Czech Food

[Shellback]

As a concierge, we are constantly asked by guests for dining recommendations. But, I was really stumped the other night when a hotel guest asked for a recommendation for Czech food here in Vancouver. I told her that we no longer have a Czech restaurant here in Vancouver (Kafe Europa on Denman is closed - I think they served Czech food). She was very surprised and said, "Vancouver has the largest Czech population outside of the Czech Republic, how can you not have a Czech restaurant?" I asked for a description of the food and she said that she's looking for "dumplings in soup".

Did I misinformed her?

Edited April 20, 2005 by Shellback (log)

[Keith Talent]

Kolatchy are Czech. I'm certain they've been mentioned here before.

And I don't really beleive that Vancouver has an extraordinary large Czech population.

[Carolyn Tillie]

Think a cross between Hungarian and German;

Roast meats and potatoes, red cabbage, oxtail soup, stuffed cabbage, bread dumplings.

Carbs... lots and lots of carbs....

And amazing apple streudel for dessert.

[Badiane]

There was a place in North Van:

Gambrinus Restaurant, 707 Queensbury Ave., North Vancouver, 988-1331.

Dunno if it's still open, but it was listed in the Straight a few weeks ago.

[canucklehead]

Would Budapest Cafe on Main be a good approximation? Have heard good things about the goulash and schnitzel.

[shelora]

Sometimes checking in the yellow pages under community centres or cultural centres yields up some great contacts. If there is a Czech cultural centre they may be able to steer you to a restaurant.

Creamed cabbage with cumin seeds. YUM!

[Paul B]

I haven't been, but I think I was told that Calvin's in Dundarave is Czech.

[BCinBC]

I've been to Calvin's for brunch, but I thought the menu was French influenced. Great fixed menu brunch tho, for that other thread floating around out there...

[Shellback]

Thank you all for the quick feedback.

I thought about Kolatchy.... but since I haven't been, I don't know what else they have other than the stuffed buns.

That night, I did a Google search, found Gambrinus and gave them a call. The woman on the phone told me that they bought out the business around 7 years ago and they are no longer a Czech restaurant.

I did asked the guest whether or not if a Hungarian restaurant would do, but she said Czech food is TOTALLY different.

Checking with the community/cultural centre is a good idea - maybe I should take a look today for future reference.

Thanks again!