A Barbarian Feast

Out of all the places I would have expected to have good food, Prague was the last place that came to mind. I can honestly say that before coming to Rome, I had no prior knowledge of Czech cuisine, their language, and especially their currency. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the food in Prague was interestingly delicious. Although the cuisine consisted of tastes, smells, and names that I was unfamiliar with, I ended up being completely fulfilled after every meal. The hearty meats, rich simple sauces, and fulfilling dumplings and potatoes create a menu fit for a barbarian. Duck, pork, and beef are the typical meats you will find and they are often served with a thick sauce and complimentary dollop of whipped cream or cranberries. Although I found this combination appalling at first, the savory sauces and sweet cream complimented each other quite well. Czech recipes don’t include a lot of spices, so the food ends up being fairly simple. Traditional desserts include light pancakes with sour cream and fruit and hot apple strudel. Czech is also known for having really incredible breweries so beer is a popular beverage during dinner and really compliments the heartiness of the meal. This contrasts the light Italian cuisine that I am currently familiar with. Italian cuisine doesn’t revolve around hearty meals. Italian cuisine consists of a few lighter dishes served consecutively after each other. Italian sauces are light and fresh with natural ingredients and spices. Also, wine is a traditional beverage during meals and really compliments the light and flavorful tastes of Italian cuisine. After experiencing Czech cuisine, I have been more open with trying new dishes and flavors. I don’t want to restrict my palate because then I would be rejecting the essence of other cultures. I believe you should always be open to new tastes and dishes because the ones you reject could actually be a pleasant surprise.