The Address Sept-Oct 2013

Clockwise from left — A scenic view of Golf Resort Karlstjen; A hot air balloon
hovering above the course at Golf Resort Karlstjen; 70,000 saplings were planted
throughout the course at Golf Resort Konopiste; An overview of Golf Resort
Konopiste; Pilsner Brewery bar
Unlike the English however, the koruna goes for 20:1 ratio
against the US dollar, which in loose terms translates to a
much lower cost of living here than anywhere else in western
Europe. Nevertheless, the quality of food and service is top
class, with ambience, a highly interesting set-up in some of
the restaurants.
A lot of traditional Prague cuisine had largely been dictated
by a time when the people were less economically well off.
The staple food used to be a slaughtered cow, with every part
minced together and packed inside the intestines, which are
then frozen in freezers. This raw minced beef is boiled and
then served like sausages and could feed a family for months.
Today, they are still commonly eaten and tastes good with
sauces and beer. The latter would prove to be a national favourite;
the Czechs love their beer and the excellent Pilsner
Urquell can challenge the best of German beers.
Around the Prague Castle, there is a certain offbeat restaurant
that, upon first hearing its name, seems like a misfit of
sorts. Cowboys is one of the latest addition to the scene, set
right at the top of Nerudova Street. A steak house more than
anything else, its interior is set within a deep set cellar with
large mirrors and vaulted walls.
For something more impressive, the Hradčany at Hotel Savoy
jacks it up there with the classiest. Bask in the warmth of
1930s ballroom splendor and keep a look out for Greta Garbo
and Cary Grant; this distinctive hotel-cum-restaurant serves
up Michelin standard fare at less than haute cuisine, well, fare
(pun certainly intended).
A stroll downhill across Charles Bridge is the older sister
of Cowboys restaurant called Kampa Park. A trendy and ‘be
seen’ place for dining, Kampa Park offers the most stunning
view of the bridge and the river at night.
Further inland to Old Town, U Modré Růže, or ‘The Blue
Rose’, is an absolutely romantic setting that is a 15th century
cellar between Starmetska and Venceslas square. The coatof-arms
transfixed on the walls of its narrow dining area provides
a mystical, medieval opulence.
Another similarly unique restaurant can be found in the
New Town that is set in the basement that is designed in the
likeness of a stalactite cave depicting Pluto’s underworld. Apart
from its kooky shell, the dining experience is very comfortable
and posh, serving up a mix of traditional European cuisine, as
well as the personal creations of resident chef Michal Novak.
Visit the local La Casa del Habano cigar bar for a post-dinner
cognac and top quality Cuban smokes. The franchise is
world renowned for its collection of fine cigars and is the
most exclusive cigar bar here in the Czech Republic.
There are also bars and clubs to while the night away. Like
most European cities, they come as varied as can be with the
better establishments mostly contained within the city centre
and open till late (about 3 am). Like the gourmet offerings,
they are excellent venues that are reasonably priced.
Vodikova, Zborovská, Lucerna Music Bar, Radost FX,
Rock Café and the ever-popular Blehradská provide endless
entertainment throughout the night and early hours of the
morning. Great time, fine moves and excellent golf awaits the
visitor to Prague!
SEPT/OCT 2013 | TA 73