Let's play two

By Bibiána Cunningham and Šimona Müllerová

PPEF staff

While the softball fields in Prague 4 are covered with snow before the season hits, attendees of the October 2012 tournament likely recall two things: the bad weather and great burritos.

Among that tournament's main sponsors were Burrito Loco and its co-owner Glen Spicker, who provided the aforementioned burritos that powered players through the games and the rain. Now, Spicker and his partner Scott Kelly have opened a second location of the food Mexican shop at Spálená 43, a busy location in Prague's New Town.

"Lots of places that offer Mexican food are not so good; we are the only ones with Mexican fast food in town," Spicker said.

That new location opened Jan. 18, and among other things it is looking to capitalize on late-night snackers as it is open 24 hours and near a key route of night trams. It comes in addition to the original location at Masná 2, just off Dlouhá street in Old Town.

Spicker is a longtime fixture of the expat community, and in addition to Burrito Loco is co-owner of the Propaganda Vodka Bar, U Malého Glena, the Museum of Communism and the Bohemia Bagel chain. He started his first business in Prague back in the 1990s, using his credit card and money inherited from his grandfather.

While the original Burrito Loco has developed a loyal following, there are some innovations that have come with this new location, including an option to have burritos made from Carne Asada steak, marinated slow-cooked beef thinly sliced. Another addition to the menu is the Ultra Burrito Supremo, which outpaces the already large one-pound burrito and might be just the thing after, say, a long day of playing softball.

"It takes a lot of time to make good Mexican food," Spicker said. You need the right ingredients. We use authentic Mexican foods and flavors."

As both Burrito Locos are nonstop takeout shops, there is, of course, a breakfast burrito option that includes chorizo sausage for the early risers. And in one of the beer-drinking capitals of the world, the new location has bolstered its selection of suds. In addition to the well-known Mexican beer Corona, Tecate, Dos Equis and Bohemia are now on offer.

Even as spicy Mexican food might brighten up a dark winter day, the Prague Post Endowment Fund team has their eyes on sunnier days and is already in full preparation mode for the next Heavy Hitters tournament, slated for the weekend of May 4-5.

"I love playing softball, and being part of this great charity is a tradition," Spicker said. "We get a team of people together to play."

Check out Ppef.cz for continued updates and all the latest news. No burritos this time around, but Spicker has promised to kick in some bagel sandwiches.

"We have been involved for a long time, and we cherish this opportunity and want to keep contributing in any way we can," he said.

The writers can be reached at education@praguepost.com