Since 1926, the phrase reach for the stars took on new meaning for those in the restaurant world. André Michelin, who had been publishing his French guide for some 26 years already, decided to add a star to acknowledge what he considered good food. Soon after, he understood the need to add a second and third star. These days the Michelin guide covers cities all over the world and getting a star can catapult a restaurant’s popularity into the stratosphere.
If there is an interest in the world that is growing it’s the interest in food. These foodies are catered to by a number of specialty magazines, countless cookbooks, the rise of the chef as a celebrity and there are even channels of television devoted to food programs ranging from how to shows to competitions and even food history. Imagine 24 hours of programming centered on food: exquisite food, healthier choices, inexpensive routes and tips for foods that are perfect for entertaining guests. These foodies are just the sort of people who look forward to finding out who will receive a coveted Michelin star.
Last year, Prague’s acclaimed Allegro restaurant nestled in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel earned a star and was the pride of the regions of central and eastern Europe, being the only recipient. This year, Michelin visited some 21 hot spots in the Czech Republic. Allegro further validated itself by keeping the star it earned, while a second restaurant in Prague, Maze, inside the Hilton Hotel, also earned one of these prestigious stars. This is a signal to the world that Prague is a city with a burgeoning culinary scene and we can only expect more to come.
Allegro raised the bar for excellence. The restaurant’s ambience is undoubtedly enhanced by its proximity to both Prague Castle and the Vltava river so that, seated inside or on the outdoor terrace, diners can enjoy the views. Chef Andrea Accordi’s creative menu features dishes like her Fassona Piedmont beef done in two different ways, her monkfish wrapped in guanciale or, leaning toward regional tastes, her suckling pig with horseradish mashed potato.
Maze is a venture that was led, until recently, by famed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay of Britain. He has television shows where, through verbal tough love, he pushes would-be chefs or flailing establishments toward success. Evidently he knows a bit about accomplishing goals as Maze has found its way into the spotlight with its Michelin star. Maze offers an a la carte menu capable of surprising any foodie, plus it also features what it calls a classic menu, which showcases the kitchen’s strengths in 7 courses for roughly 1800 kc.
A Michelin star is an honor many restaurants only dream of. It’s a paper star. It cannot light the road on your way home at night. However, it can indicate that a lovely meal can be making its way from the restaurant kitchen to your table. And, how do we celebrate birthdays and promotions at work and say thank you to friends or treat our parents to a surprise, if not around beautiful food? Allegro and Maze have earned accolades from its patrons, and now they have brought stars of promise to Prague, for where there is one, there may be two and where there are two, there’s sure to be more.
Prague News :: Star Power
