Showing posts with label Czech. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Czech. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
The Best Czech Products - #2 Kofola
In our series "The Best Czech Products" we introduce the finest, most famous and traditional brands or products made in the Czech Republic. All products in this series are considered as national treasures by the Czechs themselves and you can be sure to get the top quality for you or your friends and family.
The first post of our series was all about Czech national drink, world-known beer Pilsner Urquell. And today we'll take a look at our national soft drink, legendary Kofola!
Story of Kofola started back in 1950s when Dr. Zdeněk Blažek and his team were given a tricky task of developing a beverage that would compete with Western cola sodas that were not available in Czechoslovakia during the communist rule from 1948 to 1989. It took them two years before they came up with the optimal ingredients for the Kofo syrup, which served as the basis of the new drink. Among other things it consisted of fourteen herbal or fruit ingredients (e.g., licorice) and caffeine.
But sweet candy times ended with the fall of the Iron Curtain. Previously unavailable American sodas flooded local market and Kofola almost disappeared for the whole 1990s. It changed its owners several times. But 1998 was the year of the great events. Czech ice-hockey team won the Olympic gold and Kofola finally found a new owner. It was bought by the Greek family of Samaras and their company Santa.
Starting with the new millennium Kofola was reborn and started another great journey lasting to these days. With the help of genius marketing it has become a real legend among Czech soft drinks. In 2001 Kofola came up with the slogan "If you love her there's no other needs" (Když ji miluješ, není co řešit) and it was a huge hit. The company had very clever commercials everyone remembered and quoted. The most popular one with a cute little girl and a "golden pig" started before Christmas in 2003 and people in the Czech Republic can't imagine Christmas without this spot even today. Another popular commercial featured dog Phteven known from memes.
In 2006 Kofola was more popular than famous American brands in the Czech Republic. Good news is that Kofola has almost one-third less sugar and up to half less caffeine than classic cola drinks. In 2004 Kofola introduced first special flavor, citrus. Since then consumers could have tasted more than 20 different flavors including guarana, watermelon, coconut, almond or cinnamon.
Scotland has Irn-Bru, France has Orangina, South Korea has Milkis, USA has Coca-Cola and the Czech Republic has Kofola. This soft drink has become a real legend, and no one should really leave without tasting it or getting a few bottles for friends or family.
Best enjoyed: Visit one of the restaurants serving draft Kofola
Gift ideas: 0.25 l cans, 0.33 l glass or 0.5/1/1.5/2 l plastic bottles
Where to buy: Plastic bottles and cans can be bought in almost every grocery shop in Prague
Price: 0.5 l bottles usually for 15-20 CZK (0.6-0.8 EUR)
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Interview with Interior Designer
Have you ever wondered who designs all our beautiful apartments? The answer is simple, our residential manager and interior designer - Lenka Petrová. For our interview we met in the Jilska Palace dating back to the 15th century, where you can find brand new apartments freshly designed by Lenka. They are located very close to the main management office, just a few minutes' walk from the Old Town Square.
Can you describe your job at Prague City Apartments? How long have you been working here?
I work as a residential manager, that means I am responsible for the operational department and the technical management of our apartments. And I also design new apartments. I have been working here for 4 years.
Jilska Palace Apartments - Studio Apartment Type 1
How did you get to the interior design?
It was a complete coincidence. I simply applied for the job (interior design was a part of the job description) and I was hired. :) Personally, I do not consider myself a professional home designer, but it's something I love and it brings me joy. It is great to give a "piece of myself" to a new apartment. And a positive feedback from our clients is even better!
What apartments have you designed in Prague City Apartments? What was your first project?
My very first project was Art Residence Krocinova, Apartment No. 52. I love this apartment because that's when I realized I liked interior designed so much. My other projects are for example Maiselova 5 Apartment, Konvikt Apartment, Krizovnicka Apartments, Jilska Palace Apartments or Milosrdnych Apartments.
Art Residence Krocinova - Two Bedroom Apartment No. 52
What is your favorite apartment?
Definitely Krizovnicka Apartments, apartment No. 11 or 12. I fell in love with both of them during my very first visit. It was really a love at first sight. :) I like its excellent layout and the preservation of interesting architectural features. I am also very pleased that both apartments are popular with our long-term clients.
Krizovnicka Apartments - Two Bedroom Apartment No. 12
Who do you work with when designing apartments?
If I should name all the people I work with when designing an apartment, you would need to write another post. :) I'll mention just a few of them. I work with furniture manufacturers a lot because a large part of the furnishing is tailor-made for the given apartment. I also work with a seamstress who sews curtains, with technicians who adjust electrical engineer, with painters and many others... and I would like to thank them all for their willingness and patience, I know it's not always easy to work with me. :)
Where do you find inspiration for your projects?
Certainly in magazines or on the internet, for example Instagram, Pinterest etc. I'm often ispired by the overall concept of the apartment as well.
Milosrdnych Apartments - Two Bedroom Apartment Type 1
Do you prefer functionality or appearance when designing apartments?
I'd say it's a combination of both. The fact that these are rental apartments, of course, brings certain restrictions. For example, I can not work with decorations so much and I need to think about the materials - endurance and safety play a big part. The most important thing is our clients to feel "at home" in their apartment.
Konvikt Apartment - Two Bedroom Apartment No. 21
Is interior design more of a science or art?
Again, I think it's a combination of both. It's not just about aesthetic feelings, but also about the ability to work with the floor plan and apartment layout. You also need to be familiar with many architectural and technical issues. It is definitely a field in which one should constantly educate.
What interior would you like to design? What would be your dream design project?
Well, because me and my husband are building a house, the interior, which I'm looking forward to doing the most, is ours! :) And my dream design project? I think I will figure this out later, so far I really need to gather experience and work really hard in my current job. :)
Maiselova 5 Apartment - Three Bedroom Apartment No. 31
Thursday, September 21, 2017
The Best Multitap Beer Bars In Prague
Thanks to its cheap alcohol and beer cheaper than water, Prague is one of the major nightlife cities in Europe. We have already introduced you the best microbreweries or bars in Prague and now you will discover the best multitap beer bars in Prague! Beer is the Czech national drink, a part of Czech culture. And Prague is the beer capital of the world, no doubt about it. In this city, most tourists drink Pilsner Urquell, original Czech Budweiser Budvar or (if they read our post) beers from Prague's microbreweries. But if you want to taste true gems, visit one of the multitap beer bars! These beer pubs offer usually over 5 different tap beers from both small and large (mostly Czech) breweries and they change them almost every day! Some of the pubs offer more than 20 craft beers! Beer tasting heaven, Mecca for beer lovers! Some of them are easily accesible on foot but most multitap beer bars are not located in a historical center and you will need to take a tram, subway or taxi to get there. But it's worth it! And don't forget to book a table!!!
1. Zlý časy
Google rating: 4,4/5
Address: Čestmírova 5, Prague 4
Website: www.zlycasy.eu (only in Czech)
2. Kulový blesk
You will really love this one! Located close to I.P. Pavlova subway station, Kulový blesk offers almost 30 tap beers every day! You can try their classic Czech beer snacks and burgers or ribs in the evening. You can easily get there by tram no. 22 from the National Theatre or red (C) metro line.
Google rating: 4,4/5
Address: Sokolská 13, Prague 2
Website: www.restauracekulovyblesk.cz (only in Czech)
3. Pivovarský klub
6 exclusive beers on tap and more than 200 bottled beers. Great beer pub with a great atmosphere. Don't hesitate to taste traditional Czech dishes and grilled specials. The pub is located not far from Florenc subway station, take the yellow (B) line from Národní třída or Náměstí republiky. Or take a nice 20 minutes' walk from the city center.
4. Dno pytle
This cozy beer pub is located in Vinohradská street. You can choose from 8 different tap beers - delicious and unique beers from Czech or Bavarian microbreweries. If you are hungry, order a small beer snack (sausages, pates and others). Take a tram to Vinohradská tržnice stop or go to Jiřího z Poděbrad subway station - green line (A).
5. Zubatý pes
If you like a great choice of tap beers, go to Zubatý pes! Although it's a little further from the city center you will really like it. 15 unique beers on tap - not only the Czech ones but from many other countries. You can also get grilled sausage, nachos or spicy salami with your beer.
6. BeerGeek Bar
One of the biggest choice of tapped craft beer in Prague, that's BeerGeek. They have 32 taps, preffering craft beers. You can taste more than 5 new beers every day! You can also get their chicken wings, sandwiches or quesadillas. The beer bar is located very close to Jiřího z Poděbrad subway station - green line (A).
Google rating: 4,5/5
Address: Vinohradská 62, Prague 3
Website: www.beergeek.cz
6. Poctivej výčep
The name can be translated as "Honest pub". At really is! The staff really knows everything about beer and the beers they offer are always very special and delicious. Every day guests choose from 5 craft beers. Go from Muzeum to Kobylisy station - red line (C).
Google rating: 4,9/5
Address: Třeboradická 19, Prague 8
Website: www.poctivejvycep.webnode.cz (only in Czech)
7. Pivní šenk U Kacíře
In Mánesova street, close to Jiřího z Poděbrad metro station in Vinohrady district, you can find a nice little pub. From monday to saturday U Kacíře offers at least 6 tap beers from small regional breweries and microbreweries. You can also get a sausage, brawn or pickled cheese.
Google rating: 4,5/5
Address: Mánesova 87, Prague 2
Website: www.pivnisenk.cz
8. Prague Beer Museum
Thanks to its location in a center of Prague and a huge choice of tap beer Prague Beer Museum is one of the best known multitap beer pubs. Every day you can taste 30 beers, mix of famous Czech brands and microbreweries. You can find it only 2 minutes' walk from the Charles Bridge and 5 minutes from the Residence Karolina!
Our rating: 4,2/5
Address: Smetanovo nábř. 22, Prague 1
Website: www.praguebeermuseum.cz
9. Pivo a párek
You can translate its name as "Beer and sausage". And that's exactly what you'll get! Choose from at least 6 delicious tap beers from microbreweries and enjoy their sausages, pickled cheese, bacon and other beer snacks! The pub is located in Žižkov district - take tram no. 9 at the National Theatre and go to Lipanská stop.
Google rating: 4,5/5
Address: Bořivojova 58, Prague 3
Website: www.facebook.com/Pivo-a-párek
10. Pípa Beer Story
Only 1 minute from our Residence Masna and 3 minutes from the Old Town Square you can visit this great multitap beer pub. Nice selection of 8 tap beers every day and more than 160 bottled beers. In Pípa Beer Story they also specialize in pairing great beer snacks and cheese with beer.
Our rating: 4,2/5
Address: Dlouhá 14, Prague 1
Website: www.pivotekapipa.cz
11. Království piva
Kingdom of Beer! Or my kingdom for a beer? Why not when the beer is so good. They brew their own beer and offer another 5 tap craft beers. As always, you can also order a sausage, brawn, pickled cheese and other beer snacks. And how to get there? Take a metro to Hradčanská station (green line A) and walk 5 minutes to the pub.
Our rating: 4,5/5
Address: Bubenečská 33, Prague 6
Website: www.kralovstvipiva.com
What multitap beer bar do you like the most? Or do you know any other great pubs with a great selection of craft beers? Let us know in comments!
What multitap beer bar do you like the most? Or do you know any other great pubs with a great selection of craft beers? Let us know in comments!
Monday, September 4, 2017
Prague Infographic - Superb Complete Travel Guide
All you need to know before going to Prague! Best time to visit Prague for a nice weather or to avoid the biggest crowds? What are the worst tourist traps? What are absolutely MUST SEE sights and what other sights are worth a visit? What food and drinks you must try? What are the best restaurants serving genuine Czech meals? And what is the truth about trdelník? What are average prices of goods and services? How to easily get from the airport? What other Czech towns you should visit? Hidden gems, the best free sights, movies shot in Prague, the best views and more! Our infographic has it all!
