There was a time when it was not at all clear where in our town one could take a foreign delegation or a private guest for lunch without risking embarrassment or even shame. If a place was reasonably clean, it offered a poor selection of dishes because something had just “run out.” If tasty food was served, either the service was unpleasant or there were beer drinkers who were a nuisance to those around them. The toilets were almost universally dreadful, while warm cooling drinks were the specialty of nearly all so-called collective catering establishments. “Starówka” served relatively tasty and quite plentiful meals. So I usually took my guests there, while trying to divert their attention from the toilet and the noisy tables in the front part of the establishment.
Recently, after a lengthy break caused by renovations and the adaptation of the premises, partly out of habit and partly out of curiosity, I took my guests to “Starówka,” not even suspecting what a pleasant surprise awaited both me and my guests. The former “Starówka” had been transformed into an aesthetically pleasing, modern establishment where guests are welcome (“good morning” and a smile, which once seemed to be forbidden), while the elegantly designed menus surprise with their variety of dishes. Prices vary—for the well-off as well as for those with more modest means. The drinks are cold. The service is delightful. Overall impression: the West. I was curious whether things had changed in the so-called back area as well, and here too there was a pleasant surprise. Very clean and fragrant, though without a single cleaning lady.
After a tasty lunch, the guests and I were given a guest book in which one could write nothing but words of praise. Nor were we the first to offer a positive assessment: some Polish German wrote that he would like to have such a restaurant in his town, a Frenchman praised Bolesławiec’s Polish cuisine, and someone compared us with Europe. And rightly so. Let’s just hope they keep it that way. I have heard that the managers of “Starówka” want to introduce music to the establishment. I would suggest live music, not recorded music.
Recorded music, as well as “amplifying” instruments, will drown out the intimacy of the place and profane its atmosphere. I could imagine a good violinist accompanied by discreet piano, performing classical and light music. There could be different kinds of music on different days, as long as it is neither vulgar nor noisy.
a “Starówka” enthusiast (name and address known to the editorial office)