PRAGUE - Fringe

64
FOOD & DRINK IN VINOHRADY & ŽIŽKOV FOOD & DRINK IN VINOHRADY & ŽIŽKOV
International
Akropolis K-4, Praha 3, Kubelíkova 27, MJiřího z
Poděbrad, tel. 296 33 09 90, www.palacakropolis.cz.
We feel we have found the best chicken wings in Prague and
Akropolis’ new management, while changing the menu, have
kept the super spicy wings. Other reasons to come: it’s next
to Akropolis, it serves other well-priced and excellent food
till 00:30, it has funky, award-winning decor and fish tanks
filled with anything but fish. Join the hip, late night crowd at
this cool spot. QOpen 11:30 - 01:00, Sun 17:00 - 01:00.
(80 - 200Kč). 6W
Baang! Praha 4, Nuselská 46, tel. 241 00 06 66,
www.baang.cz. We don’t normally like exclamation marks,
but as this place serves one of the best pepper steaks in
town, provides a menu which they are willing to adapt to any
personal preference and has French Chardonnay for 120Kč
a bottle, we’re going to let them keep it. It may be a quite a
trek (tram N°11 or 56 to V horkach) but it’s worth it. QOpen
11:30 - 01:00. (100 - 250Kč). AP
Kuře v hodinkách K-4, Praha 3, Seifertova 26, tel. 222
73 42 12, www.kurevhodinkach.cz. Industrial chic in this
hip hospoda with an intriguing fusion-inspired kitchen: a wide
range of salads, pasta, specialties ranging from chicken, duck
and salmon to Texas steak, with onion rings and tzatziki rounding
out the side dishes. Vegetarians are well catered for too.
Take tram N°5, 9, 26 to Husinecká. QOpen 11:00 - 01:00,
Sun 12:00 - 01:00. (110 - 300Kč). AE
Le Club J-6, Praha 2, Belgická 42, MNám. Míru, tel. 222
51 31 19, www.leclub.cz. The place that was Japanese/
French fusion has moved to another cuisine, Lebanese. Classy
and pricey, the decidedly Lebanese-looking menu offers
mezze and main favourites with that French tri-coleurs twist
in the methodology. Portions are a tad small and the décor
not quite up to scratch; but impeccable service and unusual
cuisine tips the scales in its favour though despite the prices.
QOpen 11:00 - 01:00. (250 - 650Kč). ABP
Los v Oslu Praha 3, Perunova 15, MJiřího z Poděbrad,
tel. 222 51 32 95, www.losvoslu.cz. The Moose from
Oslo doesn’t have moose on its wildly varied menu, but
it does serve Norwegian gulaš. Wild boar, snails, duck,
octopus, rabbit and quail round out the imaginative mains
that are complemented by unusual side combos. The
sirloin carpaccio is divine, the steak tender and cooked to
perfection, somehow without even asking. More seating in
the cellar. QOpen 12:00 - 01:00, Sat, Sun 13:00 - 01:00.
(85 - 345Kč). A
Mozaika K-5, Praha 3, Nitranská 13, MJiřího z
Poděbrad, tel. 224 25 30 11. At Mozaika every dish is so
delicious that it’s difficult to make a choice. The seafood
bouillabaisse is a hearty starter, tandoori chicken is piquant
and tasty, while pasta dishes are rich and flavourful. The
hamburger is touted as the best in Prague. Judge for yourself,
but reserve a table first. QOpen 11:30 - 24:00, Sat, Sun
16:00 - 24:00. (100 - 350Kč). B
Retro J-6, Praha 2, Franzouzská 4, MNám. Míru, tel. 603
17 61 11, www.kavarnaretro.cz. Excellent prices in a cool,
vibrant space, with some pretty efficient wait staff. The menu
is huge and French/Mediterranean with good vegetarian options,
crepes, and huge salads. Pasta, fish, chicken and beef
are all imaginatively prepared and well priced. Club downstairs
and now live music next door too seems to be turning it into
a slow-burning hot spot. QOpen 08:00 - 23:00, Sat, Sun
09:00 - 23:00. (105 - 230Kč). AGP
Prague In Your Pocket
Sahara Café J-5, Praha 2, Ibsenova 1, MNám. Míru, tel.
222 514 987. This corner café on Nám. Miru is sublime, from
its huge interior complete with appropriately exotic teak and
mahogany tables, rattan chairs, Buddhas, masks and other
oriental objects on the walls, a gorgeous fireplace and outside
seating in a quiet garden, to the menu of vaguely Middle
Eastern dishes. A good expensive wine list, Parma ham on
the bone and tall windows for seeing and being seen. A lovely
spot. QOpen 11:00 - 00:30. (180 - 500Kč). ABIK
Techtle mechtle J-5, Praha 2, Vinohradská 47, MJiřího
z Poděbrad, tel. 222 25 01 43, www.techtle-mechtle.
cz. New restaurant and bar which has the elements to make
it work: good Mediterranean menu and wine list – although
neither of these have been finalised yet, friendly staff, deep
cellar to keep noise in and prying eyes out – well, it is called
Hanky Panky after all… and plasma screens showing fashion
& MTV (DJs we hope will come soon). Large circular main bar
with a cosy cocktail bar deeper down. Check it out. QOpen
11:00 - 04:00. (140 - 450Kč).
Wings Club Praha 3, Lucemburská 11, MJiřího z
Poděbrad, tel. 222 71 31 51. The Wings Club is a slice of
aviation history served with humour, reverence and culinary
delights – the latter from a chef formerly of the Four Seasons
Hotel. Items from the owner’s collection of mostly WWII
artefacts decorate the space, and interested guests will be
shown around. Staff and menu are welcoming and bilingual
and meals are large, beautifully presented and tasty. Fascinating.
QOpen 11:30 - 23:00. (120 - 300Kč). AB
Italian
Aromi K-5, Praha 2, Mánesova 78, MJiřího z Poděbrad,
tel. 222 71 32 22, www.aromi.cz. At Aromi there’s a
compact choice of excellent pasta, meat and fish dishes,
complemented by an equally good wine list. As a result,
the spacious L-shaped space holds happy locals and
expats enjoying the moment. Reservations recommended.
QOpen 11:00 - 22:00, Fri, Sat 11:00 - 23:00. (95 - 395Kč).
AGP
Magická zahrada Praha 4, Nuselská 114, tel. 261
21 42 52, www.magickazahrada.cz. The Magic Garden
is indeed a magical little place, offering a real slice of Little
Italy, with our personal highlight being the super selection of
(we counted no less than six) steaks. Recommended. Take
tram N°11 to the Michelská stop. QOpen 11:30 - 24:00,
Sun 11:30 - 23:00. (200 - 400Kč). ABP
Roca J-5, Praha 2, Vinohradská 32, MNám. Míru, tel.
222 52 00 60. The best service we’ve ever had in Prague by
far was at this small neighbourhood trattoria; an enthusiastic
girl who was clearly enjoying her job – a rarity in this town. And
then there’s the food, which is exceptionally good for these
price levels; no wonder it’s booked full every night.QOpen
10:00 - 23:30. (100 - 800Kč). A
Japanese
Hanil Praha 3, Slavíkova 24, MJiřího z Poděbrad, tel.
222 71 58 67. Politicians could learn a few things from
this casual restaurant serving both Korean and Japanese
cuisine. Asian businessmen, locals and expats are all unified
in their hunger for steaming bowls of pibimbap (a concoction
of beef, rice, vegetables and egg) and mouth-watering platters
of fresh sashimi. The attentive wait staff sport genuine
smiles and even make a joke or two at no-one’s expense.
Q Open 11:00 - 14:30, 17:30 - 23:00; Sun 17:00 - 23:00.
(250 - 500Kč). AIP
Mediterranean
Fluidum Praha 3, Lucemburská 1497/6, MJiřího z
Poděbrad, tel. 222 221 702, www.fluidumrestaurant.cz.
Fluidum is as smooth as its name suggests; a good wine list
complements the small yet varied menu. We sampled perfect
calamari, steak, pork tenderloin and salmon, all prime cuts.
Vegetable sides are a welcome sight and the bread is warm
and served with garlic oil. Czech dishes and pasta make slightly
cheaper choices and there is a gourmet menu available. Subtle
lighting, comfortable seating and service. QOpen 11:00 -
24:00, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. (200 - 450Kč). AGP
Mexican
Amigos J-5, Praha 2, Anny Letenské 16, MNám. Míru,
tel. 222 25 05 94, www.texmex.cz. The menu is enormous,
amusing, and with some topless shots to keep you
turning the pages. The spice in the air and eyes bodes well
for chilli-ed authenticity. Chimichanga is as tasty as it’s fun to
say, steaks are large and tender, vegetarian options abound,
cocktails are cheap and delivery is available. What more do
you want? QOpen 11:00 - 24:00. (50 - 160Kč). ES
Amores Perros K-4, Praha 2, Kubelíkova 33, MJiřího
z Poděbrad, tel. 222 73 39 73, www.amoresperros.cz.
Amores Perros is no worse than any other Czech-Mex zone
and they do have a very cool contraption to keep your tacos
upright. Many a family group have weekend brunch here. Not
authentic, but good enough. QOpen 11:00 - 02:00. (100
- 300Kč). APS
Banditos I-6, Praha 2, Melounová 2, MI.P. Pavlova,
tel. 224 94 10 96, www.banditos.cz. More than just a
Mexican as their copy rightly claims; try the super sandwiches
and slaw. The Tex-Mex and burger standards remain at good
prices, along with an amazing all-day full breakfast. Cool barkeeps,
clientele and tunes. The kitchen is open until 24:00.
QOpen 09:00 - 01:00. (100 - 300Kč). AS
Sonora Praha 3, Radhoštská 5, MJiřího z Poděbrad, tel.
222 71 10 29. Tightly packed tables and immense popularity
make Sonora a cosy spot where you will end up sharing
your table. The menu is huge and daunting; go for burritos,
chimichangas, flautas and nachos. The Native American tribal
mural is interesting, but not as interesting as the massive
selection of tequila. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun 15:00
- 24:00. (100 - 350Kč). B
Pakistani
Mailsi Praha 3, Lipanská 1, tel. 222 71 77 83. Prague’s
only sit-down Pakistani restaurant is a leading light for those
lusting real cumin in their dinner. The service is light yet
deliciously attentive. Although still nowhere near the extravagances
of most spiced offers in the city, their prices are starting
to creep up a little. Take tram N°9 to the Lipanská stop. Q
Open 12:00 - 15:00, 18:00 - 24:00. (150 - 400Kč).
Russian
Ruský Salón K-5, Praha 2, Mánesova 79, MJiřího z
Poděbrad, tel. 224 22 47 20, www.ruskysalon.cz. Ruský
Salón’s cellar café space is clean-lined and classy, with raised
armchair seating around the more usual wooden chairs. Russian
staples such as bread and herring (“drink some vodka”
they advise), blinis (pancakes) pelmeni (like pirogi), Sobraine
cigarettes and of course caviar. Delicious light meals, breakfast,
salads plus a deli and CD, DVD, video rentals. QOpen
10:00 - 20:00, Sun 11:00 - 19:00. (55 - 160Kč). PS
Slovak
U Krbu K-5, Praha 3, Nitranská 9, MJiřího z Poděbrad,
tel. 728 70 27 97. Open the small menu of schnitzels and
halušky (small dough balls with meat and gravy) and be rewarded
with an illustration of a boisterous Slovakian woman
missing the top half of her folk costume. Warm and smoky,
this place is half grandmother’s living room, half decked out
in paintings of peasants and walking sticks for Carpathian
adventures. QOpen 12:00 - 23:00. (80 - 150Kč).
Thai
Tiger Tiger J-5, Praha 2, Anny Letenské 5, MNám.
Míru, tel. 222 51 20 84, www.tigertiger.cz. Burning bright
on a quiet residential street, Tiger Tiger sports Thailand’s
national colours and more Buddhas than you can shake an
incense stick at. Exotic and authentic cuisine is the key to its
popularity although the prices are not so popular (pad Thai
for 215Kč). Velkopopovický Kozel beer on draught. Daily lunch
specials for 100Kč. QOpen 11:30 - 23:00, Sat, Sun 17:00
- 23:00. (150 - 300Kč). AP
Vegetarian
NEW
Beas J-6, Praha 2, Bělehradská 90, MI.P. Pavlova, tel.
608 03 57 27, www.beas-dhaba.cz. The vegan Krishna
type Northern Indian meals served on a metal tray migrates
to Vinohrady. With a small garden and the same interior,
Beas 2 will no doubtr continue the success of the original
Old Town Beas - although choices, desserts and servings
appear smaller at this location. QOpen 11:00 - 21:00, Sun
11:00 - 18:00. (80 - 200Kč). PGB
RadostFX I-5, Praha 2, Bělehradská 120, MI.P. Pavlova,
tel. 224 25 47 76, www.radostfx.cz. Delicious and
large portions of well prepared all-vegetarian offerings await in
this hip cafe, restaurant, bar, club and video and music store
hybrid. One of Prague’s best spaces, their menu is ecletic
and imaginative. Check out their excellent weekend brunch,
Mexican and Thai specials, salads, sandwiches, and pasta.
QOpen 09:00 - 04:00. (120 - 245Kč). A
Pavel Vítek
April - May 2007
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