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Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa, Prague -
CZ |
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Aquarius Restaurant, Prague -
CZ |
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Next: Hotel Atlantic, Hamburg -
DE |
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Next: Hotel Le Palais, Prague -
CZ |
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| 6 Stars and 6 Stripes |
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| Our
arrival at this magnificent monument, on a cobblestone driveway, was something
to be seen.
The
Alchymist is the rebirth of a glorious Baroque landmark - 'Dum u
Ježíška' - dating back to the 16th century and reflecting the
graciousness and charisma of momentous Prague. Our check-in was a celebration
in the Gothic hall. We felt as though we had entered a different time zone, a
dream come true for the sophisticated and adventures theme traveler who
appreciates the intimacy and personal touch of a smaller hotel. With 46 rooms,
all held in plaster, gold, brocade, fine art and antiques, it makes for a
perfectly restored house of history. Elegant Veronika Choteborska is the
General Manager of this well maintained, squeaky-clean dream hotel, and totally
in charge of our well being with her hands-on style. |
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| While
I got settled in the romantic
Alchymist
suite, I thought that it was a shame that my wife was not able to accompany
me this time, she would have loved this place of dreams with the spacious
balcony overlooking the inner court yard, the precious wooden four poster bed
and the wonderful linens that hone not only the body but also the soul. I
slipped quickly into my oversized fluffy bathrobe and then I was on my way to
the ground floor spa where I was scheduled for a relaxing facial. I walked in
'awe' like in child at Disney World, over an enchanted wooden bridge to my
destination, while under me fish all colors and kinds went on their merry water
way.
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| Congratulations to all, from your Guests and from Seven Stars and
Stripes: |
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- For your visible commitment to excellence.
- For your willingness to be recognized for your latest
innovations.
- For your devotion to your staff and company.
- For your ability to receive.
- For your decision to raise the bar.
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| Seven
Stars and Stripes Awards for: |
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| Our
Seven Stars and Stripes™ book - 2003 to 2006 world-edition, is
still available. Over 300 pages - featuring only the finest
establishments and fascinating cuisine art images from around the world. All
beautifully compiled in this full-color collector's edition.
ISBN# 1-4259-4267-9 |
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| In Next Gazette: |
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| * Hotel Le Palais, Prague - CZ |
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| * Hotel Atlantic, Hamburg - DE |
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| In The Press: |
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| * Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa: |
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| Dear Friends
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| August is a colorful month, its flowers are the stunning gladiolas
and the pretty poppy while the birthstone is the precious sapphire –
besides, it is the great month for vacation and summer vacations are what
ultimately create our childhood memories – oh so meaningful! We traveled
to Europe and rediscovered the unique, historic city of Prague, where the
mosaic of its red roofs resemble the color of the red ‘poppy’ and
vivid green gardens seem woven into each other like an impressionistic
painting. We started our visit at one of the Czech Republic’s most
fascinating hotels, the
Alchymist
Grand Hotel & Spa, located just steps from mythical Charles Bridge and
a good place to make a great escape this winter. On a shorter notice, we are
attending the Hampton
Classic Horse Show on Long Island, NY in a couple of weeks. With 1,400
horses and exhibitions and over 40,000 spectators, this is one of the US's
largest show jumping competitions. Congratulations are in order for
The
Oberoi Mumbai, India, an exciting hotel which is featured in the August
edition of New York Gold
Coast's Magazine Boulevard. Until next month from another award-winning
place in eternal Prague, CZ - maritime Hamburg, Germany and the city which
never sleeps, New York. |
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| I am yours truly |
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Thorsten Buehrmann |
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| Watch the Seven Stars and Stripes |
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| Award TV Show on |
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| Hamptons Televisions WVVH World-Wide |
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Prague, Czech Republic
Chef de Cuisine:
Tomáš
Sysel |
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| 6 Stars and 5 Stripes |
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| As a
complimentary start offered for all Aquarius's guests, there was a cheese and
wine degustacion in the anteroom just outside the restaurant featuring the
finest assortment of local Czech products. This is where we were introduced to
a spectacular array of fresh artisan cheeses and wines from the Czech provinces
of Moravia and Bohemia, all of which can be paired with the incredible cuisine
of
Chef
Tomáš Sysel. "A good first impression" I said to Rolf as we
entered the restaurant to our table, situated especially close to a section of
the giant wall mural depicting a scene of Hannibal's elephants crossing the
Alps. Noteworthy of mention is the marvelous Rona stemware, Broggi silverware
and Lillian porcelain carefully arranged on each table as if artfully measured
precisely in centimeters. "Of course all this would be meaningless without the
same level of cuisine" I heard Rolf whisper to me as we perused the menu. It
wasn't long before my colleague's utterance would be validated. Some of the
highlights of Chef Tomáš's culinary imagination proved to us that
he is definitely a real player in the world of gastronomic creativity.... |
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| For
our main course, we were thrilled by the Thyme Crusted Rack of Lamb with
vegetable cous cous and rosemary jus, which offered jus the right amount of
herbal coating to hold in the incredible juicy flavor during and after the
cooking process. One of my all time favorite wines, Brunello di Montalcino
Castello Banfi, DOCG 2001 from Tuscany was the match made in heaven with it's
dark ruby red color and restrained earthiness so as not to compete with the
lamb but to support it. Finally, we relished the richness and deep fruit flavor
of the Alchymist Special Fruit Sabayon, artfully made with a supercharged dose
of Czech sparkling wine. We suggested to the management that it might be a
special thrill to see this dish being made tableside.
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