Every week The Slovak Spectator brings you a selection of three short stories from across Slovakia from which pessimism and negativity are absent.
Taxi firm rolls out female-friendly feature
Ride-hailing service Bolt says it is making rides safer and more comfortable for women with a new feature allowing female passengers to prioritise female drivers. This initiative also supports women considering a career in ride-hailing by fostering a more inclusive work environment.
Josef Rückl, Bolt’s General Manager for Czechia and Slovakia, highlights this as another step towards passenger safety, complementing features like ride tracking and real-time driver verification. Psychologist Marek Madro adds that choosing a female driver can reduce stress and anxiety for passengers.
If a male driver is assigned instead, passengers can cancel without it affecting their rating. Pricing remains the same as in the standard category.
Slovakia achieves historic result at Bocuse d’Or 'culinary Olympics'
Slovakia was the only country to compete in the Bocuse d’Or world finals while lacking any restaurants with a Michelin star. Despite this, the Slovak team scroed a creditable result. (source: kavickari.sk)
Slovakia made history at the prestigious Bocuse d’Or competition, named after legendary French chef Paul Bocuse and often called the "Culinary Oscars", by reaching the Grand Final in Lyons, France. Competing against 24 countries in late January, the Slovak team secured an impressive 15th place – its best result to date.
Slovakia was represented by chef Marek Minarič, who currently works in Denmark, supported by sous-chef Márk Janák and trainer Peter Vajgel, and guided by renowned Swedish chef Jimmi Eriksson. The team showcased some exquisite dishes. Their seafood creation featured stuffed scallop royale with lobster mousse and saffron-lobster sabayon, while their meat dish included venison fillet with foie gras, poached venison in zucchini, and a venison leg tart with plums and morels.
Anticipating fierce competition, the Slovak chefs dedicated months of preparation, refining flavours to perfection. Their efforts paid off, marking a milestone in Slovak gastronomy.
New progress from the Slovak Academy of Sciences
SAV scientists have made a revolutionary discovery that offers diabetes patients new hope for improved treatments. (source: SITA/AP)
The Slovak Academy of Sciences (SAV) has announced a major advance in cell therapy for Type 1 diabetes. Led by Igor Lacík, researchers have made significant progress in transplanting insulin-producing pancreatic cells to help regulate blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.
A major challenge has been biocompatibility – ensuring the body accepts the membrane. Fibrotic tissue forms if an immune response occurs, blocking glucose and insulin exchange and leading to transplant failure. While several global approaches aim to improve biocompatibility, practical solutions remain elusive.
Scientists at the SAV's Polymer Institute have discovered that modifying polymer microcapsules with electrically charged polymers can significantly enhance biocompatibility in a simple and controlled way.
Five feel-good stories published by The Slovak Spectator for you to enjoy:
The moving story of one of Slovakia’s first professional conservationists is brought to life in a play.
The synagogue in Svätý Jur is closer to refurbishment, after a new design was selected.
He said he wanted a guitar, and ran away. Martin Maglay, then an unknown player, was picked by a famous NHL team; he later started a major hockey school in Canada.
The footballer who swapped the beaches of New Zealand for a view of the High Tatras.
Thanks to a map and Bratislava markets, Slovak creators are easily traceable.
Meme of the week
Caption: Slovakia is in a coup. The interior minister: Birthday wishes
This meme appeared on the official Facebook page of the satirical site Zomri.
The government has been warning for more than two weeks that dark forces are manoeuvring to overthrow the constitutional order in Slovakia. The claims have been met with derision by opposition politicians and the general public. This week's meme mocks Interior Minister Matúš Šutaj Eštok for displaying apparent nerves of steel by celebrating his birthday on February 4 while simultaneously facing down a supposed coup.
You can send me your tips for good news stories about Slovakia or funny memes at: kseniia.husieva@spectator.sk. Thank you!
