Monday, March 18, 2024

“I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.” Coco Chanel

I absolutely love beer, but those who know me well call me Bubblehead, and they know that my true passion is champagne. The effervescence of a cold glass of champagne makes every moment feel special. Champagne is like a long-term commitment, while beer is more like a fling.

I just discovered a new spot in Prague that I haven't checked out before. I'm excited to go and give it a try, and of course, I'll let you know what I think. And guess what? They offer Champagne from Collet, which is an amazing Champagne house. Can't wait to share my experience with you at Champagneria and let you know if this is merely a fling, or if it will lead to an engagement. 

Bubblehead enjoying Champagne on a visit to Paris





  

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

BOO!


  • “Last night you were unhinged. You were like some desperate, howling demon. You frightened me. Do it again.” — Morticia, “The Addams Family”
Autumn is upon us, and what does Autumn bring besides cool & crisp days, and leaves changing color into glorious shades of gold and burnt orange?  Yes, yes.... shorter days (I can't really find the plus in that), colder temps (two words "sweater weather", plus you can finally break out your amazing boots), and my all-time favorite....

HALLOWEEN



Let go of insecurities and inhibitions and for one day, one night, one party - put on that costume you know you secretly yearn to and have a damn good time!

Decorate your house, your yard, dress-up your dog  - let your inner superhero fly


Unleash your inner Billy Idol


Your inner bullfighter

Or just have fun at a pumpkin patch....


Just don't forget to decorate your home





Lucky for you, there are lots of places around Prague to partake in the festivities....

How to celebrate autumn in Czechia: Pumpkin patches, color walks, and corn mazes - Prague, Czech Republic: An overview of Czech traditions as well as tips for autumn activities popular with the international crowd.

And if you're lucky, maybe you'll encounter a Vampire or two.

Tuesday, September 26, 2023

 

ANTIQUE CAROUSEL quote is a photograph by JAMART Photography


What is it about a carousel that brings us all happiness?  

Perhaps it's the freedom, or the simple joy of enjoying a carefree journey into the past ...reconnecting with our youth.  

Or, perhaps it's simply the beauty of these gentle rides.  Luring us in with their whimsical tunes and bright colors, reminding us to take a pause and live in the moment.


I for one am going to ride each and every carousel I encounter with my son.  I'm going to let it take us round and round creating a memory to cherish.  I'm going to envision the happiness it brought to many before us, treasure the happiness it brings to us, and smile for the happiness it will bring to many more.  



I was fortunate enough to be in Prague in August before this gorgeous carousel is taken away for the season.  Located on Petřín Hill, this carousel from the 1800s will charm children and adults alike.  They say it may be one of the oldest carousels in Europe, with verifiable records of it dating back to 1820.  It was most likely built at the end of the 17th century by a German craftsmen in Wiesbaden, Germany.  Originally, this carousel was operated by live horses and the music came from a calliope.



This carousel belonged to the Degli Innocenti family and has been handed down from generation to generation since the 19th century.  In the 1950s, a Persian sheik offered an insane amount for it. but the family declined and stayed true to its tradition.  To this day the carousel remains in the family of the original owners. 


Hand-painted details - truly the work of an artist




So, embrace the carousels of the world.  Life is short.  
Slow down and enjoy the ride....one carousel at a time













Saturday, June 17, 2023

Once Upon A Time

 I admit, I am a quiz nerd and this one made me giddy.  

I dream of castles and often ponder castle life.   I have been to all of these myself, some several times, and each time it's like I am visiting for the first time.  There's something magical at every turn... something I missed on a prior visit.  My mind is just blown that these majestic structures were built during a time where work was done by hand, and they still stand today looking as graceful as they day they were born.  They're so romantic, mythical, curious, fascinating, and everlasting

How well do you know your Czech castles and which is your favorite?  

Czech Castle Quiz

This one is iconic, but I can't tell you its name





Tuesday, May 30, 2023

How well do you know Prague's Most Famous Buildings?

 I love a good quiz.  I really love a good quiz about Prague.

Let's see how well you do.... Prague's Most Famous Buildings Quiz


I actually got a few wrong. I cringe.  





Thursday, May 25, 2023

Where does the time go?

Whoa, where has the time gone?  it's true what they say that time flies by even faster as we get older, and even faster when we have children. 

I've taken some time to focus on this little fella, but I've missed Prague, My Love.  It is, after all, my passion.  My heart is not only with this little man, but with Prague, and it's time I continued sharing my love with all of you once again.


Now, has anyone found a way to slow down time?  I need to find a way....





 

Monday, June 29, 2020

Prague Metro Secrets

Now here is a book I must get my hands on - To je metro čéče is an award-winning book for children all about the Prague metro.  


Any one know how I can get my hands on it?

Monday, April 20, 2020

Eggs ain't just for breakfast

When we think of eggs, most of us picture breakfast - scrambled, over-easy, and my favorite, sunny-side up. Served with a side of bacon, and we're good.

But then we have Czechs. The superstitious traditionalists who believe that an egg symbolizes good luck.  New life, rebirth, marriage - all must be celebrated with an egg. Gasp, you didn't hold up an egg on your wedding day?!  Well then your marriage just wasn't properly blessed.  Who needs a minister when you can have an egg?

I came across this company Czech Eggs whole browsing the Christmas market at Columbus Circle in NYC, and I am smitten.  I must say, this would be stunning at any wedding


Now I don't need to worry about eggs getting crushed in my luggage en route home from CZ...leaving more room in my bag for Slivovice and Becherovka, yeah!






Saturday, April 18, 2020

Thank you, Quarantine Cooking

Sometimes it takes being stuck at home to light a fire under someone's passion.  For me, it was cooking that brought me back to this blog after a long hiatus.  

To catch you up, I had a baby, still run a business, and take care of the home. That's enough to keep anyone busy!  Sometimes when we are busy we let the things we really enjoy slide to to side, which is what I did.  Sometimes it takes a coronavirus to slow us all down, stop and smell the roses so-to-speak.  The silver lining I will take from this lockdown we are all in is that it gives us time to reconnect with ourselves, and rekindle our passions.

I have to give a shout out to Tres Bohemes.  It was their recipe for Zelofleky (healthier version of my beloved Šunkofleky) that fired me up again.  And damn, it was excellent!  If I hadn't cooked it, I would have thought I was eating noodles, not cabbage.  It was as though Lasagna and Frittata had a baby, and name it Zelofleky.

So thank you Quarantine - for you have helped me get my groove back





Thursday, May 17, 2018

They call me Rummy

“Why is the Rum gone.” -Jack Sparrow



Yeah, I feel like that sometimes often. Don't judge.

Before reading on... make sure this plays in the background Ah Gallon ah rum

Good thing RumFest is a mere day away.  Rum cocktails, rum on the rocks, rum neat, rum-from-the-bottle, rum shots (ok, perhaps not shots), but an adundance of rum in my glass whilst at a great locale on the waterfront?  I say run, run, run to drink rum.  

Rum what!?:  A magical beverage that turns one into a pirate 

Rum when!? May 19th

Rum where!?   Žluté lázně (translates to Yellow Spa.  Literally).

Rum how?! Buy your tickets here

Rum why?!  Because it is rum.  No further explanation necessary.

I am quite the fan of Mount Gay Extra Old, and recently I have discovered indulged over-indulged in a Hawaiian rum called Ko Hana (well, sugarcane was introduced to Hawaii in 1841... and they do make a mean Mai Tai) so it makes sense there would be a rum worth indulging over-indulging in.

And then there is Don Papa.  I like anything called Don Papa.  I just want to say Don Papa over and over and over again. Don Papa Don Papa Don Papa small batch rum from the Philippines.  "Now available in New York!"   Good to know cause I just schlepped my ass to Asia for this stuff.


Let me know if you drink either at RumFest....














Monday, March 5, 2018

"If you have no Honey in your Pot, have some in your Mouth." - Ben Franklin

A wise man once said, "If you have no Honey in your Pot, have some in your Mouth." 

Well, ok then...I shall do just as you advise, Mr. Franklin.  And my honey of choice is this one by KH Bees.  Simply put, it is DELICIOUS.  All of their honey products are, but this one made me dance a jig when I tasted it.


Did you know that honey is healthy?  Sweet, delicious AND good for me?  Bring it on, KH Bees, bring it on.


What are you waiting for?  Place your orders here and do as the wise man once said.

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Pivo, YES!

I don't live in Mishawaka, IN, but if I did, it would always be Pivo Time!



Why of why can't the Evil Czech be in my hometown.   I found an article from when they first opened in the South Bend Tribune.  Proud of you George, and now branch out cause we need you in Hawaii.  This Czech gal needs some solid Czech brew flowing through her.








Wednesday, February 21, 2018

You Go, Girl!

I know I am a tad late with this, but what can I say... I was celebrating.  My heart is with both the US and CZ competitors, and I am thrilled for Ledecká . She killed it on that slope and her humble response to her win makes her, in my opinion, extremely likable.  So I say, "You Go, Girl!" Bring home some more gold (we won't frown at silver or bronze either, just sayin').


Snowboard star Ester Ledecka's "bonus" gold medal in last weekend's Olympic super-G ruffled feathers in the world of alpine skiing, her ski coach said Tuesday (AFP Photo/JAVIER SORIANO)

Read more about her victory at REUTERS and YAHOO!SPORTS

Watch her amazing run here - this is what the Olympics is all about!




Saturday, December 23, 2017

Czech Apps, Cookies, Carp...and The Golden Pig

Thank you, Tres Bohemes, for your post about what us Czechs eat at Christmas.  As my mouth waters and I wipe drool off my chin, I compose my grocery list.  Chlebíčky are on my Christmas Eve dinner table yearly.  

Now if only they'd sell carp curbside where I live....


Veselé Vánoce everyone!

PS, don't forget to take a walk after Christmas Eve dinner in search of The Golden Pig (zlaté prasátko).  Custom dictates that those who are able to fast all day and hold off on all of the deliciousness until evening will see The Golden Pig in the evening.

I say those folk have just indulged in the egg nog a wee bit...

Photo from Tres Bohemes

Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving Food Coma in Prague

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! 


I was in the midst of researching where I can send those of you in CZ for an All-American Thanksgiving dinner when I stumbled upon a post on Prague.TV.  They saved me the work...now I can start prepping for tomorrow's feast.  And by "prepping" I mean:

Related image


Here are the suggestions on where to put yourself into a food coma...

THANKSGIVING 2017 IN PRAGUE

Roasted turkey, gravy and stuffing: Thanksgiving in Prague
This year the traditional American holiday of Thanksgiving falls on Thursday 23rd November. For those hoping to celebrate it but who are ‘stuck’ in Prague (definitely not a bad thing) don’t despair, as there a number of places putting on special Thanksgiving dinners. It may not be a Czech holiday but with many mixed Czech and American couples and expatriates now living in the country, the demand for Thanksgiving meals has risen from almost zero to nearly 30 years ago to numerous places now putting them on. For all of the places mentioned below, it is advised to book in advance in order to avoid disappointment.

Thanksgiving day in California Republic – 23.11.2017 from 19:00

Thanksgiving is one of the most popular American traditions. It's about family, friends, great traditional food (and football!) We are making a classic menu, consisting of roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, cinnamon apple and cranberry bake, stuffing, green bean casserole, and saving the best for last - pumpkin pie with whipped cream! Join us at California Republic on November 23rd, give thanks, and feast with us! The price of our Thanksgiving dinner is 595 Kč and it includes a glass of beer or wine. Pre-payment of 100 Kč and reservation is necessary! Reservation at www.california-republic.cz/thanksgiving - Facebook event


Thanksgiving Day at TGI Fridays – 23.11.2017 from 11:00 / 26.11.2017 brunch

Thanksgiving Day Facebook Event - 23.11.2017
Thanksgiving brunch Facebook Event - 26.11.2017


Thanksgiving Dinner @ Bohemia Bagel – 23.11.2017 from 17:00

We are serving a buffet style all you can eat Thanksgiving Dinner. Dishes include roast turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, roasted root vegetables, corn, sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, cranberry sauce, roasted chestnuts, pumpkin pie, apple pie & pumpkin cheesecake. 590 Kč (up to 12 yrs - 250 Kč - 3 yrs and under free) Seatings at 17:00 & 20:00 (Reservations Recommended at holesovice@bohemiabagel.cz or Tel. +420 220 806 541)


Thanksgiving // Den díkůvzdání @ Jáma Restaurace - 23.11.2017 from 18:00

You are warmly invited to come to the Hollow Restaurant (Jáma) to celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Booking accepted between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m., and the second wave starts at 9 p.m. Upon booking, CZK 100 advance payment per person shall be paid. Facebook Event


Thanksgiving Dinner With Brix Bar & Hostel – 23.11.2017 from 19:00

Hey All O' Y'all!! It's Thanksgiving Time!!! One of Our Favorited and Biggest Food Holidays of The Yearrrrrrrrr... We'd like you to Come and celebrate in being Thankful for Life, Family, Friendship, Happiness & Health with Us. Dinner will be 200czk Per Person, as We will be creating a Traditional Thanksgiving Feast, Served in Brix Bar, starting at 19:00. Facebook Event


Thanksgiving 2017 / Den díkůvzdání 2017 @ Hard Rock Café – 23.11.2017 starting from 11:30

Celebrate with us the best of the American traditions, Thanksgiving Day at Hard Rock Cafe Prague! 600czk per person. Kids portion 165czk. Secure your booking: +420 224229529 Facebook Event 


Thanksgiving Lunch & Dinner @ Chickin - 23.11.2017 from 11:30

FREE-RANGE Roasted Turkey with traditional stuffing and gravy Mashed Potatoes Sweet Potato-And-Cauliflower Salad Southern-Style Green Beans With Bacon Cranberry Sauce Pumpkin Cheesecake ADULT 249 CZK VEGETARIAN 199 CZK KIDS PORTION (up to 6 years) 129 CZK Prosecco 0,15l 55 CZK (with menu) Reserve your table at Tel.: +420 222 969 689 Facebook Event


Thanksgiving Feast-Ival Dinner @ U Kurelů - 23.11.2017 from 18:00


Dear Friends, please join us for a very special Thanksgiving dinner, Thursday 23.11.17! "Early"(6pm- until 8pm) and "Late" (8pm-on) seatings available, RESERVE NOW, SPACE IS LIMITED! ukurelu@thetavern.cz Facebook event


For an intimate Thanksgiving at home or with friends, Culinaria’s Gourmet-to-Go catering in Prague offers takeaway, delivery and full-service catering for Thanksgiving meals from November 23-25. This year, Culinaria and Dirty Dog Street Food are coming together to bring you an authentic Thanksgiving dinner straight to your kitchen. For more visit www.thanksgiving.cz

Robertson’s Deli is a British deli that sells fresh whole turkeys and already roasted turkeys to Prague residents who want to create their family’s Thanksgiving meals at home. A 7kg fresh turkey at Robertson’s costs 833 CZK while turkey crown sells for 657 CZK. The deli also stocks turkey breast, turkey rolls, American bacon and sausages in preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday. Order their meat and cheese products online. They also prepare cheese and ham party platters. Since the deli’s products and services are in high-demand around the holidays, place your order in advance to avoid disappointment.


Whether you spend Thanksgiving at home or in one of Prague’s restaurants, remember to show your appreciation for family, friends and your adopted city this year.




Tuesday, November 14, 2017

Beer Me... over and over again


That being said, it was as if this post by JetSetting Fools spoke to me.  I love me some beer, and now I have a new list of places I must try.  One of the spots on this list is like an old comforting blanket to me, and that is U Medvidku.  It is where I had my first Budvar, and where they brew X-Beer 33, which is a story for another day (#debauchery).


Continuing on...

Check out their article, 16 Places to Drink Craft Beer in Prague - it'll make your mouth water for some sweet nectar that is beer.  Or maybe that just happens to me.

Either way, Na Zdraví!




Saturday, November 11, 2017

A Magical Christmas

Well I certainly don't disagree....

Prague.TV had an article recently that made me yearn to be in Prague for Christmas, or as we say, Vánoce.  Being in Staroměstské náměstí (Old Town Square) and amongst the market along Václavské náměstí (Wenceslas Square) is just magical.  There is no other word I can use to describe it.  It is simply magical.  


Here is the piece...decide for yourself whether Christmas in Prague is in order.

PRAGUE TOPS CHRISTMAS LISTS AGAIN
Two news outlets have already but Prague among top holiday destinations
BY RAYMOND JOHNSTON - PRAGUE.TV (FOTO: FOTOLIA)
01.11.2017 16:41


Prague was ranked as the number one place for a Christmas vacation by news magazine U.S. News & World Report. Earlier, news server CNN ranked the Christmas markets at Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square together as among the top 10 in the world.

The rankings are no surprise, as Prague typically appears on similar lists at this time of year.

U.S. News & World Report also ranked Prague highly in other areas. It is third for a winter vacation in Europe and fourth for an affordable vacation in Europe, fifth for both an affordable European honeymoon and a European family vacation, sixth-best place to visit in Europe and the eighth-best place to visit in the world.

“For the month of December, the capital of the Czech Republic turns into a winter wonderland you've got to see to believe. Its medieval architecture is blanketed in twinkling lights and the Christmas markets are some of the best in the world. Plus, many of Prague's attractions are free, so you won't have to spend a fortune to sightsee,” U.S. News & World Report stated.

It did not list what it considered free attractions, but places such as the courtyards of Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, some churches and the streets of Old Town and Malá Strana can be seen for free. The interiors of buildings in Prague Castle, viewing towers, and most museums and galleries have an admission.

As for the city in general, the magazine described it as “a prosperous and bustling city.”

“Prague now attracts more tourists than ever. But its picturesque downtown veils both a dark legacy and a resilient past. Dating back to about A.D. 870, Prague has withstood numerous overthrows, invasions, fires and floods. It's this reputation for survival and perseverance that has made the Czech capital so fascinating. Today, its storied churches, narrow streets, daunting hilltop castle and statue-lined bridges create the scene of an urban fairy tale. Even the most jaded traveler would have trouble resisting this city's charms.”

Other cities on the U.S. News & World Report list for Christmas vacations were Vienna, Taos, London, New York, Zurich, Munich, Quebec, Edinburgh and Amsterdam.

Most of the choices aside from third-placed Taos seem to be obvious picks. Regarding Taos, the magazine said: “For a twist on the traditional Christmas, consider spending the holidays in this small town 70 miles north of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Snow-covered adobe buildings dot the historic downtown and handmade gifts are available at the Taos Folk pop-up store. The roster of unique events includes bonfires on Bent Street, which features traditional Aztec dancers.”

The U.S. News & World Report travel rankings are based on analysis of expert and user opinions. Destination rankings are updated once per year on a rolling basis.

CNN did not provide an explanation of the criteria for choosing the best Christmas markets. Prague appears fifth on the list, though it is not clear if that means fifth place or it is just random as the list is not numbered. CNN recommends the markets as an alternative to “joylessly battling through department store crowds or trawling the Internet for bargains.”

Gendarmenmarkt in Berlin, Germany, was first on the CNN list, followed markets in by Strasbourg, Vienna, and Montreal. The cities coming in after Prague are Florence, Krakow, Birmingham, Copenhagen, and Brussels.

Prague won high praise from CNN: “No city lends itself to Christmas better than Prague. The city's two main Christmas markets, in Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, are only five minutes' walk from each other, so can both easily be explored in one day,” CNN said.

“Each one has the usual wooden huts found in similar markets across Europe, but the Czech treats are what really set them apart. Visitors can grab a klobása (Czech sausage) and wash it down with a Pilsner Urquell in the afternoon, then hang around for the main tree to be lit up on Old Town Square,” CNN stated.

The two Christmas markets start relatively late this year, on Dec. 2, due to the late start of Advent, and run until Jan. 6, when Christmas is celebrated on the Orthodox calendar. The start of Advent changes every year and is the fourth Sunday before Christmas. The markets traditionally open the day before.

For the past few years, there has been no single tree lighting ceremony for security and safety concerns. The crowds had been reaching such a size that there was the potential for accidents. The details of this year's opening day have not been disclosed yet but most likely will follow the same pattern, with the tree going dark and relighting several times during the first day.

There should also be a program of daily entertainment on the square for the duration of the market. Carp soup should be served for free Dec. 24 during the day.

Monday, November 6, 2017

Sing It, Kid!

For those of you in NYC...

Organizácia +421 Foundation so sídlom v New Yorku vyhlasuje 3. ročník speváckej súťaže  detí v interpretácii českej a slovenskej ľudovej piesne AMERICKÝ  SLÁVIK, ktorý nadväzujena 30 úspešných ročníkov slovenskej verzie tejto súťaže SLÁVIK SLOVENSKA.
Súťaž sa koná pod záštitou Generálnych konzulátov Českej a Slovenskej republiky v New Yorku a garantmi podujatia sú hviezdy hudobného neba Karel Gott a Peter Dvorský.
Súťažiacich bude sprevádzať ľudová hudba PAJTÁŠI. SpoluúčinkujeAriana Lem Joy a konferujú Pavlína Horáková a Richard Štilicha.
 
Americky Slavik 2017
 
Ak máte záujem prihlásiť dieťa do súťaže, prihlášku treba poslať do 5. novembra 2017!
Ďalšie informácie vrátane prihlášky do súťaže a nôt povinných piesní sú na stránke www.americkyslavik.com.