We have finally settled in our new house. It was a week with a lot of work, putting lights, cleaning, packing and preparing everything for yesterday's moving. Fortunately, we didn't move far from where we lived, so it wasn't much of a problem to make several trips by car to bring all the stuff that we had accumulated.
For me, it was almost six years of living in Velké Přílepy, a village near Prague that was my Czech home from the first day. Several are the things I will miss. The veiw from my terrace and the terrace itself, a perfect place to sit and have something to eat or drink during the warm days, while enjoying the view. And, of course, Špejchar, the local restaurant.
And speaking about Špejchar. I think that what I will miss the most will be to be able to go there with my džbán when I fancied some točené pivo (draught beer).
The džbán is something that every proper Czech household must have. It's a very old tradition, coming from the Middle Ages, when bottled beer didn't exist yet. If the family wanted to drink beer at home, the would send one of the kids to the local hospoda to have their džbán filled up. Still today, in small town and villages, is common to send the children to the nearest pub to bring beer.
The džbán is a earthenware pitcher. According to Evan Rail's book, its shape is not fanciful design. The bulbous bottom holds most of the liquid, while the head forms on the narrow top, protecting the beer from contact with oxigen. I also has a low centre of gravity, which makes it easier to carry. Not to mention that the very material helps to keep the temperature of the beer. There are some that are very decorated, almost pieces of art. Mine is simple, and it was the first present my love gave me already five years ago. She was the one who introduced me to this lovely tradition, which, of course, I eagerly and quickly adopted.
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There is a hospoda in my new village, but it is quite far and, worse, they stock Staropramen 10°, hardly something that will make me leave the whouse, let alone, walk a kilometre.
Now my džbán has become part of the decoration in the Kitchen. If it had eyes I'm sure a big tear would be rolling down from one of them, while remembering those good old days that we went together Špejchar, and he was filled up as I had one for the road.
Meanwhile, the bottles of Svijany that I have in the pantry will have to do.
For me, it was almost six years of living in Velké Přílepy, a village near Prague that was my Czech home from the first day. Several are the things I will miss. The veiw from my terrace and the terrace itself, a perfect place to sit and have something to eat or drink during the warm days, while enjoying the view. And, of course, Špejchar, the local restaurant.
And speaking about Špejchar. I think that what I will miss the most will be to be able to go there with my džbán when I fancied some točené pivo (draught beer).
The džbán is a earthenware pitcher. According to Evan Rail's book, its shape is not fanciful design. The bulbous bottom holds most of the liquid, while the head forms on the narrow top, protecting the beer from contact with oxigen. I also has a low centre of gravity, which makes it easier to carry. Not to mention that the very material helps to keep the temperature of the beer. There are some that are very decorated, almost pieces of art. Mine is simple, and it was the first present my love gave me already five years ago. She was the one who introduced me to this lovely tradition, which, of course, I eagerly and quickly adopted.
Now my džbán has become part of the decoration in the Kitchen. If it had eyes I'm sure a big tear would be rolling down from one of them, while remembering those good old days that we went together Špejchar, and he was filled up as I had one for the road.
Meanwhile, the bottles of Svijany that I have in the pantry will have to do.
The first drink at home
Hello again. I live in Cerny Vul, and have been to Špejchar. Nice place. Any other food or drink recommendations in Velke Prilepy or Cerny Vul or around? I'm very familiar with the pleasures of Okor, however! Great blog.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, not... In fact, many people from neighbouring villages go there for dinner.
ReplyDeleteThe only other place is Auberge de Provence, but that is a bit more upmarket.
I know Okoř very well, too. I like the pub under the castle, they have really good beer, though the service is rubbish, and the food is no big deal either, that at the hotel is much better.
With my wife we once stopped in Černý Vůl at that place past the garden centre. It was ok for a quick lunch sitting outside.
Speaking of the garden centre. Nothing to do with gastronomy, but that place is great! I wish it had some kiosk or something. Very good goods, fantastic service and at you can also buy fresh trout. Not bad for grillin in the garden.
yes, the garden place is cool. we bought our xmas tree there and carried it about 50 meters home. we live very close to it. where are you living now? close to velky prilepy or did you move farther away?
ReplyDeletei love the hotel in okor. great food and atmosphere. we even stayed there one night on a cycling trip.
We actually moved close to Prilepy. We are living now in Holubice-Kozinec. So far, we are happy, though, we are still getting used to it.
ReplyDeleteI only wish there was a nice pub here.....
I once dropped off our babysitter at a birthday party in Holubice at a pub that I had passed a few times riding my bike. It's a bit off the road, in what appears to be horse stables. But when I drove up, I was surprised at how cozy and nice it looked inside. Our babysitter spoke highly of it. Can't remember the name though, but it was on the outskirts of the village.
ReplyDeleteI know which one you mean. It's rather new, I think it opened in 2006 at most. Never been there, though, it's at the other end of the village, which makes it a long way to walk with your džbán:)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure we will check it out someday. I just wish they had some other beer than the usual stuff....