Charles
Bridge & Kampa Island, Old
Town, New
Town & Residential
Areas OUR
FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS IN THE CHARLES BRIDGE AREA (MALA STRANA &
KAMPA
ISLAND): KAMPA
PARK (****): A trendy
restaurant for nice
people, the Kampa Park was established in 1995 in a unique location. On
the
River Vltava (Moldau) embankments, with a breathtaking view on the
legendary
Charles Bridge: which, in term of marketing, should be more
than We had actually, one more time, a great dinner at Kampa Park in Summer 2015! Sitting in the elegant Californian style dining room planned and designed by the owner. But the terrace is so romantic. Practicable almost all year long, thanks to its heating columns, it was quite full the evening of our visit. At first sight a good mark for a restaurant. We have not been dissappointed at all by "Bocuse d'Or" Executive Chef Marek Raditsch's cuisine, elegantly served by a friendly and anticipating staff. Expensive by the
Czech standards, we found the fares perfectly
affordable
for westerner. We would recommend a couple of irresistible starters (at CZK 465):
"Grilled Octopus with Com Purée, Black Trumpets, Pop Corn and Bacon
Foam" and the signature "Seared Scallops, with Cauliflower, Nuts,
Raisins and Dill Beurre Blanc with Capers"). Alternatively, you could
order the so aromatic "Norwegian King Crab Ravioli with Kaffir Lime
Aioli, Tarragon and Orange Dust" (CZK 535), or the fresh and sexy "Tuna
Carpaccio and Duck Foie Gras Terrine with Smoked Duck Breast and
Passion Fruit Coulis", served over a slate plate (CZK 565). Pair it all
with a half a bottle of white "Sancerre Pascal Jolivet 2014" (CZK
995), well balanced, with much smoothness and elegance in flavour,
or with a bottle of aristocratic Tuscan white "Poggio Alle Gazze Dell'
Ornellaia 2013" (CZK 2995). As a main dish, we were about selecting another signature dish, "Crispy Sea Bass With Parsnip and Fennel Confit, Green Apple and Garlic Chives Sauce" (CZK 895),, but finally switched to another delicacy: "Duo of Canadian Lobster au Gratin and Butter Poached, with Croutons, Fennel Slaw and Barigoule Sauce" (CZK 895), which was actually WOW! Our recommended desserts (all at CZK 25) are the yummy "Ivory Chocolate Tart with Passion Fruit Crème Brûlée and Coulis", and the "Light Butter Trilogie with Madagascar Vanilla Bean and Blueberries". Average price for a dinner, for two is EUR 150; plus approximately EUR 25 - 50 for decent wine. Champagne or "Special Reserve" featuring Grand Crus are available in one of Prague best wine cellars (including "Mouton Rothschild 1995" at CZK 23,000, and "Château Margaux" at about CZK 45900) . There is a wide clientele for platinium priced liquid anyhow: the Kampa Park welcomes so many VIP guests cleaning up the very best of this precious ceilar. Norwegian King Harold and Queen Sonja, Monaco's Prince Albert and Princess Caroline, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Mick Jagger, Robbie Williams, Sean Connery, Bruce Willis, Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and many more are returning patrons. The Kampa Park is also well known for its Champagne bar, where the local Society likes to join after dark. KAMPA
PARK: Na Kampe 8b, Mala Strana, 110 00 Prague 1
Honesty with the bill ; and, even more important, honesty with the food. After crossing a trendy dining, designed like the rest of the restaurant by Nils Jebens, we sat on the terrace. At a riverside table . The panorama is amazing. We should write « made in Hollywood » : cinemascope over the bridge, and dolby surround with a jazz session entertaining the guests (which happens only when VIP groups visit the restaurant ; which means many times a week…). The « Jidelni Listek » (menu, in Czech language) is based on the one of those hundred pizzeria you can find in Prague. But here stops banality. A close capture on it demonstrates that Italy is only part of the culinary trip : the Hergetova Cihelna copes more generally with Mediterranean cuisine. Often quite imaginative. Let's start, for instance, with the Roasted Squids, with Couscous Tabuleh, Fresh Tomatoes and Brown Butter Sauce. What a well balanced meal : juicy squid, light tabuleh (nothing to do with that stuffy mixture served in Lebanon), and the acidity of the natural tomatoes sweetened by the butter. This is alchemy, indeed. We DID like that starter. Expensive ? Come on! : CZK 245 for a more than generous portion. As a main meal, if you feel quite hungry, do like us and try the Saffron Seafood Risotto, with Squid, Shellfish and Lobster Broth. Beneficently served, with salmon and fresh clams (up to the season) as a bonus. Creamy, but still light. Palatable and tasty : this would fit in term of quality the best Trattorias in Rome. At CZK 285… But what Nils is particularly proud of are the Pizzas. Pretentiously « the very best in Prague » ? Let's try it ! From the famous « Margherita » (CZK 155) till the « Margherita di Parma » (pomodoro sauce, parmesan, aragula, Parma ham, mozzarella, basil, olive oil) at CZK 245 (the most expensive and the richest), 16 varieties of pizzas are available. We took a « Pugliese : with pomodoro sauce, onions, artichokes, mozzarella, olive oil, and an imported spicy cheese of the highest quality, liberally spread over the brown paste cooked in a traditional oven by Vincenzo: imported, like the cheese, from the best origin. Napoli, of course ! So, the boss was not that pretentious. We must admit that in a city like Prague, where 2 or 3% of the Pizzerias are good (which is an excellent percentage somehow), the Hergetova Cihelna comes number one with its exotic pizzaiolo. We had the all lunch with two glass of Pillsner Urquell beer CZK 55 / half litre. But those who prefer wine can have it either by bottle, either by the glass (CZK 125 for 0.15 l of « Santa Cristina Antinori Toscana » sounds more than acceptable). As a desert, if you still fee hungry after the gargantuan pizza, go straight to the Tiramisu « Cihelna » (CZK 165) or the distinguished Crème Brulée with Apple Chips, and Apple-Basil Chutney (CZK 155). Delicious with an Espresso Piccolo. Opened daily from 11:30am untill 2:00am (while Prague falls asleep at midnight…). HERGETOVA
CIHELNA: Cihelná 2b, Prague 1
SPICES
(****L): Supervised
by Chef Jiří Štift and his Asian staff, the totally refurbished
Essencia restaurant, rebranded to Spices, has not the touch of class of
the other restaurants managed by the Mandarin-Oriental group of hotels.
The room had been nicely designed by Dress code casual elegant; though some tee-shirts in view the evening of our visit. SPICES
(at Hotel Mandarin-Oriental Prague): Nebovidská 459/1, 118 00
Praha 1, Czech Republic
OUR
FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS IN THE OLD TOWN (STARE MESTO):
LA
BODEGUITA DEL MEDIO (***): A stone's throw from
the Old City
Square (Staromestska), this is our favourite place for a fun though
stylish
evening. Since 2002, this franchise of the world Guests can use the terrace, the bar area with its walls covered with pictures, photographs and guests signatures, the restaurant downstairs (we like it despite - or maybe because- of its noisy and smoky animation), or the quiet, sophisticated dining room upstairs, next to one of the city richest walking « humidor » featuring an amazing variety of « puros » imported directly from Cuba, and sold out at attractive prices. First visit is always for the cocktails, bringing to La Bodeguita 80% of its fame. A crowd of smart clients (wealthy local peoples, and many expats), including the most beautiful women in the country, stands in a Colonial style atmosphere, by a replica of the « Sloopy Joe's Bar » in Havana, enjoying up to 150 types of long and short Caribbean drinks. The best seller remains, of course, the legendary « Mojito », with white rum, sugar, soda and fresh mint. A favourite for Ernest Hemingway: « My mojito in La Bodeguita! ». Second visit is for the live music: with Cuban (but also Argentinean, Colombian...) classics, merengue and salsa, each evening, in the bar and downstairs area. And third visit, the one which makes you come back, again and again, is for the restaurant. The cuisine improved very much this last couple of years: night clubbers mixing now with more and more gourmets. Unless you come for lunch (La Bodeguita operates all day long), booking is actually essential to enjoy the wonderful « cocina criolla » (Creole cuisine), featuring splendid « Cuban style steaks » (in fact, from Argentina) and mouth-watering seafood served in large, very large portions at definitely good value price. Ariel
Bruno and Jaroslav Zahalka,
both holders of the « Chefs des Chefs » honorary certificate
awarding those cooking for presidents and statesmen, prepare a
palatable
«Bouillabaisse a la Criolla» (CZK 210): a Creole
fish
soup with prawns and sea mussels, served with toasts: a popular
starter,
suitable as a light main course. Another specialty we regularly order
when
visiting the restaurant: the « Grilled Octopus and Calamars
», with a rich black carnaroli rice risotto and rocket salad. This
is our favourite: at CZK 350 only, we have always been astonished by
the
quality of this dish, served in a very generous portion. We would also
warmly recommend the « Grilled Tuna Steak » (CZK
350),
with roasted seasonal vegetables, potatoes and sweet basil
aioli.
Medium cooked, the thickly sliced tuna tastes like a pure
delicacy.
The poultry is fine: try the « Risotto with Duck Breast and
slice
of Truffle » (CZK 235), parmesan cheese and rocket salad.
Meat
is a home specialty. With the « Lamb Chilindrón
» (CZK 245): delicious spicy pieces of lamb in a red wine sauce,
with Cuban baked potatoes « Mojo ». Or the
Gargantuesque
«Mixed Grilled Meat Platter»: this is actually a
huge
« Churrasco » the Argentinean style, featuring
amazingly
tender Beef Filet (meat imported directly from La Pampa), pork sirloin,
pork ribs, lamb chops, chicken wings with «salsa Roja»
, tapenade from black olives, malanga, garlic bread, with Cuban baked
potatoes
« Mojo ». It costs CZK 990 for two... though this
dish
could feed up to three diners with a decent appetite! The « Ice
Lemon Cake with Forest Fruit Sauce » (CZK 150) is a good
desert,
though many guests prefer to conclude this rich gourmet experience with
a « Mojito », a « Daiquiri Frappé
» (cocktails at CZK 129) or, even better, with a « Habana
Club 15 years ». This rum goes so matured that it
somehow
tastes like a good Cognac! Great value (CZK 520), like all beverage
served
at La Bodeguita (Chilean wine « Concha y Toro »,
white
or red, at CZK 90 by the glass, classy Taittinger brut reserve at 250
by
the glass, etc.). LA
BODEGUITA DEL MEDIO: Kaprova 5, 110 00 PRAGUE 1
LA DEGUSTATION(****): Though one Michelin
star in Prague cannot be compared with one Michelin star in Paris, this
posh
LA
CASA ARGENTINA (***): Opened
in January 2007, this large, comfortable and animated theme restaurant
is already much visited by local and foreign patrons. An Theme restaurant often means mediocre cuisine: that's the reason why our pages don't review that much this category. La Casa Argentina comes like an exception, with a great -though not sophisticated- selection of dishes. This is not the place for complicated receipt, but for fresh, natural, quick and well prepared specialties. Though not that much Argentinean, we ordered the « Plato Tapas » featuring the best Spanish ham (Serano; the best label with the Jabugo), sausage, chorizo and Montbriac cheese. It came with olives and delicious sun dried tomatoes. At CZK 255 / EUR 10.2 we found it a good appetizer. Ideal in the evening, where you can have it with a glass of Sandeman Sherry Seco CZK 85 / EUR 3.4. The « Risotto with Gorgonzola Cheese » (CZK 280 / EUR 11.2), is also fine. It is served with two very tender slides of Argentinean Tenderloin pouched in red wine. Which results in a very balanced, most pleasant taste and texture. This is one of our favourites on the extended menu. The « Rib Eye Steak » (« Ojo de Bife ») is a best seller at La Casa Argentina. It came on our table directly from the charcoal grill, with paprikas and eggplants, on a small warmer to keep it permanently at the right temperature. It displays all the qualities of the best Pampa beef: smooth like butter, juicy, with that special aroma one just find in South American steaks. Remarkable, and well worth on its own the visit to the restaurant, at only CZK 445 / EUR 17.8. Alternatively, experience the pork: our « Pork Neck with Garlic Butter » was palatable. We will come back on a Saturday evening, when the chef cooks his legendary « Lechon Asado »: suckling pork on the roaster, served with « Salsa Chimichuri » and fresh vegetables. The attractive wine list features a large selection of South American and European good bottles, for all budget. We ordered the cheapest one, just to check how the bottom line quality tasted like. Our Chilean « Merlot-Malbec » by the glass (CZK 129 / 5.2 EUR) matched fairly well the quality of our beef and pork. This is the right choice at lunch time; maybe for dinner could you order a classy « Gran Reserva Arnaldo B. , Bodegas Etchart – Cafayate Valley, 2000 ». At 1180 CZK / 47.2 EUR, this is great value for money for quite a unique wine coming from the end of the world (Patagonia). Note that the menu features attractive seafood, that we didn't experienced yet. The « Giant Shrimps with Black Risotto & Lobster Cream» are among the most expensive dishes on the menu, at CZK 1150 / EUR 46 for two pieces. But this is a delicacy that gourmet must experience. The « Monkfish with Pepper Sauce Parsley Pesto and Garlic Confit » is a guests' favourite, at only CZK 497 / EUR 19.9. As a dessert, we recommend the classic and classy « Crème Brulée with Fruit & Duet Chocolate » (CZK 190 / EUR 7.6), perfect with an Espresso Lavazza (CZK 59 / EUR 2.4). To finish your dinner, there is a remarkable selection of rums and Cognac that we advise you to order directly at the nicely designed bar, featuring the best barmen in Prague. Fine selction of cigars, imported directly from Cuba by Habanos; "aficionados" will find the rarest cigars brands at "La Casa del Habano" -same management like La Casa Argentina- located next door. Many
attractions
in the evening (Tango, salsa, piano bar), and friendly service.
LA
CASA ARGENTINA: Dlouhá 35, Prague 1
U
ZLATÉ KONVICE (***): Very
popular
among locals for wedding receptions or graduation parties, this 14th
century
wine cellar is also a favourite for tourists: pouring by
groups The first room (a lounge with mural paintings of beheaded Czech lords) is usually used as a pub. Diners tend to sit in the larger « Konšelský sál ». Under high Roman and Gothic vaulted ceilings. The stone walls, period furniture, historic weapons, coats of arms, tin articles and trophies (you will notice the splendid wild bear, right by the entrance) enhance the atmosphere... already warmed up by the live music (from Thursday until Sunday evening) and songs of groups which obviously like Prague and its reputed beers! The place is touristy. So what about food? We have not been disappointed; on the contrary, we have experienced here a wealthy, epicurean regime. Those who, like us, like grilled meat will definitely have good time at U Zlaté Konvice. There is a large open fire chimney to cook the thick pieces of steak, poultry, or this wonderful piglet which appears to be the house most wanted speciality. The roaster is as old as sophisticated; animated by a long belt, pulling a solid attraction to a strange, ageless clock-like engine made out of dozens of gears. An attraction on its own... Should you come by a group of 10 or more, straight order a whole piglet (CZK 5700). Else, have it like us by a generous portion, served with horseradish, at CZK 550. The flesh is smooth, and the skin very crispy. Surprisingly, not fat at all. Much recommended. The « Grilled Pork Knee » for two (CZK 590) is a good value, delicious alternative that many people ordered the evening of our visit. But we preferred to try an Old Bohemian speciality: the « Roast duck with cabbage ». It looks and tastes quite a lot like that wonderful, aromatic duck, main ingredient of the French South-East well famed « Cassoulet ». Served with three types of dumpling (the typical Czech « knedlidky »: very heavy; rather order one of the fine salads). The portion was extremely generous (½ duck) and good value, at only CZK 320. Those who would like to try many meat specialities in the same plate should order without hesitation the mouth watering « Bourgeois Platter ». Normally for two persons (400 gr), it features black and white pudding, roast pork, smoked meat, sauerkraut, and a selection of dumplings (CZK 410). Those who like fish will definitely enjoy the « Jewish Style Tench » (CZK 340), with roasted potatoes. It was very fresh. Well cooked, with its unique natural taste not covered by any spice or superfluous artefact. We had it all with one bottle of local Moravian « Frankovka » red wine (CZK 750). Very nice quality, with a light taste of barrique, and a perfect combination with the meat and -yes, indeed!- the freshwater fish. The desserts are fitted for already full stomachs. Not so heavy. The « Apple strudel » (CZK 120) is palatable. Though we rather ordered a Plum liqueur (CZK 100): perfect taste, and ideal for a quick digestion. Friendly, efficient staff; despide of the impressive number of guests, they always have a smile particular attention and for everybody. A must for visitors
looking for a warm atmosphere. U
ZLATÉ KONVICE: Staromestské námestí 26,
110 00 Prague 1
TAVERNA
TOSCANA (***): This
large, strategically located Italian restaurant, with a terrace on the
most popular pedestrian area in the Foreign visitors, on their way to the Astrological Clock, like to sit at the terrace or in the romantic grotto-like Gothic cellar, and enjoy a pizza (among the best in town: try for instance their “Napoli”!). Residents –including Czech President Vaclav Klaus in person: a regular guest- go straight to the second part of the restaurant, called “Piano Bar”: accessible directly from street Michalská 22, this is an elegant sanctuary, animated every evening by live music, offering delicacies of the Tuscan Cuisine: including fresh fish and other seafood. When comes the fine weather, there is a summer garden in the atrium. The “Antipasti” are authentic and palatable like in a Firenze trattoria. Affordable (in the CZK 120 – 300 range), they feature peasant specialities like the “Bruschetta al Pomodoro” ( 3 x garlic bread with fresh tomatoes), the “Crostini Toscani” ( 4 x tuscany toasts with chicken liver), and the “Bruschette al Lardo di Colonnata” (bread topped with bacon from Tuscany ). Modern and sophisticated palates will like the “Carpaccio di Copa di Rospo” (Monk fish Carpaccio) and the “Carpaccio di Tonno” (Tuna fish Carpaccio). We warmly recommend that treasure of authentic Tuscan delicatessen called “Antipastissimo Toscano”: Soprassata (one of the best brawn we have ever experienced!), Finochiona, Salame Toscano, Prosciutto Pepato Toscano, Coppa, Salame Cinghiale, Salsiccia Cinguiale. Enjoy it with some pizza bread: the most delicious in Prague. First course (rather say “Primi Piatti”) are abundant. We have chosen their reputed “Risotto ai Funghi Porcini” (Risotto with mushrooms), at CZK 280. Not recommended to calories fighters, we found it creamy and richly flavoured. Genuine! Great choice of “Pasta” (in the CZK 250 – 300 range). Amateurs straight order the “Bucatini all Amatriciana, con Coda di Rospo” (Bucatini with Monk fish, tomato, bacon, onion, parsley and cheep cheese). As a second course we liked very much their “Orata incrosta di Sale” (Sea bream, baked in a thin salt crust). Wonderful texture. Perfect taste. Ideally salted. The Taverna Toscana is the unique place in Prague –maybe in the all country- where you will be served this delicacy. Which we have found affordable, indeed, at CZK 230 per 100g (you will be served about 150 – 200g). Good selection of regional cheese: like Pecorino, Mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano… (between CZK 130 and 260). We had two desserts. Please just do like us: most of them are not heavy at all, and the price do not exceed CZK 140. The “Panna Cotta”, for instance: so nicely presented, and so sweetly flavoured. Even better: their “Mousse di Cioccolato al Rum” is simply great. It goes well with a “Ristreto” coffee. Rich wine list, with a fair selection of Champagne and “Spumante”. The “Morellino” 2001 (CZK 900) and the Chianti “Il Morino, Vignamaggio” 1999 (CZK 1090) go along with most of the dishes; remaining even still acceptable with the fish (good white wine available for the connoisseur). Gina Lollobrigida, Tom Cruise, Jeremy Irons, Sean Connery, and Bruce Willis have visited this restaurant. Experience it once, and you will be seduced also. TAVERNA
TOSCANA: Malé Namesti 11 & Michalska 22, Prague 1
OUR
FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS IN THE NEW TOWN (NOVE MESTO):
BRASSERIE
LA GARE (****): Náměstí
Republiky square is a picturesque, Art Nouveau square that warrants a
visit, ending with a meal in this classic and classy brasserie. Freshly
arrived from Paris the week of our visit, we felt like so much in a
French atmosphere that we TRITON (****): Certainly the most curious restaurant in Prague. Settled in a basement designed in 1912 into the style of a spooky stalactite cave depicting Pluto’s Underworld kingdom, this is also one of the most stylish places we have visited downtown.
We had our scallops with a well chilled “Côtes de Gascogne, Caprice de Colombelle”. Vintage 2001, it was still young, bright and amazingly refreshing. At CZK 160 by the glass, that was the best choice: it went along ideally with fish, and invited us to follow up that sumptuous dinner with seafood as a main course. We found the “Grilled Fish Trio” (tuna, salmon, tiger prawns) definitely recommendable. The tuna time of cooking was certainly supervised by a Swiss watchmaker, as it came in our plate with the greatest texture and flavour we would ever have dreamed of. The steamed salmon was tasty, and the tiger prawns crunchy. Very fresh. This speciality brought us straight to the Mediterranean Sea shores: like in Marseille, it has been flavoured with Pastis (this aniseed alcohol goes so well with seafood!), and was served with courgettes and olives “tapenade”. At CZK 590 it should be a pity to deprive oneself of such a wonderful fare. Meat lovers can try the much affordable and rich “Czech Degustation Menu” (CZK 780), featuring Marinated Pork, Poultry Broth, Beef Sirloin and Roasted Duck (plus a desert!). Pantagruelian! Ideal for tourists willing to discover the authentic Bohemian cuisine. We rather had the lighter –and certainly more sophisticated- “Crown of Lamb”: smooth loin chops, divinely perfumed with a star of badiane, served with a potato purée and slightly caramelized cherry tomatoes. We had our meat with a “Carmenere, Misiones de Rengo, 2002”: an amazing Chilean red wine we will never forget. Full bodied, harmonious and fragrant, this is a rich wine for a modest price (CZK 750/bottle) Light like a cloud, refined and extremely original, we would like to recommend to the aesthete a vegetarian speciality we tried here for first time in our gourmet life: the “Smoked Vegetables”. Chef Novak uses a specially designed wood heater to smoke his fresh vegetables (mushrooms, courgettes… depending on the season) : the result is impressive. The smell and the taste are simply unique. Well worth being experienced, this only costs CZK 260. Served with Parma ham and olive oil, or –in our case- with an unctuous mushrooms risotto and diced balsamic vinegar jelly. We simply loved it! Deserts are as inventive as the rest of the menu. The “Almond Mille Feuilles” (CZK 160), filled with pear cream and chestnuts marinated in nougat is wonderful We can also advise you to try the light and subtle “Mandarin Parfait” (CZK 150), on strawberry and mint jelly, with caramel blanket. During our dinner, we could see a lot of guests ordering "flambées" (meat like Chateaubriand, and deserts like Crèpes Suzettes): which we will certainly experience next time we shall visit Triton again. They were prepared at the table with much skill and style. This
romantic
and classy restaurant, animated in the evening by soft live piano
music,
can host only 30 privileged guests. Advance booking is therefore
suggested
for dinner. TRITON
(HOTEL ADRIA):
Vaclavske nam. 26 SILENZIO
(****): Located
in a charming boutique hotel,
right in the heart of the historic Prague, at the beginning of the
famous
Royal Road leading from the Old Town to the Prague Castle, a
stone's
throw from the Municipal House, this old style wine cellar is ideally
fitted
for We had our dinner served amid arched ceilings, in a rustic though comfortable, large room, hosted in the foundations of this 14th Century building, where generations of guests entertained themselves throughout the ages. The menu is available in many languages: tailored made for the international hotel guests, who often prefer to sit here rather that eating out. Maybe because of the good value rates? Surely thanks to the excellent quality of the chef specialties and extended wine list. Our starter was a «Cream of Asparagus», delicious with its toasts (CZK 90), just to wait for the short preparation of our «Noisettes of Venison». The chef excels in game and meat specialties: stag, beef, veal and lamb. But we must admit that venison comes atop everything. It reflects the high quality of the Bohemian wild game, and the mastering of the cooking time: the flesh came tender, juicy and palatable in our plate. Without any invasion of aggressive spices, but with a light blackberry sauce. The portion was actually generous, at a mere CZK 570. We therefore warmly recommend this dish. More international, though excellent, we also tasted the «Fillet of Lamb, Richmond Style», with leaf spinach. Same price, and same high quality. Those liking beef should straight order the «Carpaccio» (CZK 210): a finely sliced Argentinean meat, with fresh Parmesan and olives. This is a starter; but those with a light appetite could have it as a main dish. Gourmets will prefer the thick «Steak of Beef», served with a Canterelles Cream Sauce. A best seller, at CZK 520. The restaurant sommelier likes Moravian wines. We must admit that the choice is large -if not huge- with a selection of hard to find bottles, issued from small vineyards. Among the best in Czech Republic. Foreign gourmets -mostly British and American- always like to enjoy those local brands. This is somehow a good choice. French people, like us, will find some good Bordeaux or Bourgogne. We had a «Château Gigognan, Clos du Roi, 2001»: at CZK 1050 per bottle, this «Châteauneuf du Pape» was a pure marvel. Its mixture of subtle, complex aromas (mature blackberry, kirsch, with some notes of leather and truffle...) matched the whole dinner. No need to spend more to enjoy a palatable experience. The «Panna
Cotta» (CZK 160), or the thick -quite heavy- local pancake
with
blueberries, topped with cream («Livance») are
recommended
as a desert. Don't hesitate to order some coffee: their Tonino
Lamborghini
expresso is worth the visit. Finish your dinner enjoying the
aristocratic
savour of the unique, late harvest "Rulandské sedé – slámové
2002": served well chilled, this multi-awarded straw wine is
the sommelier's
pride. A
good,
romantic restaurant fitting all budgets.
SILENZIO
(at hotel METEOR
PLAZA):
Hybernska 6, 110 00 Praha 1
We didn't taste the highly reputed Norwegian Smoked Salmon "Czar Nikolas", served with warm blinis as an appetizer. To this imperial speciality we preferred, modestly, to enjoy the typical and proletarian Czech Soup with Potatoes and Dried Cepes. This was perfect: well perfumed by the mushrooms, and sweetened by carrots and parsley. We were just drinking out the last drop of our iced "Becherovka" -the "42 herbs made beverage"- when we were served with elegance a Duck with Red and White Cabbage. The roasted magrets were pleasantly crispy outside, while deliciously smooth inside. Tasty, and not fat at all. Some "Knedliky" (sort of Czech dumplings) accompanied the duck. This came well with a "Vino Lahvove Zrale - Ruland Ske Cervene 1992": a good, though little bit too young vintage for this Moravian red wine. In Czech Republic do like the Czechs do: we didn't taste the French wines, despite of a distinctive choice of sophisticated "Chateaux" with a millesime. We finished this pleasant dinner at the Club Restaurant with some Pancakes (blinis, in fact), topped with whortleberry and whipped cream, which we paired with a cup of Blue Mountain from Jamaica, imported from Rombouts' in Brussels. This nectar of coffee, coming from his personal stock, is reserved for the special attention of the President, who likes to ask for it after each dinner. Do the same to really feel like VIPs ! Just forget price -who cares for this detail here ?- and don't leave the restaurant without listening little bit longer to the Polish guitarist playing... flamenco with maestria. There is also an excellent pianist, coming from the neighbouring Opera House. This is a great restaurant, and a unique atmosphere in Prague. CLUB
RESTAURANT
(in ART
NOUVEAU PALACE
HOTEL)
U ZLATEHO TYGRA:
Husova 228/17, 110 00 Prague 1
OUR
FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREAS:
RICKSHAW
(****): Located
in the Corinthia Towers
hotel, this
is one of the most stimulating restaurant we visited in Prague. The
menu
shows selected specialities from the Far East: with an accent over
South
East Asia. The culinary traditions of India, China, Indonesia,
Malaysia, The Rickshaw is a smart, trendy and intimate place. Many “dressed-to-kill” Asian people were sitting at the tables the evening of our visit: which gave the dinning room an even more exotic touch, showing also that the food might be somehow authentic. We decided to try some Thai courses: being quite familiar with the specialities from this country, which we rank among the top five in the world in term of gastronomy. Like in Bangkok, the menu shows the amount of spices added to some courses (like Phad Khi Mao or Lab Mu): from two little chillies printed after the name and geographic location of the course, one might be familiar to hot food before swallowing a first spoonful. When the waitress, wearing an elegant grey uniform, brought our meal over the table (all courses altogether, like in Asia), we could see just from its appearance and unmatchable great fragrance that the cuisine was faithfully respecting the rules. We started with our soup. The menu showed a Tom Yam Po Taek (spicy, sour soup with seafood, galanta roots, lemon grass, kafir lime leaves and coriander); we asked the cooks (one Thai and one Lao) if it was possible to create for us an alternative, called Tom Kha Kai (same ingredients; but water is replaced by fresh coconut milk, and shrimps by chicken). This was done with a smile, and very proficiently: we had exactly the same Tom Kha Kai like in Bangkok! The portion was generous (just for all meals), for CZK 190. Our Kaeng Phed Ped Yang (grilled aromatic duck with red curry, bamboo shoots, baby tomatoes, sweet basil, kafir lime leaves and coconut milk) was not less palatable and faithful to the southern Siamese recipes. At CZK 460, such a great speciality is a cheap alternative to the gourmet fares our French chefs are selling at platinum price. We hardly could find room for one more course. Anyway, we did our best to check how was the Meehoon Singapore: stir fried glass noodles with chicken, pork, shrimps, black mushrooms, vegetables and curry powder. All ingredients are freshly imported from South East Asia, via Vienna. At CZK 370, this was another rare delicacy! We had similar one in Singapore, and could see that the authenticity of the recipes obviously applies to all countries represented in this gourmet embassy. Fine selection of wines; but rather beer, fitting far better the taste of chilly. Note that the Rickshaw opens for dinner only (6pm - 11pm). Advanced booking and casual elegant dress recommended.
RICKSHAW
(at CORINTHIA TOWERS):
Kongresova 1,
140 69 Prague 4 DALIBORKA
(****): One
of the Top 20 best restaurants in the Czech Republic according to the
local
“Gurmet” restaurants guide, the restaurant at Club-Hotel Daliborka is
unanimously praised by tourists and residents
alike.
Once a modest inn in a classy villa, it recently undertook a
complete Chef Dalibor Navratil composed a menu mainly focusing on modern, lighter versions of French classics. As a cold appetizer, we liked very much the “Millefeuille of Poached Greenland Shrimps”, prepared on virgin olive oil. Light like a cloud. Interesting crispy/smooth ideally balanced texture. A must, at only CZK 290. More classic, our “French duck livers foie gras” was soft, divinely flavoured like duck liver –that we always preferred to goose liver- should be. It came in a colourful, audaciously shaped plate, with some raspberries. At CZK 580, it is served with a glass of Sauternes. The traditional way; though it would develop even more aroma if married with a full bodied French red wine. You’ll find plenty of them in the excellent wine list: featuring interesting brands from the Old and New World, for all budgets. As a main course, try the “Grilled fillet of John Dory”, with fresh green asparagus and artichokes (840 CZK). One of the best fish we had in Prague. Tickling the palate! Poultry is also one of the chef’s specialities. His “Pigeon legs”, stuffed with homemade bacon with bun dumplings, could have been prepared by a three star Michelin chef. We ignore the origin of the pigeon; but its flesh was like crunchy, aromatic, and actually mouth watering. The dumplings are a reference to the Czech cuisine: some will find them too heavy, despite of their miniaturized volume. We personally found them delicious, and refined compared to the authentic, tasteless and stuffing, Czech “knedlidky”. This pigeon is simply a present, at only CZK 495. Don’t miss it! It comes with its glass of red wine; though we had it with the same local white wine we selected for the fish. A “Rulandské Sedé” 2003, Kabinet (CZK 460). Quite short in the mouth, though refreshing and pleasant with both fish and poultry. Desserts won’t disappoint the gourmet. The so French “Dried plums marinated in Armagnac vinaigrette”, with caramel sauce, lemon sorbet and fresh pistachios, would impress the best confectioners. This is a rich course. Quite “bourgeois”. The lighter “Strawberry cappuccino”, with sauer cream and vanilla mousse, is also wonderful. Each of those desserts costs only CZK 180. Discreet, quick and efficient service by ladies staff. The restaurant Daliborka is well known in Prague for its grill parties and wedding banquets.
DALIBORKA:
K Novému dvoru 124/54, Praha 4 - Lhotka HABANOS CIGAR CLUBS IN PRAGUE: LA
CASA DEL HABANO (*****): The most exclusive
cigar club in
the Czech Republic: luxuriously appointed with large leather sofas,
Thai
silk cushions, persian rugs, where clients can seat, smoke and drink
rare
liquors in a soft, classy Tropical atmosphere. An
impressive selection of cigars and top luxurious smoker gifts
are available
in this centrally located lounge and shop: a short walk from the Old
Town LA
CASA DEL HABANO: Dlouhá 35/730, Praha 1
  |
enough
to capture tourists passing by. But Nils Jebens, the Norwegian
restaurateur operating this landmark, preferred the challenge,
consisting in raising the
place
among the top five leading gourmet spots in town. With a secret dream:
being awarded a well merited first Michelin star... 
empties
into the Vltava river, the Kampa Park youngest sister (same owner) goes
up very successfully with democratic prices. What could be the ideal
tourist
trap proves to be one of the most honest restaurants in town.
renowned
British Interior Design agency, Black Sheep. But the over friendly
staff treating you with a familiar “ -Welcome guys!” makes you
feel like anywhere but in a five star hotel.
famous,
original « Bodeguita del Medio » in Havana, Cuba, brings to
Prague nights a hard to match exoticism, and a astonishingly good
cuisine
we didn't ever expect in what is first of all a cocktail bar.
restaurant
is well worth the visit (open only for dining). 
interesting
alternative to 
from
the metro-station-like entrance, located opposite the world famous
Astronomical
Clock, on Prague main square (Old Town Square / Staromestké Namesti).
Old
Town Square district, could be a perfect tourist trap if it were not
owned
and managed since 1995 by a trio of gourmets. Helena, Moreno and Romeo,
apostles of the good taste, are the ambassadors of the Italian –and
more
precisely Tuscan- cuisine in the Czech Republic.
wondered
whether we actually left our
motherland or not.
Chef
Michal Novak’s new Winter menu, balancing between audacious innovations
and respect of the culinary traditions, fits very well the both
original
and bourgeois concept of his restaurant. Don’t skip the appetizers,
which
reflect very much his philosophy. He makes his Foie Gras the very
French
way; much different from those thick, tasteless, overcooked livers that
we used to find in our plate in Budapest and Prague. Novak’s “Foie
Gras
with Nut Crust on Iceberg Salad and Fruit Sauce” (CZK 320) is
a delicacy.
The mixture of goose liver with duck liver is an alliance of elegance
and
character. It is actually aristocratic with a glass of “Tokay
Aszu Royal 5 Puttunyos”: this rare, very sweet Hungarian wine
(“The
king of the wine, and the wine of the kings”) made out of dried grapes
indeed costs a fortune in Western Europe; at CZK 180 per glass in
Triton,
this is like a present! Our tip: drink half of it, and keep the rest to
enjoy your desert! Alternatively presented on the regularly updated
menu,
the “Variation of Duck Breast Appetizers” is a
gourmand variation
of what can be done with the best part of this excellent palmiped: the
carpaccio, tartar and terrine were almost as great as our Foie Gras,
and
we recommend this fare. If by chance it is available the day of your
visit.
Those who prefer fish should try the “Marinated Saint Jacob’s
scallops”:
dipping the thin sliced scallops one by one in the small cup of chilled
Gazpacho which comes along, before submitting them to the palate, would
simply drive any gourmet to Paradise. Hell is that this splendid
appetizer,
like the Duck Breast, is not permanently proposed on the menu. Just ask
Mr. Liska, the anticipating restaurant manager… With the complicity of
the chef, he can make miracles. 
enjoying
specialties of the Bohemian cuisine. 
chimney
and colourful cupola; but let's go straight to the number one
attraction:
the food ! Thought taught by experience about the danger of the
excessively
rich specialities eastern European restaurants like to punish the
greedy
guests with, we found here nothing but lightness and
sophistication. 
amazingly
preserved in its original ancient character, this inimitable example of
Czech culture should be visited when the regular patrons arrive: after
3pm (opening time)... but before 5pm when it looks like a metro station
at peak hours. From the late afternoon until closing time (11pm), the
tables are all occupied by the same group of old friends: a mixture of
intellectuals, white and blue collars, and even some intrepid ladies
daring to seat in this temple of male chauvinism. 
Singapore
and Thailand catch the visitor into an exciting gourmet trip: a spicy
and
low calorie experience in a city mostly dedicated to dumplings and pork.
refurbishment:
turning it into one of the most elegant, though much informal,
restaurants
in Prague. There is an inviting summer beer garden which makes you feel
like miles away from the urban atmosphere of the busy Prague, a
romantic
winter garden, and the authentic Art-Nouveau dinning room where we had
an unforgettable lunch. 
Square,
next to