“ALL QUIET in Budapest” in this column last week provoked a reaction from Hungary’s capital city and, in particular, from habitues of its elegant dining area, Lizst Ferenz.

The complainers have a point. Our reporter was there when the city was burdened under the freeze that gripped central Europe in early February: to make comparisons, as he did, with better times was a bit crass, by his own admission.

We are delighted to report that, as of this week, the thaw has revealed Budapest in all its Austro-Hungarian glory, a true spring awakening that bodes well for natives and visitors.