The web-based Vilnius city guide 1323.lt (1323 is the nominal year of the founding of Vilnius) has reviewed the Cvi in the Park Israeli street food kiosk organized this year and last in the park across the street from the Lithuanian Jewish Community headquarters in Vilnius.

Their review is titled “In Petras Cvirka’s Place, Falafel,” a reference to the name of the park still used by almost all Vilnius residents despite the municipality’s decision a few months back to remove its trademark statue to Soviet-era Lithuanian poet Petras Cvirka.

“For the second season now the Cvi Parkas Jewish street food kiosk had been luring passers-by to have a snack (and not only that). It debuted last year when the statue to Petras Cvirka, which caused so much discussion, still stood by.

“But now and for some time the pediment has stood empty and it seems the square should turn into a rather vital place for Vilnius residents to meet and spend time together. And actually there is a bit of noise and ferment there occasionally, but the words get stuck in your throat if you try to claim it’s some new hip place in Vilnius, a new center of attraction…

“The creative Cvi Parkas kiosk looks set to become the main feature in the new Cvirka park. And really it’s not so rare to hear songs by DJs there, and some live music, or to see couples dancing, but so far these are just baby steps compared to what ‘New Cvirka’ could become, klezmer on Saturday nights.”

Photos by Julius Baliutavičius courtesy 1323.lt

Full review in Lithuanian here.