Table Talk: Bohemian specialties now on local menu

(Naples Daily News February 25, 2004 )
By Linda Gordon, lggordon@naplesnews.com

The local dining scene not only continues to expand, and it's moving in a healthy direction. Some of the most interesting new restaurants are mom-and-pop operations as opposed to chains. Perhaps best of all, most offer ethnic diversity.

The Old Europe Bistro, which opened in Naples Walk Shopping Center two months old, is a perfect example.

Zdenek and Irena Zejda owned restaurants in the Czech Republic and Bavaria for 30-plus years. They became familiar with Naples during winter visits and decided to move here permanently. Too young for retirement, they opened Old Europe Bistro where specialties of the house include dishes from their native land.

Diners can choose from Bohemian marinated pot roast served with dumplings and cranberries, farmer-style chunks of spiced roast pork with sauerkraut, a variety of schnitzels, bratwurst, etc.

Entrees range from $8.50 to $17.

Desserts are authentic, too. Instead of ubiquitous Key lime pie, Old Europe Bistro offers livance (Bohemian pancakes with cinnamon sugar, plums and whipped cream), blueberry dumplings, fried plums in cognac dough and hot raspberries with vanilla ice cream.

The restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Information: 254-9690.