A visit to Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, is like a visit to a different century. With a historic center, Old Town Square, medieval Astronomical Clock, and awe-inspiring gothic castles and cathedrals, a traveler can easily feel transported back in time to the 1400s. The City of a Hundred Spires, as it is known (although there are many, many more), has visitors spending more time looking up into the skies than audiences at a hot air balloon race.
Prague has been through many changes in its storied history. Surviving wars, revolutions, the Prague Spring, Russian invasions and the Cold War, it boasts a population of over 1.2 million people, making it the largest city in the Czech Republic. Now a thriving metropolis as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors come here for the modern and cultural amenities as much as the historical sense of time and place. Modern shopping malls cozy up in near proximity to antique stores and sidewalk cafes. It is truly like being in two centuries at once.
In a beautiful city that feels as though it is of two time periods, it is no surprise to find a hotel that captured two cultures as only The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group does without rival. Spices is housed in a former 14th century Dominican monastery yet boasts all the contemporary amenities of five-star luxury hotel that pays homage to its historic surroundings. The Mandarin Oriental, Prague is a wonderfully intimate combination of carefully preserved history, modern-day luxury and oriental charm.
Inside the hotel carefully caters to the needs of its guests, who can stay in one of the 79 individually designed rooms or the 20 spacious suites.
Rooms provide charming views of cobblestone streets, a private garden or the Prague Castle. A former Renaissance chapel even houses an award-winning Spa, where guests are invited to relax and indulge.Spices Restaurant Provides the Crowning Touch
After a redesign of the hotel’s public spaces, the crowning touch for its claim to traversing time and culture was recently set in place with the opening of the handsome Spices Restaurant and Bar. A sleek contemporary design and comfortable ambiance invite the hungry and the curious in to sample some of their authentic Asian fare as well as some deliciously refreshing original cocktails.
The British design studio, Black Sheep, was brought in to bring a fresh approach to the hotel’s lobby and to provide a unique design for Spices Restaurant and Bar. Paying attention to the location’s history as a monastery, Black Sheep turned to a combination of Renaissance-style vaulted ceilings, contemporary design features and muted colors to create an intimate atmosphere for dining or drinking. Understated Oriental touches were brought in thoughtful with additions of wood, metal, marble and leather accent pieces.
The restaurant also offers a lounge that extends onto an outdoor terrace in the hotel’s cobbled courtyard where guests can enjoy modern al fresco dining in the heart of Prague’s most historic district. The restaurant, like the hotel, carefully balances past and present, and combines world culinary influences with traditional Asian inspiration.
Yet a restaurant is only as good as the visionary behind the culinary and Spices brought in one of Prague’s most exciting talents, award-winning Chef Jiří Štift. Chef Štift has served on the renowned Queen Elizabeth II and traveled extensively through Asia to gather inspiration for his creations. He uses only the freshest produce taking guests to gastronomic nirvana.
The menu is created to highlight three locals. Southeast Asia features the foods of Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. These dishes are lightly-prepared but provide intense full flavors through the use of citrus, tamarind and herbs such as coriander and mint. Guests can feast on delicacies such as Thai Crab Cakes with mango mayonnaise, Pad Thai Noodles, Grilled Octopus and Tamarind Curry or Indonesian Fried Rice with Black Sesame each of which is five stars and beyond.
Northeast Asian dishes focus on the foods of China, Korea and Japan. These are centered on rice, noodles, and dumplings, highlighted by fresh vegetables and seafood. Guests dine on Peking Duck and Foie Gras Spring Rolls with Mango-Chili Salad and Plum Sauce in the heart of Prague. Other offerings from this region include Shumai Steamed Dumplings, Korean Pork Bulgogi and Vegetable Chop Suey.
The third influence embraces Southwest Asia, bringing the foods of India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Arabic influences are artfully utilized with curries and tandoori dishes served with outstanding naan flat bread. Hints of cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, coriander and clove tease the palate and amuse the taste buds. Featured dishes from these countries include Beetroot and Mushroom Kebab, Sea Bass Baked in Banana Leaf and Kerala Curry, Tandoori Baked Chicken Tikka Masala, and Lamb Seekh Kebab.
Guests are invited to enjoy a wide variety of foods as dishes are served family style. In some cases, the entertainment value is even greater as dishes are prepared table side. Those unfamiliar with the various cuisines can count on the services of a knowledgeable sommelier, who is more than happy to recommend one of the bar’s original Asian cocktails, teas or international wines to complement any dish. Signature cocktails include tantalizing drinks with names like Tom Yum Yum, Cilantro, Liquid Nitrogen Mango Bitter Martini, Yakuza, Bruce Lee Iced Tea and Fiery Geisha.
The restaurant is open daily for dinner from 6:00 until 11:00 p.m. Breakfast is served from 6:30-11:00 a.m. Tapas-style Asian dishes and bento boxes are also available all day. The bar closes at 1:00 a.m. most nights, but stays open until 2:00 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Spices Restaurant is the perfect choice for dining and socializing, a must-see destination in its own right set in a luxurious hotel in a wondrous city. Charles Dickens may have written A Tale of Two Cities, but Mandarin Oriental in Prague wrote the book on opulence, service, charm and fine dining.
About Mandarin Oriental: Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group is the multiple award winning owner and operator of some of the most luxurious hotels, resorts and residences located in prime destinations around the world. With 28 properties in 15 countries, and more under development, the Group is known world-wide for luxurious hotels and fine dining. For over 50 years, Mandarin Oriental has provided a rest for weary travelers and excited adventurers everywhere from the United States and Europe to Africa and Asia.
Led by Group Chief Executive, Edouard Ettedgui, the corporation’s guiding principles include a commitment to delighting guests, working together, being the best, promoting shareholder value and acting responsibly. Since openings its flagship property in Hong Kong in 1953, Mandarin Oriental has expanded to create unique luxury hotels throughout the world with a distinctive blend of design and a strong sense of place. All destinations have beautiful locations, amenities, and top-rated service as well as acclaimed chefs and dining options. Many feature special packages, services and accommodations to meet the needs of travelers, families, honeymooners, and business guests.
A Milan location is now open with a Marrakech property opening soon. The Landmark Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong is celebrating its 10th anniversary in that city with an exciting redesign of its guestrooms and suites. Locations in the United States include Atlanta, Boston, Las Vegas, Miami, New York and Washington DC. The triple Five-Star luxury hotel in Miami is commemorating its milestone anniversary of 15 years with an array of celebratory packages.