Food is as much a part of travel as any divine destination; and one of my preferred methods for experiencing the culture of other countries. I have three extra pounds to attest to my recent delectable European experience.
I’ll shed the pounds, but the memories I’ll savor for years and years to come, particularly those memories we made while dining at Mastal’s in Cesky Krumlov, where I'm certain all 700 years of history comes with this unique restaurant.
I’ll shed the pounds, but the memories I’ll savor for years and years to come, particularly those memories we made while dining at Mastal’s in Cesky Krumlov, where I'm certain all 700 years of history comes with this unique restaurant.
This Czech time machine offered quite the journey into the past.
If you’re new to my blog, you can learn more about this historic, medieval city dubbed the Czech Republic’s, “Little Prague,” by checking out yesterday’s post.
So, now that you’re done with the appetizer, let’s move on to today’s main course.
Our meal was courtesy of Vantage Tours and the brain child of three fantastic tour guides, Erna, Dagmar and Thea. And while that bit of information meant our dining options had been decided long before our arrival in Cesky Krumlov, that decision in no way limited our enjoyment when it came to the hearty meal and wonderful ambiance we savored.
I’m not sure it was intentional, but by the time we made it through the quaint courtyard reserved for outdoor dining to the heart of this historic restaurant, my appetite had been sufficiently whet to make the most of my midday meal.
So, now that you’re done with the appetizer, let’s move on to today’s main course.
Our meal was courtesy of Vantage Tours and the brain child of three fantastic tour guides, Erna, Dagmar and Thea. And while that bit of information meant our dining options had been decided long before our arrival in Cesky Krumlov, that decision in no way limited our enjoyment when it came to the hearty meal and wonderful ambiance we savored.
I’m not sure it was intentional, but by the time we made it through the quaint courtyard reserved for outdoor dining to the heart of this historic restaurant, my appetite had been sufficiently whet to make the most of my midday meal.
Good food and a good time beckoned as we made our way into Mastal's.
We made our way through the bar area
It doesn't get more authentic than this.
into the heart of this cozy restaurant serving up every bit of the 700 years of history that had unfolded before our arrival.
I was so hoping to find some royalty dining among us peasants.
The cave like dining room was medieval madness right down to the solid tables and chairs, the candles burning on the tables and the rough-hewn rock walls! I was drooling all over myself with excitement by the time our server delivered drinks and bread.
Please forgive me for the blurry images, but with the flash the ambiance just gave way to the 21st century and ruined the mood. I chose to stick with authenticity and sacrifice a little clarity. Okay, maybe a lot of clarity! Just don't eat or drink while viewing today's post or you'll risk feeling a little nauseous. I must say though, soft lighting always makes those of us with a few years under our belts (and across our faces) much better looking. No snickering! Your turn is coming before you know it.
Please forgive me for the blurry images, but with the flash the ambiance just gave way to the 21st century and ruined the mood. I chose to stick with authenticity and sacrifice a little clarity. Okay, maybe a lot of clarity! Just don't eat or drink while viewing today's post or you'll risk feeling a little nauseous. I must say though, soft lighting always makes those of us with a few years under our belts (and across our faces) much better looking. No snickering! Your turn is coming before you know it.
Everything but our server looked like it had come straight out of the middle ages.
Our meal started with potato soup, which I’m told was rich, creamy and flavorful. With my allergy to potatoes (anybody else out there with the same oddball allergy, shoot me a line; misery loves company) I passed on this delicious first course but certainly not the fun and good friends to be had all around.
The three musketeers - Jim, Nancy, and Jackie - make a toast to good friends, food, and fun.
Don't new friend Joan and I look like two co-eds instead of grandmothers? Love the soft lighting!
Our main course, chicken breast, came covered in a delicious, light sauce with a surprising tang reminiscent of a Chinese sweet and sour sauce. Baked potatoes with sour cream (oh, well, my loss is Jimmy’s gain) and veggies rounded out our entrée.
I need to learn how to say noodles in Czech!
Fortunately the Czech’s are known for their pastries, which is something that agrees with both my palate and my picky constitution. Jimmy didn’t get a single bite of my blintz, a creamy, fruit-filled pancake sprinkled with cinnamon sugar and served with a dollop of real cream. I doubt they've even heard of Cool Whip in the Czech Republic.
I doubt this goodie has changed any after 700 years of baking. Some things are too good to improve on.
I wanted to linger in the cozy warmth of this place and the past with my wonderful new friends, to savor the moment forever, but the present was calling. Our meal and day in Cesky Krumlov was all so delightfully delicious!
Jimmy was good at keeping us moving. We miss the bus, we're on our own.
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