Don Ellis | Last Updated: April 22,2009 11:10:54 am
|
|
The Prague has forever been the lovable mutt of a restaurant, all sweet and snuggly-like, tucked into a nondescript block on Queen West. More of a deli-bakery, really, and on the surface of it, it was an easy spot to ignore, much in the same vein as Czehosky’s in its previous life.
The Prague, filling this location since the mid sixties, sports a completely revamped design, a sleek exterior and stylish interior with which to lure in the young’ns without perplexing the regulars. Local interior design firm Hirshberg Design helmed the look, directed by owner Tom Kral and his sister. Now, cherry wood tables are amply spaced making a long wooden streak down one side of the room. On the other side, a deli case runs the length of the deli/bakery area, displaying the goods and specials of the day.
The Prague has long been a place for sandwiches and Czech fare. Not surprisingly, The Prague dishes out the best of Central and Eastern Europe specimens: the pierogi, goulash, and struedels that are quintessential comfort food - unpretentious, filling, and cheap. With the aid of sour cream and sautéed onions, The Prague serves up the boiled and fried realms of Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, Czech, the stuffed stuff an underground gourmet's dreams are made on.
The menu has some hot-plate daily specials, but sandwiches, crepes, schnitzels and pierogis remain the primary draw. The restaurant also serves breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Items range from $4 to $8 and include egg dishes such as omelets with kielbasa and onion or eggs any style served with ham, bacon, kielbasa, onion or mushrooms.
Other items on the menu are blintzes and Czech sausages served with scallions. Prague serves up a schnitzel that’s available in chicken or veal; and Prague's goulash is a lighter version than you might be used to, thickened up with diced peppers and potatoes. If they're available, sample the tender Butterscotch Cream Puffs -light and puffy they are - that will satisfy the strongest sweet tooth yearnings.
|
AT A GLANCE
Prague Fine Food Emporium
638 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, Canada
416-504-5787
Deli
Queen West
Venue:
Restaurant
Hours:
Mon. to Fri.: 7:30am - 7:00pm Sat.: 7:30am - 6:00pm Sun.: 10:00am - 5:00pm
Price Range:
$$ (Affordable)
Payment:
Master Card, Visa, American Express
|
 |
THE BUZZ
|
|
IN THE AREA
|
|
|
|
|
6 Reader Reviews | Can`t comment on the food, but given that the chef was in the catering van that hit my friend`s car twice and then was very hostile when confronted about the accident, I wouldn`t go near that place.
1. Lucy's Review :: March 28, 2009 Lucy's Rating: 1 Stars |
High level of authenticity from the food style, quality and the wonderful service and restaurant staff. The cabbage rolls were almost as good as Mom's. The kolbassa was of some the highest quality in the city and your deserve to cut a huge coil of it for take out with your cabbage!
Terry Szwec
2. Terry Szwec's Review :: November 29, 2006 Terry Szwec's Rating: 4 Stars |
I love their sunday brunch. Chezck-break was yummy with kielbasa and bread dumplings. Tripe soup was delicous and generous in serving, could be a meal on its own. My friends had poached eggs with smoked salmon wrapped in a crepe. It was exquisite! One of the best breakfast options i have ever tasted. The server was attentive and very nice. They got quite busy and I guess because they did not expected to get so busy, the service was a bit slow. I hope things stay the same. They just need more servers.
3. Beyza's Review :: February 20, 2006 Beyza's Rating: 4 Stars |
This place looks great! They have updated the look but remained true to their roots. The Prague needed a facelift, it was pretty retro and the buildings are so old in that neighbourhood. They may have a new look, but they have the same soul. The food and the people are still the same...and it's great that they have more seats now. I like that I can have table service if I want, but also take something to go from the deli side. Go try some perogies and schnitzel! MMMMMM
4. A Big Fan's Review :: October 31, 2005 A Big Fan's Rating: 4 Stars |
It's a shame that all the authentic spaces in Toronto are falling victim to "super-styling". Leave some of the rustic grit alone, it's good for the city.
Can't comment on the food here, only the architecture.
5. Joe G's Review :: October 30, 2005 Joe G's Rating: 1 Stars |
The quality, value and terrific friendly service was always there ... and now the atmosphere and seating (love those seats looking onto Queen) has joined them. Well done, a great enhancement to the 'hood.
6. Don Malcho's Review :: October 29, 2005 Don Malcho's Rating: 4 Stars |
|
|
638 Queen St W, Toronto, ON, Canada
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |