Krakow, Poland, is world-famous for its Main Square and Old Town.
But the emergence of one of Europe's most dynamic culinary scenes in recent years has
gone barely noticed outside Poland.
The city hosts several top-notch restaurants.
Perhaps the finest is the Hotel Copernicus.
The head chef here is Marcin Filipkiewicz.
In 20-15, the renowned French Gault-Millau restaurant guide named him as the best chef
in southern Poland.
He's one of a new generation of top Polish chefs who have turned Krakow into a gourmet
capital.
Krakow's own cuisine is very diverse, integrating Polish, Jewish, Austrian and Ukrainian influences
that reflect the city's history.
Marcin Filipkiewicz's own recipe for success involves new interpretations of traditional
dishes.
Krakow's cuisine isn't only about starred chefs and fine dining - it's also these braided
rings, known as obwarzanki.
They can be found on almost every corner.
The Obwarzanki Museum gives visitors everything they'd want to know about their history - and
an opportunity to roll out the dough, twist it and bake it themselves.
Over a century ago, Jewish emigrants took the soft bread rings to New York City, where,
in a slightly altered form, it began an international career as the bagel.
Krakow's bakers have been turning them out for 600 years.
'Obwarzanki Krakowski' now have the EU designated status of a regional food with 'protected
geographical indication'.
Krakow's been named the 2019 European Capital of Gastronomic Culture by the European Gastronomic
Academy.
And the city's going all out to celebrate - as here at the Pierogi Festival in honor
of the filled Polish dumplings.
Krakow's cuisine treats both tourists and locals.
It's really good.
I think my button's going to pop.
There's such a variety of restaurants, especially over there on Main Square.
Didn't know what to expect, coming to Poland.
And, to be honest, I thought you were going to have very basic options.
But we were blown away that there was a Michelin sign outside the restaurant, and it totally
made sense.
Night falls in the old Jewish district Kazimierz.
Another well-known feature of Krakow's cuisine may be found here: street food.
Partiers can pick up a bite here until late into the night.
Andrus has proven that premium cuisine can even be had at a food truck . Andrus quickly
became the truck of choice for discriminating street food fans.
It even made a listing in the highly respected Gault-Millau restaurant guide.
Its specialty is Maczanka Krakowska - actually, a traditional mealtime dish in Krakow.
Back at the Hotel Copernicus, Marcin Filipkiewicz prepares for the evening meal service: He's
put together a 'Best of Krakow' menu - an edible work of art right on a marble tabletop.
Boiled beef, deep-fried feta cheese from regional producers and wild berries.
He's proud of the city's title "gastronomic capital of Europe.
So, an epicurean holiday in Krakow hits the spot - this year or any year.