Andrew F.
Yelp
I had initially planned to visit The Alcon for dinner but in the mess of planning my travel for my 18 day European extravaganza I forgot to make a dinner reservation. Upon checking in to the hotel (The Alcon is one of a trio of restaurants within the Radisson Blue Alcon) I visited the maitre'd stand to inquire about availability and was informed that I could come in the following day for lunch anytime.
The next day I headed down exactly at noon and was fortunate to be the first one seated. I pursued the menu, ordered my tap water (I drink gallons a day so I always go with tap water) and quickly chose my courses.
I selected the Foie Gras to begin, followed by the house special of the day - Sea Bream, their renowned Venison, and finally the lemongrass panna cotta to finish it off. After the Sea Bream I decided to add a course, and max out on my courses getting a fifth course (the maximum on the menu for Lunch, you can have up to seven for dinner) of beef and oxtail.
Prior to my ordered first course I was presented with a selection of bread as well as four different types of butter, my favorite which was the paprika and chili butter. I was also served a canapé of smoked veal tartar which was light and delicious and beautifully presented in a bowl that looked like it had ice spokes within it.
After the canapé I was presented with some more bread, and then the Foie Gras, which as I understand is their most popular single menu item. It was presented on one of the most interested plates I've ever seen. The plate had ridges to allow for a river of something, followed by a significant indent in which the foie gras was placed. The presentation was magnificent and the overall taste, when combining the flavors was also great. I've never been a fan of Foie Gras but had selected it on the recommendation of the waiter and I was not disappointed. The peanut butter biscuit and small berries brought out beautiful notes in the Foie Gras.
This was followed by a little bit more bread and then the sea bream. It was not listed on the menu but it was served beautifully and had a beautiful fishy flavor. It wasn't overpowering with fish but considering it was served in a landlocked country it was extremely fresh. The presentation was, beautiful and the taste great.
This was followed by the venison. I'm not normally one to eat Bambi, but this was stupdenous. The best single course I've had at any restaurant anywhere in the world. Even better than o-toro at Sushi Dai. It was just that mind blowing. The meat was extremely tender and the juices, which were poured on at the table, brought out just the right flavors. I only wish I'd ordered two courses of this.
My following course, which I had ordered in the middle of my dinner was a small filet mignon accompanied by an oxtail croquette. The filet was good, but not mind blowing, and the oxtail croquette was the most flavorful single item I've had on a dish ever. It tasted so strongly of red meat yet had this awesome crunch as it was a croquette. Accompanied with the accouterments of the course it was still a very good course overall. The biggest downside of this course was the odd plating. Which accompanied only 1/4 of the plate and was not centered. Not really sure what they were going at with this.
Finally we approach the dessert course. For the dessert I was served a beautifully presented lemongrass panna cotta with pineapple and ginger. This dish, though extremely good was overpowered by the chances of ginger and would have been better without it. However that doesn't distract from the fact that the lemongrass panna cotta on its own was absolutely fantastic. This was the biggest "miss" of the meal, and still, it's something that i'd be extremely happy about in 99% of restaurants.
I assumed the next thing to be presented to me would be my check but instead I received a fancy chocolate and if memory serves a whipped cream of some sort to accompany it. Only after this was I presented with my check, and only upon request. After I charged it to my room I was additionally presented with macaroons, I believe they were mango as after I had one of them my throat was swollen and I conked out for an hour, a similar allergic reaction to what occurs when I hate mango.
The total expense including tip was around $68 USD , or the price of a low end steak at Wolfgang Puck's CUT in Los Angeles. It's amazing how much value you can get in Prague. I'll definitely head back to The Alcon on my next visit to Prague and enjoy the amazing food in a nice relaxed atmosphere. Who knows, maybe next time I won't rush through my courses and only spend an hour and forty five minutes to eat a five course menu not included the extras.
My suggestion. If you're going to be in Prague make a reservation because it is definitely worth it, even if you're not staying at the Radisson Blu Alcon.