I checked into my hotel and took an evening stroll through the Mala Strana. It is dotted with embassies, colorful pubs and restaurants. I landed at a very typical, very tiny pub called Uklicu. There were 10 stools but I was told by a customer, “during the summer the garden also has a few tables.” Because everyone was so friendly, I decided not to tell him this was July, which is summer where I come from.
I sat between a couple locals and ordered a beer. In the background Led Zeppelin played. This pub plays the Oldies Station so the music was great. I stuck up a conversation with a guy who spoke impeccable English. I mistakenly asked him to recommend a ‘Czechoslovakian’ restaurant. “Czech Republic,” he replied correcting me immediately.
I explained that old habits are hard to break. I knew the Czech Republic was formed in 1989. My children’s paternal grandparents were born there, I explained I love spent my twenties eating Czech food and never quite perfecting my ex-mother-in-laws recipes for Czech pastries and ‘Gulas.’ Rather amused, he excused my politically incorrect reference and gave me several local restaurants to try. He explained that many restaurants have menus in English and in Czech. What most people don’t know is the English menus are triple the price!
I thanked him for the information, finished the mug of beer in front of me and headed back to my smoke-free room in my hotel where I took out a guidebook and made notes on how to order in Czech. Tomorrow, I’ll dine from the Czech menu. Gulis Podavany’s, here I come!