This lovely chocolate cake got its name from Rigó Jancsi. Rigó Jancsi was a Hungarian Gypsy violinist who enjoyed great popularity throughout Europe. In 1896, he was playing in a restaurant in Paris where Claire Ward, an American millionaire's daughter, and her husband, Charaman-Chimay were eating. Clara and Jancsi fell in love. Jancsi divorced from his wife, and Clare left her husband and children and ran away with Jancsi. They lived in different countries.
Their love raised dust and they became 19th century celebrities. Clare and Jancsi were together for 10 years. Then Clare ran away with an Italian waiter.
Allegedly, Jancsi ordered this cake from a coeditor for Clare. The confectioner named it after Jancsi. The cake enjoyed great success as his namesake.
