INEXPENSIVE LUNCH OPTIONS
Fleurs Cafe (Sporkova 521/5; Mala Strana) - For something on the lighter side and away from the throngs of tourists, this cafe could not be more perfect. It's cute and a little girly (but not so over-the-top that men are shy about entering!). The menu is full of wonderful soups, sandwiches and salads. I chose the Bacon Salad made with fresh lettuce, corn, tomatoes, ham (bacon), herb dressing and parmesan served with toasted bread crisps. Everything is made with the freshest ingredients and the portion sizes leave little room for anything else. Nevertheless, save a little room for dessert, especially the homemade apple strudel!
Cafe au Gourmand (Dlouha 10; Stare Mesto) - At first glance, this cafe looks like an ice cream parlor. But don't let that fool you. Walk past the freezer cases and cafe tables into the lovely outdoor patio in the back. A wide range of salads, sandwiches, quiche, and other French cafe/bistro delights are available. I really enjoyed my classic Croque Monsieur sandwich. Keep it light as you will want to save room for ice cream or delicious chocolates afterwards.
Les Moules (Parizska 19; Josefov) - There's nothing like a bowl full of hot steaming mussels for lunch! Yum! You can order the simple version, mussels steamed in white wine; or you can have a fancier version, Luxembourg style with rosemary, thyme and butter. I had the daily special (the simple version) served with pomme frites and Belgian mayonnaise for $10. What a deal!
Trattoria Cicala (Zitna 43; Nove Mesto) - If you want to go where the locals go, try this lovely trattoria. It doesn't look like much from the street, and the trek to the basement will certainly raise an eyebrow. However, once you enter the restored cellar dining room and catch a whiff of what's cooking in the kitchen, you will forget you are in Prague. The Spaghetti alla Carbonara is testimony to the Cicala family's Roman heritage -- squisito!
DINNER OPTIONS to follow in Part 2.