Czech Food @ Lokal, Prague, Czech Republic

We were in Prague for a short break, so first thing we had to sample was some authentic Czech cuisine. We didn't have much prior knowledge of Czech cuisine so a quick search led us to Lokal, a restaurant in Prague serving traditional home-styled dishes. It was a relief that they do have English menus and a helpful serving staff who will provide you with answers to any questions you might have.

Traditionally Czech cuisine has been influenced by its surrounding countries therefore it is no surprise that you might get a few dishes whose origins may be from another country such as Schnitzel (Austria) or Goulash (Hungary). Side dishes such as bread/potato dumplings are familiar sounding and they do have quite a lot of meaty mains. And not to mention Czech beer is pretty reknowned around the world with Pilsner Urquell taking center stage. It is no wonder when you take into account that Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world!

Exterior of Lokal

Lengthwise this has to be one of the longest restaurants in the area. Interior is casual and there are some funky decorations on the walls, making it a bit more contemporary.

One of the funky wall motifs

No idea what PRIM means but apparently 11.10 is the time for it...

Stal Inn... Get it?

Drink too much and all you see is beer

Huge beer tank which looks like a pig from the front

Food was not the most impressive and frankly it is a bit off-putting from the get go. It is apparent from the pictures below that they do not have too much regard for food presentation! Flavourwise the food is good but not outstanding. But the beer is very good and *extremely* cheap so do try it out when you are in the area.

The world reknowned Pilsner Urquell (42Kč for 0.5l ). A must try in the Czech Republic!

Roast beef (115Kč) with bread dumplings (35Kč). Side dishes are charged separately.

Fried cheese with homemade tartar sauce (159Kč)

Gooey, sticky, cheese deep fried. Very sinful indeed

Spinach side dish (39Kč)

Oink oink!

Verdict: We left the place slightly disappointed with the food but we were impressed by the (cheap) local beer.

Location: Lokal, Dlouhá 33, Staré Mesto, Prague, Czech Republic

Opening times:- Mon -Fri (11.00 to 01.00); Sat (12.00 to 01.00); Sun (12.00 to 22.00)

Tel: 222-316-265

Website: http://lokal-dlouha.ambi.cz/en/

*This is a guest post by The Unc.

Mother's Day Special: Rose Therapy @ Spa Village KL

Say it with roses...

At the beginning of April, I had a wonderful spa experience at Spa Village KL so imagine my delight when I was invited back to sample their Rose Therapy treatment, the Spa Village's Mother's Day Special. Mother's Day falls on 12 May this year, and instead of giving your well-deserving mother (or mother of your children) a bouquet of roses this year why not treat her to an extraordinary Rose Therapy treatment, which I guarantee she would love. I know I did :)

From 1 to 31 May 2013, the Rose Therapy treatment, which is a blissful 180 minutes long, is priced at RM870nett  (usual price RM986 nett). Guest will also receive a complimentary aroma cone worth RM28 nett with this Mother's Day Special promotion. For the Rose Therapy, guests will enjoy a full body massage, rose hair wrap, rose petals body masque, steam therapy, and rose milk bath.

After checking in at the Spa Reception, I was ushered to the Relaxation Lounge for a welcome drink and cold towel. My massage therapist then guided me to the treatment room, whereby roses have been laid out in strategic points in the room. The therapy begins with a full body massage. I later learnt that usually with the Rose Therapy, guests will receive an aromatherapy massage but because I requested for "strong pressure", my massage therapist improvised and gave me a Malay deep tissue massage instead. Usually when I go for a massage, I will request for them to work on my back more, but I didn't have to here - I got a long invigorating massage, mainly focussing on my back and shoulder area. It felt so good. I think the massage was about 80-90 minutes long.

Spa Reception

Relaxation Lounge

Spa Village's own blend of aromatherapy oils

Treatment room with an outdoor bath/shower

The full body massage was GREAT!

The therapy continues with a rose hair wrap, whereby a mixture of rose oil, jojoba and olive oil is applied to the hair, followed by a head and scalp massage. A rose petal body masque made of rose petals, soy, rice and rose oil is applied and left on while relaxing in the steam room. After a quick rinse in the outdoor shower,  then therapy ends with a 20 minute soak in the outdoor bath in a rose milk bath with rose petals, which left my skin feeling soft. Finally, I was ushered back to the Relaxation Lounge for some frangipani tea and English fruit cake.

Enjoying a cup of frangipani tea and Rose Milk Bath at the outdoor bath

Roses for the queen of your heart

Spa Boutique

All guest of The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur can also enjoy complimentary use of the spa facilities such as the outdoor gazebos and swimming pool with any 90-minute deluxe scheduled spa service.

You can read more about Spa Village Kuala Lumpur here.

Verdict: I was pampered like a queen, and came out feeling radiant and invigorated. What a wonderful early Mother's Day treat, thanks RCKL ;)


Spa Opening Hours: 10am to 9pm.

Service: Excellent.

Price: For this promotion, the price of the Rose Therapy (180 minutes) is RM870 nett per person.

Location: Spa Village Kuala Lumpur, The Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur, 4th Floor, 168 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: +60 3 2782 9090


Website: http://www.spavillage.com/kualalumpur/index.htm