Prague Foodie Travel

 

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The view alone is enough to make Celeste Restaurant a “must-do”.  It’s located in the Frank Gehry designed “Dancing House” or “Fred and Ginger” on the river at the intersection of Resslova.









I’m happy to report that the food is another reason to put this resto on the list. 


                                       


Agnoletti stuffed with rabbit meat and liver are served in a mustard sauce with fava beans and the rabbit kidney.  The organ meats are mild, and the the dish overall is extremely well-executed.  Good to the last bite! 


                                   


Goat chops (which look like baby lamb chops) are mild and tender.  Given that goat is almost always served braised or roasted for hours, it is quite a treat to taste these quickly cooked rare chops.  This is a first for me and a winner. 



                                          



The duck breast is equally well prepared, spiked with complex spices that enhance its flavor

without overwhelming it. 


Speaking of firsts, my premier foray into Czech wines is a pleasant surprise.  A glass of white is dry and crisp and a bottle Pinot Noir is earthy with good acidity.   The sommelier is well informed.

                                                          


                                                                        

Main dishes are in the 600 Koruna range (in the $30’s).  For refined, sophisticated dining and stellar views, Celeste is a worth-while splurge.




Another restaurant touted for its river-side location is Bellevue, Smetanovo nábř. 18.  It’s view doesn’t match that of Celeste and it’s location definitely puts it in the center of the tourists’ radar screen.  The food is traditional Czech. 


               
                 



A pike perch comes with perfectly crispy skin is served with a light parsley pudding and Riesling sauce which pairs nicely with you guessed it, a glass of Riesling! 




The braised beef cheek and roasted Czech-style duck are stick-to-your-ribs hearty fare.  The beef’s connective sinew has melted into a salubrious goo, just as it should be.  And once again, the Czech wine does not disappoint.  The mains are in the 600 Koruna range ($30’s).  I definitely like the rustic, hearty fare, but if budget dictates only one finer dining experience, I’d opt for elegance and head to Celeste.




The Brewery Bar at Hotel Augustine, Letenská 12/33, is located in the cellar of a recently converted monastery.  The architect cleverly provides windows into the past by exposing the below ground stream.  This is a cool place to take a break and have a bite to eat.


                                  




Louka Lu, Ujezd 33, is a fun, casual, local’s restaurant with kitschy atmosphere and an eclectic menu.








           An octopus and potato salad is pleasant enough

     (heavy on the potatoes and light on the octopus though).








            
           


The duck breast is tender and juicy and pasta is served perfectly al dente.  It’s also served with the appropriate amount of sauce (not drowning in it).  The wine is short and even the most expensive on the list (355 CZK $20) is rustic, but totally drinkable, especially for the price. It’s a great spot to wind down and eat some lighter fare.  Pasta is 155 CZK (about $9) and the duck is a bargain at 255 CZK ($14). 



Hotels

The Mandarin Oriental, located in a former monastery, sheds its spartan past in preference for luxury.  The palatial marble bathrooms, helpful staff and included breakfasts makes this hotel worth checking out.


The Augustine, a Rocco Forte Hotel, is a newly converted monastery with pristine, modern appointments and a divine location. The large windows throughout the common areas provide a sense of openness, a seamless line from outside in.   Bars and dining facilities are equally lovely.  If the weather’s nice, head outside to one of the garden patios.


Ciao for now!


                     



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Prague


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