Finding Purpose in Pork Chops: A Budapest Meal I’ll Never Forget
Unemployment, Bourdain, and the Unexpected Spark of Travel
As I sit on my couch—one month and sixteen days into unemployment—binging No Reservations, I can't shake the feeling that somewhere in the mess of my restless thoughts and overflowing camera roll, there’s a spark. A spark of what Anthony Bourdain once shared with the world, quietly begging to be brought to life.
For the past forty-some days, I’ve been racking my brain for answers—searching for a purpose, some kind of sign to tell me why I’m here and what the hell I’m supposed to be doing. But maybe the answer isn’t as elusive as I thought. Maybe I’m already doing it—or at least standing right at the edge of it.
Because somewhere along the way—between lost luggage, street food, and unfamiliar cities—I found something that changed my life for the better and, I suspect, forever: travel.
“Travel Leaves Marks on You”
Anthony Bourdain once said,
“Travel changes you. As you move through this life and this world, you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life—and travel—leaves marks on you.”
And I’ve come to learn just how true that really is.
I don’t think I even understood my own hunger for life—not just existing, but actually living—until I stepped outside the small town of Manitowoc, Wisconsin. What started as a few trips to escape turned into something much bigger: a need to explore, to connect, to taste, to write—and maybe even to leave a few marks of my own.
So here I am, watching Bourdain, reflecting on the places I’ve been and the meals I’ve savored—each one holding a story that deserves to be shared.
Budapest: A City That Left a Mark
While there are countless places and plates worth sharing, one city stole my heart the moment I arrived: Budapest, Hungary. My time there was brief, but unforgettable. It wasn’t just the beauty of the city—it was the night my friend and I, tired and hungry after a long day of travel, stumbled into a quiet little haven looking for something warm and comforting.
That place was Kispiac Bisztró—a tiny, cozy, family-owned restaurant tucked away off the main drag. It wasn’t just the authentic Hungarian food that made it special, but the feeling of being welcomed like we belonged there. The space radiated warmth and familiarity—the kind that wraps around you like a blanket on a cold night.
A Family Affair
I’m not usually one to leave Google reviews, but this place? Kispiac Bisztró deserves every single star. From the moment we stepped inside, the warmth was immediate. The restaurant is intimate—just a handful of tables beside an open kitchen, where the heart of the operation is in full view.
We were seated right next to it, with a front-row view of the meal being prepared. The two men behind the stove—clearly in charge of the cooking—looked so much like the older man who greeted us and took our order, it was obvious: this was a family operation. He wasn’t just running the front—he was the father at the center of it all, quietly running the show.
The Meal I Didn’t Know I Needed
The food was exactly what we were hoping for. I had the pork chop—cooked just right and packed with flavor—served over the crispiest roasted potatoes. Simple, satisfying, and comforting in the best way. My friend chose the wild boar spare ribs—definitely the more adventurous pick. Unexpected, but seriously good. His came with the same crispy potatoes, and between the two of us, they didn’t stand a chance—though, to be fair, it was mostly me doing the damage.
More than a meal, it felt like a snapshot of everything I love about travel—unexpected, personal, unforgettable. Call it dinner, call it a travel highlight—either way, it’s a moment that’ll stay with me for good.
Closing Thoughts
I still don’t have all the answers. But I do know this: there’s meaning in the meals, in the moments, and in the marks we leave behind. And if nothing else, I’ve learned that sometimes, the first step toward purpose starts with stepping outside your comfort zone—and maybe ordering the pork chop.
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