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July 5th, 2008
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Go east, young men

With luck (and Baltic hospitality), Prague may see fewer stag parties this year

By Dave Faries
Staff Writer, The Prague Post
May 9th, 2007 issue

COURTESY PHOTO
Alcohol-fueled fun: Prague's sidewalks may be a little cleaner on Sunday mornings if trends continue.
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Here’s the best unconfirmed rumor we’ve heard in a long time: Sources within the stag-party “industry” have been heard (after a few drinks) to complain about the migration of binge-drinking Brits to places north and east, such as Tallinn, Riga, Kyiv and Bratislava.
Last year, the German newsmagazine Der Spiegel reported on the rising popularity of Baltic destinations for the binge-and-barf crowd. “In Riga,” the story suggested with obvious charm, “you can drink yourself unconscious on beer for only £10.” Tallinn earned “party capital of the year,” um, honors from the The New York Times. And Kyiv’s prices make Prague look like a snooty section of Manhattan by comparison.
Stag tour operators privately suggest that the migration amounts to a drop in local traffic of 10 percent, possibly more. Of course, last year’s World Cup probably skewed the numbers and this year’s chugging season is just getting underway. So such reports may be premature.
If they’re true, however, the consequences are interesting. Aside from cleaner sidewalks and fewer scatological rants, Prague stands to lose out on some of the £532 million ($1.1 billion/22 billion Kč) that Morgan Stanley estimates Brits spend annually on such bashes.
Sent packing
Longtime pub owner and longer-time expat Max Munson has sold his “other” operation, The Pack. Known for free popcorn, flat screens and an accommodating wait staff, the New Town sports bar had always been somewhat of a headache to run. “I had it one year and nine months,” Munson says, “but who’s counting?” The incoming owner will most likely keep the lineup of American sports, but plans to upgrade the menu. No word on the cost of popcorn.
Some new sights
Just opened in Prague 4: Maranatha, a unique vegetarian experience offering three different “service options” — presumably nothing to do with oil, lube or nine-point inspection. The menu ranges from artichoke and parsley couscous to goat cheese with thyme honey to vegetarian paella. It’s located in the BB Centrum complex in Michle.
El Pueblo, the “Mexican” steak house across from Hotel Fenix in the heart of stag-party territory, just opened a patio of sorts. With no room on the sidewalk, it was built inside a drab, urine-soaked passage. Go figure.
Hilton’s haven for round-the-clock diners, the nonstop Café Bistro, has a new and heavily Mediterranean menu that features an odd overdose of Italian ingredients. Chef Emanuele Mugnaini recommends the pyramid of Buffalo mozzarella with oven-roasted tomatoes, followed by braised monkfish osso buco and parsley risotto.
Word from usually reliable sources is that The Globe has introduced some new items as well, including very good lasagna. I’ve been advised to hurry, though — the kitchen is experimenting with food-service options and the menu is expected to change soon.
Peace, love and suds
Plans are in the offing for “Praguestock.” As the name suggests, it’s being billed as a celebration of music and beer … and perhaps some love, as well. Nothing confirmed yet, but plans call for a full day and night of live bands, food and such on the riverside patio at Občanská plovárna June 9.
Final (slurred) words
Don’t ask why, but I stopped into tourist zone landmark U Vejvodú for lunch one recent Saturday. The male waiters grouped around a TV watching hockey while a lone female staff member handled all the orders. When it came time to pay, however, one of the guys took charge, pointing at the “tips included” statement on my bill. Then he waited for a tip.

Dave Faries can be reached at dfaries@praguepost.com


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