Buddha Knows Chocolate

By Sandra Scott

Buddha Bar Hotel in Prague is unique among unique hotels. My husband, John, and I enjoyed an incredible meal at the Buddha Bar’s Asian Fusion Restaurant under the watchful gaze of a nine-foot contemplating Buddha. We ended dinner with Chocolate Sesame Bars topped with vanilla ice cream. It was the perfect light touch after a dinner that started with Tum Yum Piquant Shrimp followed by Lamb Curry with Jasmine Rice.

On the way out we met Executive Chef Tomas Stelhlik. “How did you like your dinner?”

“It goes without saying—it was excellent,” I replied. Justifiably proud of his menu, he asked, “Did you try our Chocolate Fondue Cake?” We explained that we love chocolate but thought the Chocolate Sesame Bars were a lighter choice considering how much we had for dinner. “You must have our Chocolate Fondue Cake. Come tomorrow morning and I will show you how we prepare it.” It was an offer we could not refuse.

John and I retired to our room. The room, like the entire hotel, was like no other. The hotel successfully touches all the senses from the light aroma of incense in the halls to the red lacquer furniture to the fully automatic toilet seat to the red-tiled bathtub to the state-of-the-art electronically controlled lights, drapes and music system. The hotel features an eclectic collection of in-room lounge music, combining world, classical and modern music.

The next morning I met with Executive Chef Tomas and his Pastry hef Lenka Pekarova. It is always a joy to watch an expert at work. Lenka melted the Valrhona chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Mixed eggs, flour, and sugar to which the chocolate was added. The mixture was poured into individual forms and after chilling for one hour it was baked for 12 minutes at 200 degrees. Chef Tomas explained, “It is best if served immediately with ice cream. Open it up. It is like a Christmas present.” How right he was. The luscious chocolate fondue seeped out on the plate creating a delight for the palate with the slightly crisp outside, the warm rich chocolate inside, and the cool vanilla ice cream. Buddha would approve!

Buddha Bar Hotel opened in January 2009 in the heart of Prague, making it the first Buddha-Bar Hotel. The Buddha-Bar Restaurant concept started in Paris, so adding a hotel to the experience seems like a natural evolution. Located near Old Town Square, the hotel is within easy walking distance of all the important sights. After a day of exploring Prague from St. Vitus Cathedral to Wenceslas Square we felt we had earned a wonderful dinner in the Buddha Bar Restaurant and a restful night in the amazing accommodations. The next morning after breakfast in the Siddharta Café we continued exploring historic Prague. The Buddha Bar Hotel exemplifies the new Prague, a city that has been innovative for centuries.

For more information visit www.buddha-bar-hotel.cz

Sandra Scott is a frequent contributor to travel publications and to Creators Syndicate
and has co-authored two books on local history. She lives in Mexico, NY.

Photos by J. J. Scott.

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