Mourning at Lake Balaton: The legendary restaurateur from Kőröshegy has passed away

The death of the former owner of Völgyhíd Konyha & Rét operating in Kőröshegy on the southern shore of Lake Balaton deeply affects the region's hospitality professionals and the gastronomic community around the lake. Dezső Szalai passed away at the age of 52 due to ALS, after shaping the local restaurant culture for years.

The news was announced by his brother, and Völgyhíd Konyha & Rét said farewell on its Facebook page: “We are grateful for the legacy he left us.” The restaurant closed in December 2023 when Dezső was diagnosed with advanced-stage ALS, which no longer allowed him to continue working. The venue reopened in 2025 with new owners, continuing the spirit he envisioned.

ALS – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – is a rare, incurable neurological disease that gradually leads to paralysis while the patient’s consciousness remains completely clear. Even in the most difficult times, Dezső Szalai preserved his humanity and smile, as remembered by the restaurant community.

For Kőröshegy and the surrounding Balaton settlements, such individual stories always transcend personal tragedy: the image of a local restaurant, its guest circle, and the summer season’s offerings are closely intertwined with the owner’s personality. The Völgyhíd area thus continues to preserve the memory of the man who enriched Balaton-side hospitality with personal values 🍽️🌊.

Source: hvg.hu