The golden brew will flow freely and guests can expect true traditional entertainment in the style of Oktoberfest. The Prague Food Festival (29–31 May) once again will appeal especially to those who appreciate the quality of food rather than the size of the portion. The third year of this unique culinary show will present the best restaurants in the Czech Republic.

Dozens of beer celebrations take place each year in the Czech Republic, but the biggest, taking place already for the second time, will be in Prague. At the Czech Beer Festival (22–31 May 2009), up to 10,000 guests will be able to clink their dewy glasses of beer at one time. Large-capacity tents will be constructed for the event at the exhibition grounds in Letňany and will feature 50 brands of Czech beer on tap. Visitors need not worry about hunger either, as in each tent they will be able to order such typical beer specialities as piquant crackling spread, “drowned men” (i.e. sausages pickled in a special brine) with peppers, beer goulash and pork knuckle. There is no entrance fee, and a half litre of beer goes for CZK 40. Drawn by the popularity of the Czech national beverage and the festival’s folk character, as many as 100,000 visitors are expected to attend!

The Prague Food Festival (29–31 May 2009) already in its third year will present the best of Czech gastronomy, and once again at a very attractive location in Prague. This year, visitors will navigate through gastronomic experiences at locations between the Charles and Mánes bridges (including on boats and pontoons on the Vltava) and, in addition to the delicacies from 33 top restaurants, also will take in a luxurious view of Prague Castle. Guests will travel not only on boats, but also between individual cuisines. Top Czech gastronomy as well as delicacies of Brazilian, French, Japanese and kosher cuisine all will be represented.

The accompanying programme will revolve around the pleasure of food: beer and wine tastings as well as popular cooking shows will be featured. This year, the masters of the spoon will tackle the theme “Culinary Sensation in a Time of Crisis”. If you love asparagus, head to the festival on 31 May. At the Asparagus Cup, you will discover the various ways in which this vegetable can be used in cooking.

Exquisite gastronomy at standard prices is the philosophy retained by the Prague culinary revue again in 2009. Admission is CZK 350 for adults, of which CZK 250 goes toward vouchers for select delicacies.

Markéta Chaloupková

E-mail: media@czechtourism.cz