Despite the modern lifestyle that increasingly shapes everyday life, some traditions continue to bring communities together. In Bacău, one of them is the autumn tradition of must – freshly pressed grape juice, consumed before fermentation turns it into wine.
On Friday, September 18, 2026, Urbo Parc Restaurant officially opened its traditional autumn fresh grape juice season, attracting a large number of Bacău residents who came to enjoy the event and the flavors associated with the beginning of autumn.
The opening took place in a festive atmosphere, with a menu centered on traditional seasonal dishes. Guests enjoyed mutton pastrami, goulash and tochitură prepared in large cauldrons, sausages, mici and the traditional Romanian “poale-n brâu” cheese pastries.
But the star of the evening was undoubtedly the freshly pressed grape juice, made from the new harvest before fermentation begins.
Live music completed the atmosphere, turning the opening night into a celebration of autumn, traditional food and local hospitality.
The event was particularly significant for Urbo Parc after a challenging period. During the past two years, the surrounding park has undergone extensive modernization works, considerably reducing pedestrian traffic in the area. Despite these difficulties, the Urbo Parc team continued to invest in maintaining its connection with customers.
Authentic taste remains one of the restaurant’s trademarks. Many of the products served at Urbo Parc are prepared in-house, including zacusca, pickles and bread, using recipes that have been preserved over the years.
The autumn fresh grape juice tradition at “the Parc”, as generations of Bacău residents still refer to the location, dates back more than 30 years.
For many years, the restaurant was managed by Mr. Elisei, for whom the autumn grape juice season was one of the greatest joys of the year. Today, the tradition is being carried forward by his daughter, Ștefana Neacșu Elisei, who welcomed guests at the opening of the 2026 season.
“The grape juice season was my father’s greatest joy, and I carry on the tradition every year for him. In his memory, I have kept all the recipes.”
Those recipes continue to be an important part of the Urbo Parc experience.
Every autumn, the restaurant attracts both longtime customers and younger generations discovering the tradition for the first time. For older residents, the event brings back memories of autumns past, while younger visitors are discovering the flavors and atmosphere associated with a traditional Romanian harvest season.
The tradition has survived difficult times, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the extensive reconstruction of the park. According to the Urbo Parc team, maintaining the quality and authenticity of its food has been essential in keeping customers close.
For Bacău residents, the invitation is now open: freshly pressed grape juice, traditional autumn dishes, live music and an atmosphere built around a tradition that has been part of the city’s culinary life for more than three decades.
At Urbo Parc, autumn has officially begun — with the sweet taste of freshly pressed grapes.
