, success should go hand in hand with helping those who need it. He chose an experience-based approach that he plans to continue. He’d even like to invite everyone who would like to join this beautiful initiative. “If we’ve inspired at least one person, our goal is accomplished. Remember, even in the smallest things lies great power,” he says. We were also selflessly joined during the second Advent Sunday by TV host and editor-in-chief Veronika Cifrová Ostrihoňová. She and her daughter Sára spent an entire morning with us and eagerly helped with all the activities. Next time, it could be you spending time with us. Our doors and hearts are open.
The Gatto Matto team wishes you a beautiful and peaceful Christmas holiday season…