Ever want to dine in a chateau? How about a chateau in the Czech countryside? What if the restaurant was ranked the fifth-best restaurant in the Czech Republic, at least according to Maurer’s Grand Restaurant Guide? Meet the ever so delicious Piano Nobile, which is the main restaurant of five star property Chateau Mcely which I had the fortune of staying at towards the end of my stay in the country this past fall.
Above, a scrumptious whipped creamy concoction that I tried upon arrival – it is combined with orange and crispy chocolate that just pops in your mouth!!
The executive chef Honza Štěrba and his team focus on preparing five star gourmet experiences, which includes a seasonal à la carte menu and a degustation menu. During the summer, the chateau patio with its view of the surrounding countryside is the perfect setting for lunch or dinner — I comment on more than one occasion in my review of Chateau Mcely, that the patio is my favorite room in the castle despite the fact that the formal dining room is oh so lovely and divine that I did have a cup of tea here one day just to breathe in the ceiling and beautifully adorned walls. While I also had lunch and breakfast experiences at the restaurant during the course of my stay, let’s start with some of the dishes that had me at hello for dinner.
To start, they brought me a Roast Beef ‘bite’ with horseradish (locals really love their horseradish), mayonnaise, dill and tomatoes.
On the official appetizer list, you can choose from a Trout from Liban with celery ice cream, Apple and Quark, Mussels with Beef, Salicornia and Comte cheese, a soup or salad or Wild Duck Foie Gras with Beetroot and a Smoked herb raspberry sauce. I naturally went with the latter. There was so much WOW here; its presentation matched its delicious description and my taste buds were excited after the first taste. I paired the first two dishes with a 2015 dry French Rose from Provence although I should note that the restaurant manager was also pushing a Riesling on me.
Main courses are equally decadent. My options were about as heavenly as it gets, from Halibut with Lentils, Black Sesame and Green Beans with Dandelion Honey, a Cod with sauteed grenaille potatoes, sundried tomatoes with capers and garlic in a white wine sauce, Squid ink risotto with Marjoram and Sheep’s Cheese, to Pigeon with Quinoa, Jerusalem artichoke and Rosemary, Tenderloin of Beer with Boletus, Spring Onion and Roasted grenaille potatoes cooked in a Truffle sauce and my choice, the Rack of Lamb with Raviola and Pureed Spinach prepared in a London Dry Gin sauce. Oh so scrumptious and hard to choose!!
To finish, they offered a Cardamom Sorbet with white chocolate, cherries and vanilla, Apricots with chocolate, cedar and pine nuts, Creme Caramel with edible flowers (I loved this) and Geranium, homemade ice creams and sorbets and a plate of assorted French cheese with Walnut bread and homemade marmalade. I didn’t write down all the individual cheeses (unusual for me) but let’s just say the combo of their wine pairings and a perfect end-of-night decaf cappuccino was the perfect way to end my last night in the Czech Republic.
Below is a shot of the front porch terrace during the day.
The formal dining room, which is an alternative to the more casual but elegant front porch (below)
If you’re not convinced yet of their culinary capabilities, I’ll entice you with one more entree shot since I didn’t order fish for dinner.
Photo credit: Chateau Mcely
Below, breakfast at Piano Noble in the morning which is buffet style. Think caviar, smoked salmon, luscious organic cheeses from nearby farms, homemade breads and pastries, sausages and more. Oh so decadent and oh so delish! Opt for organic coffee, champagne or an assortment of teas.
Lunch and afternoon lounging on the front porch
One happy camper after my mid-afternoon lunch.
Did I mention the scrumptious and incredibly fresh lobster salad, my favorite part of lunch? It was paired with a dry’ish local Riesling.
Or, how about the chicken and sausages on the lunch buffet table?
OR, the homemade cakes that are so beautiful you dare take a bite in one?
Two thumbs up for the property, their spa and the restaurant. Also be sure to read up on some of my top Prague restaurant picks, like Michelin star La Degustation, Valoria and Kampa Park, as well as my extensive Prague Foodie Guide which includes so many gems, you won’t want to miss reading it if you’re heading to Europe any time soon.
DETAILS:
Piano Nobile
Chateau Mcely
Mcely 61, 289 36
Mcely, Czech Republic
+420 325 600 000
http://www.chateaumcely.cz/en/restaurant
Note: I was hosted by the restaurant however all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
Renee is also the co-founder of Traveling Geeks, an initiative that brings entrepreneurs, thought leaders, bloggers, creators, curators and influencers to other countries to share and learn from peers, governments, corporations, and the general public in order to educate, share, evaluate, and promote innovative technologies.
