A mistake turns into a pleasant surprise.

(From The Slovak Spectator)

Byline: Eric Smillie Spectator staff

Food Carpe Diem Where: Hlavna 95, PreSovWhen: Mon-Fri 8:00-23:00, Sat 9:00-23:00, Sun 10:00-23:00, Reservations: Yes English menu: Yes Tel: 051/7723-051Rating: 9 out of 10 IN THE ENTRANCE to the Carpe Diem restaurant, coffeehouse, and cocktail bar stands a table in the same elegant, elongated oval shape as PreSov's main square, which I had just spent a good weekend ogling. The table must often be occupied, as it was when I arrived at the odd time of three o'clock on Sunday afternoon for a late lunch before a train ride to Bratislava. But, no matter: the other tables at the restaurant, with wrought iron bases and chairs to match, are just as inviting. The addition of flowers and a tiled floor assists in carrying off a light atmosphere. In finishing the walls, the decorators indulged in the style where plaster occasionally opens to expose the brickwork underneath. These spots harmonise with the building facades surrounding the terrace, where the picturesque disrepair is brushed with a few flower boxes hanging from windowsills. When the very friendly wait staff revealed my dish, pasta in tomato sauce with basil and capers, I was delighted. It was well presented, with fresh green basil amid a light dusting of cheese, and the sauce, not at all shy on the garlic, was delicious. A full ...