My Story
From Budapest to Florida – A Journey of Love, Flavor, and Tradition
Hi, I’m Monika — born and raised in Budapest, Hungary. My passion for baking began early, and by 2008 I had earned my certification in confectionery arts and was running my own catering business. When the Hungarian economy took a downturn, I knew it was time for a fresh start. With just $100 and a dream, I arrived in New York City — the “concrete jungle where dreams are made of” (thank you, Alicia Keys).
In Manhattan, I became the head baker and chef at Café M, just steps from the Empire State Building. There, I refined my craft — mastering the balance between European tradition and the unique flavors and ingredients of my new American home.
From My Story to Our Story
Life took a beautiful turn when I met my husband, Chad. His Eastern European roots connected perfectly with mine, and together we dreamed of sharing the comfort and soul of our heritage through food. After marrying and settling in New Jersey, Monika’s European Kitchen was born — a labor of love that started as a pop-up bakery offering artisan breads, savory spreads, and hand-crafted sweets.
Our humble market beginnings grew into two beloved locations in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia area, where we served loyal customers and supplied partner restaurants with our European specialties.
A New Chapter in Florida
In the summer of 2025, life opened another exciting door — the opportunity to bring our flavors south to Clearwater, Florida. We were thrilled to take over Jägerstüble, a well-known German restaurant in Largo, and begin our next chapter as a full-service dining destination.
At Monika’s European Kitchen, we blend cherished family recipes and authentic European flavors — Hungarian and German favorites alike — to create comforting, heartfelt dishes that tell our story. We’ve kept the most-loved Jägerstüble classics while adding our own Hungarian specialties, like Chicken Paprikás, Gulyás, and rich, hearty stews.
Welcome to Our Table
For us, food is more than a meal — it’s a way to connect, to share, and to celebrate life together. Whether you’re here for a taste of home or a new culinary discovery, we welcome you warmly to our family table.
We can’t wait to serve you.