| This is the second in a two part series spotlighting | | | | all but wiped out Czech Village, and Zindrick's |
| the cuisine of the Czech Republic in America. In | | | | Restaurant was forced to close. Zindrick's was |
| this installment we will introduce you to five great | | | | one of the best known Czech restaurants in the |
| Czech restaurants across America that are as | | | | country. |
| authentic as any you will find in Europe... | | | | Now, the same owner has changed the name but |
| Czech Cuisine: An Introduction | | | | kept the same great recipes. Al's Blue Toad has |
| If you are unfamiliar with Czech cuisine, here is a | | | | been open since late 2009 and is a go to place |
| quick primer. Traditional Czech recipes usually | | | | for goulash, dumplings, and many other standards. |
| consist of a hearty meat along with potatoes or | | | | Hotel Wilber Restaurant |
| dumplings. Most meat dishes are slow cooked by | | | | About 25 miles west of Lincoln, Nebraska, the |
| roasting them for several hours. This ensures the | | | | small town of Wilber hosts an annual Czech |
| meat is not only tender, but moist and juicy as | | | | cultural festival. The downtown area is a walkable, |
| well. | | | | traditional Czech village, with specialty stores and |
| Czechs are known for their proficiency in baking | | | | a museum. |
| and their love of desserts. Many traditional | | | | If you are ever in the area, be sure to eat here |
| desserts are served as part of the meal, meaning | | | | and stay overnight. It is Czech style hospitality at |
| they won't cost anything extra. In general, you | | | | its finest! |
| won't pay much for an authentic Czech style | | | | Old Prague Restaurant: Vermilion, Ohio |
| meal. Many of the restaurants we are | | | | This is one of our favorite places in one of our |
| recommending often serve a full course meal for | | | | favorite towns. Old Prague is located in the harbor |
| less than $12. | | | | district of Vermilion, a picturesque town about 40 |
| Five More Great Czech Restaurants In America | | | | miles west of Cleveland and a short stroll to the |
| There are several notable Czech communities in | | | | shores of Lake Erie. |
| the United States where settlers from eastern | | | | Since 1971, this welcoming restaurant has been |
| Europe made their home over a century ago. | | | | dishing out home made soups, European style |
| Thankfully, many of the cultural traditions are | | | | pastries, and hearty dinners that are easy on the |
| upheld and celebrated to this day. | | | | wallet. Spend a day in Vermilion and cap it off |
| Some of the more well known communities are in | | | | with dinner at Old Prague. |
| near west suburban Chicago, central Texas, | | | | Czech Plaza: Berwyn, Illinois |
| Nebraska, South Dakota, Cedar Rapids in Iowa, | | | | Circling back to suburban Chicago, you will find this |
| and Wisconsin. That's where you'll find these | | | | mainstay conveniently located on Cermak Road in |
| wonderful restaurants just waiting to introduce | | | | the near west suburb of Berwyn. Berwyn is one |
| you to Czech cuisine and hospitality! | | | | of the largest Czech and Bohemian communities in |
| Bohemian Crystal: Westmont, Illinois | | | | America. |
| We've been to Bohemian Crystal many times and | | | | In business for close to 50 years, everything here |
| are always looking forward to going back. The | | | | is home made and delicious. We recommend the |
| dining room is traditionally decorated, the portions | | | | Farmers Platter, a sampling of several meat |
| are huge, and prices are low. | | | | dishes, or the Bohemian meatloaf which is one of |
| Roast pork loin, roast duck, and breaded pork | | | | the best we've ever had. Wash it down with one |
| tenderloin are three of the most well known | | | | of the many beers available from the full bar. |
| dishes. Westmont is about 30 minutes west of | | | | Summary |
| downtown Chicago and is not far from the near | | | | Experience real Czech and Bohemian style cuisine |
| west suburban Czech enclave of Chicago. | | | | in America by stopping in at one of these warm |
| Al's Blue Toad: Cedar Rapids, Iowa | | | | and welcoming restaurants. You'll enjoy the |
| A big Czech community with a specialty shopping | | | | authentic hospitality, which is only surpassed by |
| area known as Czech Village, Cedar Rapids was | | | | the food! |
| devastated by flood waters a few years ago. It | | | | |