Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy all the traditional eats your heart desires, right?
Well, Thanksgiving 2019 I decided it was actually the perfect opportunity to use minimal vacation days and head off to do some exploring! Thankfully, Mina is an avid supporter of traveling as much as one can and approved. My trip started in the beautiful city of Prague!
I knew Austria was beautiful, but I had no idea my breath would be taken away at every corner we turned. Absolutely stunning architecture, colors, nature, people, and foods! Picturesque “like a postcard” is the best way to describe how stunning the city streets were. I could go on and on but I’m here to talk about the eats, so I’ll start off with our first meal and the most divine breakfast spot I have ever been to- Café Savoy.
Head Chef František Skopec and staff have created an elegant and refined traditional setting for the ultimate Viennese dining. First you’ll note the exquisite interior, with art and woodendecor meant to resemble the First Czechoslovakian Republic. The tables are set elegantly as well, as will be your meal and drinks that come out too. It is no wonder that Café Savoy boasts a Michelin 2020 rating.
I had to order the namesake Savoy Breakfast, pictured above. This plentiful plate comes with an omelet with cheese, open face ham sandwich, sponge cake, bread buns, and butter and jams to spread. This is the type of breakfast that gets your ready for whatever your day ahead holds and is well worth the money.
The omelet was golden and filled with melted cheese that kept it fluffy and soft. Super filling and satisfying. My favorite was the open ham sandwich, which had traditional Viennese ham, half a boiled egg, and spread that I could only wish was available here in the States. Seemingly a small addition to the omelet plate, it was the star of the show. Café Savoy additionally makes their own breads and pastries, and I was happily surprised that my breakfast was served with not 1 but 3! The sweet cinnamon bread was my favorite, with butter and tea it reminded me of what old Europe tea time must have felt like. The brioche buns were welcome alongside the omelet and to try out the delicious jams with. Overall, this is a solid breakfast in a most beautiful setting, you have to check it out. Unfortunately we were too full to try any of the pastries in the case, which were incredibly tempting. I would suggest taking some to go, as that was my old regret here.
Regardless of a 4 star rating on TripAdvisor, as some people see this as a tourist trap or overrated, Café Savoy is a must if in Prague. If you don’t take my word for it, listen to Michelin Guide– “This atmospheric grand café with its superb neo-renaissance ceiling has been open since 1893. Arrive early for breakfast; pop in for coffee and a cake from their patisserie; enjoy the daily lunch special accompanied by a beer; or come for generously sized Czech and French classics at dinner.”
Unfortunately, we did not make it back for dinner. Fortunately, dinner was still delicious, traditional, and options were on every corner. Ours that evening featured the above- traditional Czech dumplings and braised beef at Café Louvre, a slice of Czech history on a plate. Allow me to explain.
Café Louvre is nestled into the bustling streets of Národní Třída. Národní Třída (National Avenue) is a long stretching avenue that intersects the New Town and Old Town, making it significant and a popular place to be. It is no doubt one of the most beautiful streets in Prague, filled with stunning architecture and interesting structures. Don’t be surprised when you have a church next to a doughnut shop and a brewery, just a few steps from a palace. Café Louvre is a grand and spacious restaurant located somewhere in between.
Over 100 years operating in this space, the menu has gained a reputation of offering dishes with old Czech flair. The dumplings especially come highly recommended. Braised beef in covered in a warm, sweet sauce and served with bread dumplings. What makes the dish as good as it is was the sauce that not only covered the plate, but is also soaked up by the bread and if you have any left, will have you spooning it at the end. The beef is tender and soft, just enough for a goulash, but not too notable. To top it all off, a berry compote with whipped cream for a tart and creamy addition to the already sweet sauce. It all works together so perfectly and is an absolute must when visiting Prague. The restaurant, the goulash, the entire experience!
Lots of wine was enjoyed with our meal here but next time, I plan on coming for the infamous hot chocolate and trying some of their lovely desserts which the Food Tour we embarked on didn’t leave much room for.
Bonus image of the most interesting cake enjoyed, as I wouldn’t want one thinking I skipped out on the sweets altogether, in the Old Town District. Above you see a flaky pastry base with poppy seed filling, cherry and chocolate mousse, and a crumb topping. I would be lying if I claimed I remember the name of the plate or place, but I can’t forget the taste and only wish I could go back for more.
