top krakow

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Welcome Note Dear Friends, This issue of TOP Krakow will take us to the midst of the winter through the festive sea- son. These two months of December and January are indeed always a time of family get togethers during the holiday season and the onset of colder temperatures once the festivities and New Year celebrations give way to the seriousness of the year ahead. We at TOP wish to always highlight the fun and good life that makes every season exciting in its specificity, there is after all the warmth of a fireplace alongwith a glass of mulled wine! Our partnership with the AMERICAN CHAM- BER OF COMMERCE in Poland, which mails both TOP KRAKOW and TOP WARSAW out to its entire membership is working extremely well and to our corporate readers we extend our hearty welcome. Our effort continue to- wards making TOP a more resourceful tool not only for planning social activity, but also for obtaining information about essential serv- ices as well as important business events. As you will hopefully notice, our publication strives to maintain a high quality which we be- lieve to be essential in order for it to be used by family members, friends and colleagues, as well as visiting business folk especially from outside the country. Our efforts are focused so as to identify and pre-select the finer service providers from amongst the lot, and then to accurately de- scribe these for your benefit. Some of our featured partners present in this issue have happily offered discounts for their services exclusively for the readers of TOP. Our sincere hope is that you make use of these while hav- ing a great time. In order to do so you must carry your copy of TOP with you, so please don’t leave it behind! Once again, on behalf of TOP, our heartfelt welcome to you! Dominika Penderecka Pushkar Butani Founders, TOP Magazines

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A guide to what Krakow has to offer

TRANSCRIPT

Welcome Note

Dear Friends,

This issue of TOP Krakow will take us to the midst of the winter through the festive sea-son. These two months of December and January are indeed always a time of family get togethers during the holiday season and the onset of colder temperatures once the festivities and New Year celebrations give way to the seriousness of the year ahead. We at TOP wish to always highlight the fun and good life that makes every season exciting in its specificity, there is after all the warmth of a fireplace alongwith a glass of mulled wine!

Our partnership with the AMERICAN CHAM-BER OF COMMERCE in Poland, which mails both TOP KRAKOW and TOP WARSAW out to its entire membership is working extremely well and to our corporate readers we extend our hearty welcome. Our effort continue to-wards making TOP a more resourceful tool not only for planning social activity, but also for obtaining information about essential serv-ices as well as important business events. As you will hopefully notice, our publication strives to maintain a high quality which we be-lieve to be essential in order for it to be used by family members, friends and colleagues, as well as visiting business folk especially from outside the country.

Our efforts are focused so as to identify and pre-select the finer service providers from amongst the lot, and then to accurately de-scribe these for your benefit. Some of our featured partners present in this issue have happily offered discounts for their services exclusively for the readers of TOP. Our sincere hope is that you make use of these while hav-ing a great time. In order to do so you must carry your copy of TOP with you, so please don’t leave it behind!

Once again, on behalf of TOP, our heartfelt welcome to you!

Dominika PendereckaPushkar Butani

Founders,TOP Magazines

Contents

07 TOP RESTAURANTS

08 Aqua e VinoItalian

09 AmadeusPolish traditional

10 AmarylisPolish Fusion

11 AncoraInternational

12 AperitifPolish, Continental

13 Buddha Indian Restaurant and LoungeIndian

14 Da PietroItalian

15 FarinaItalian and Polish

16 Edo FusionAsian

17 Edo SushiAsian

18 Grande GrillSteaks and Barbecue

20 Il Calzone13 Italian22 La Campana

Italian23 Jarema

Polish traditional24 Leonardo13 Italian25 Marmolada

Polish, Italian26 Manzana

International27 Metropolitan

International28 Mamma Mia

Italian29 Miód Malina13 Italian / Polish30 Milano

Italian31 Paese

Mediterranean / Corsican32 Pepe Rosso

Mediterranean33 Pimiento

Argentinian34 Rubinstein

International35 Unicus

Polish/International36 SomePlace Else

Top Sports Bar37 The Olive62 Mediterranean38 Szara

International39 Szara Kazimierz

International40 Taco Mexicano El Pueblo

Mexican

41 WentzlFrench / Polish

42 WierzynekPolish traditional

43 ZenAsian

44 WeseleNouvelle Polish

45 Via OttaItalian

47 TOP CASUAL & AFTER DINNER

48 Russian EnsoModern Quality Club

49 Scandale RoyalFusion & Cocktails

50 Sushi SquareJapanese

51 Ul LalaCafe and Dining

52 Słodki WentzlLarge choice of unique desserts

53 Wierzynek Chocolates and Condiments

55 TOP ESSENTIALS

57 Boutique MontblancWriting instruments, leather, watches

58 Kreo Gallery Original design jewelry

59 Galeria NiuansArt for a beautiful table

60 Bull PubOld-English style pub

60 Boutique VanitaOriginal Italian clothes

60 Jubiler AurumJewelry, Watches

63 Ora GalleryModern jewelry

64 Likus Home ConceptInterior Decor

65 Pasaż 1330 of the top world’s brands

66 AutodirectBuy cars via internet

71 TOP CULTURE

72 Top Culture

73 Dianne Reeves

74 Historical Interest

75 Culture Interest

76 Important information

79 City Map

*places offering discounts to readers of TOP

Top Restaurants

Aqua e Vino Restaurant Amadeus Restaurant

Amadeus RestaurantKrakow, Mikołajska 20phone: +48 12 423 0340www.restauracja-amadeus.pl

Restauranta Amadeus is situated in the centre of Krakow on Mikołajska Street, just steps from the Main Square. The restaurant, part of the same-named hotel, is located in the cellars of this restored 17th century townhouse which has a richly orna-mented façade and an interior filled with frescoes and paintings giving the place a unique character.

Offering a combination of Polish and pan-European dishes, the place has received numerous culinary awards; the Amadeus House Specialties bear testimony to this – dishes such as the mackerel in speck served with spinach and green peas; duck breast with orange and red onion chutney; and the lamb shank baked in aged ham served with broad beans and with whole-wheat bread soufflé with pumpkin seeds. Desserts are out-standing, such as the crème brûlée with bananas and peach sauce; and cheese cake with pumpkin served on a bed of coriander and lemon sauce.

With an extensive wine list, a cer-emonial ambiance, and a sophisti-cated eager-to-please staff, a visit to Amadeus is always a highly appreci-ated culinary experience!

09TOP Krakow

Aqua e VinoRistorante Italiano – Lounge BarKrakow, Wiślna 5/10phone: +48 12 421 2567www.aquaevino.pl

08 12-01/2012

Located a few steps from the Main Square, one can almost sense Aqua e Vino’s special-ness as one de-scends down—here a labyrinthine Krakow cellar becomes a mere back-drop as it gets married to an elegant, modern décor.

Aqua e Vino with its Venetian cuisine has been acclaimed for its variety of dishes, fresh ingredients such as its seafood, and its wines selelected solely from leading Italian vineyards. We must make special mention of the faultless service staff and a manage-ment that pays a sincere attention to the minutest of details. Owned by na-tive Italians, Francesco and Roberto, Aqua e Vino is uniquely genuine and is a must visit for great dining, or for a fine cocktail or coffee in its lounge. It now offers a special on lunch for 35 pln until 4.30 pm from Monday to Friday and invites patrons to fol-low it on Facebook!

Amarylis Restaurant Ancora Restaurant

Sometimes something really good happens! This time it is in the form of Amarylis. Within the brick arches of a cellar, it is best described with one word—exhilarating! This is fu-sion at its best, with a foundation based on the finest Polish culinary traditions tied to other cultures. Fa-miliar dishes appear with sophistica-tion such as the duck breast in rose mousse served with currant sauce and polenta. There is emphasis on the freshest ingredients, flavors enhanced by a choice of carefully selected wines and spirits. Spread over three chambers, its atmos-phere makes it the perfect place for business lunches or dinner with fam-ily and friends. It also specializes in banquets, receptions, corporate events, and catering services. As a special attraction, for every din-ner bill over 100 PLN the wine is for free—this is excellence indeed at all levels!

AmarylisKrakow, Józefa Dietla 60phone: +48 12 433 3333www.queenhotel.pl

Ancora RestaurantKrakow, Dominikańska 3phone: +48 12 357 3355www.ancora-restaurant.com

Ancora is located opposite the fa-mous Dominican church, on the cor-ner of Dominikańska and Poselska streets. This church, by way of refer-ence, is the place where all the young in Krakow go to due to the appeal of its modern services. Ancora has achieved the same from a culinary standpoint—redefining the some-times-staid Polish cuisine by fusing it with distinct Mediterranean, Asian, Pan Europe influences.

Here is an original menu created by Chef Adam Chrząstowski, who brings his many years of internation-al experience which even includes heading fine restaurants in Shanghai. He maintains an “open-kitchen” pol-icy where he welcomes one and all to meet with him. This has produced a menu that is exhilarating—from ap-petizers and soups such as the trio of tartar with beef, venison and tuna, and the White fish soup with forest mush-rooms. Examples ofmain dishes that hit a high note include the grilled beef tenderloin with goose liver medal-lion; the lamb Provencal served with potato gratin and a sage-rosemary sauce; and the monkfish fillet baked in Jamón Serrano and served with mustard sauce. Desserts such as the chocolate and blue cheese soufflé served with grapes chutney, are proof of the special-ness of this place. With a very broad selection of over 400 wines, reasonable prices, and a soft elegant décor, Ancora is a place where one keeps coming back to!

10 11TOP Krakow12-01/2012

Aperitif Restaurant Buddha Indian Restaurant

13TOP Krakow

Buddha Indian Restaurant and LoungeKrakow, Grodzka 9 Entry from Hotel Rezydentphone: +48 12 422 2310, 430 0733mobile: +48 782 111 [email protected]

Here is some good news—the search for original chicken vindaloo is now finally over in Krakow with the recent opening of Restaurant Buddha! With an impressive range of Indian dishes, and a section on the menu for Thai and Chinese, the place offers versatili-ty for those that want to visit in a group with diverging requirements. These are true, traditional recipes skillfully modified by a kitchen staff that hails from the same places from where the dishes do! In its interiors which reflect warm Indian hospitality, the staff is eager to please with colorful culinary presentations that are as tempting to see and smell as they are to eat, and advice to order Indian wine that never fails to impress. With live Indian dance shows every Friday and Saturday, the restaurant opens from 12 noon un-til the last guest. Buddha also caters both for private parties within its four elegantly appointed rooms as well as for outside events.

Located steps from the Market Square, Aperitif is a place that deli-vers quality and sophistication in an environment that is uncomplicated yet elegant. A wonderful menu em-phasizes freshness of ingredients and offers Polish and pan-Europe-an fare. There is true passion in the kitchen where Chef Martin Lorek up-dates his menu a few times each year with the seasons. The fish dumplings served with a chanterelle and white wine sauce; or the classic carpaccio with arugula, are outstanding precur-sors to main dishes such as the lamb cutlet served with Foie gras; or the crispy duck confit with cranberries and potato gratin. The white choco-late parfait with wild cherry sauce is ideal for those with a sweet tooth. An extensive wine card offers wines from over twenty countries. A truly won-derful culinary experience! Savings Note: 10% off on Early Bird Menu from 5 pm to 7 pm every day.

Aperitif Restaurant Krakow, Sienna 9phone: +48 12 432 3333 [email protected]

12 12-01/2012

Da Pietro Restaurant Farina Restaurant

14 15TOP Krakow

Da Pietro RestaurantKrakow, Rynek Główny 17phone: +48 12 422 3279www.dapietro.pl

Longevity, especially amongst re-staurants, is a sure sign of well- earned success. Ristorante Da Pie-tro opened its doors in 1992 and re-tains the honor of being the town’s first purveyor of fine Italian. It con-tinues to impart genuine culinary satisfaction within its cellared home on the Main Square with its entran-ce leading down into three hall-like rooms with high bricked ceilings lit with softly-illumined chandeliers. Da Pietro’s encompassing menu is a careful blend of old standards as well as ongoing innovation yielding something for all palates such as the risotto with shrimps and tallegio cheese; ravioli with spinach and ri-cotta; and desserts such as the pro-fiteroles and the panna cotta. With a wine list which carries a selection over 200 derived from all wine-ma-king parts of the world, this is inde-ed a perfect place for both lunch and dinner!

The creative brilliance of Monika Turasiewicz, the brainchild behind Farina, has placed this restaurant within the top echelon of Krakow’s restaurant scene. To be found at the quiet corner of St. Marka and St. Jana, a splendid location in the Old Town, Farina’s reputation has grown due to its marvelous sea food, impeccably executed Italian dishes, and innovative yet traditional Polish standards. This is indeed the season for mussels, with sea food and fresh fish flown in directly from Italy and French Brittany. Those with Polish inclinations should taste the duck with apples glazed in honey, the her-ring in truffle oil, the fragrant forest mushroom soup, or the cheese and potato filled pierogi ruskie. With spa-cious candle-lit rooms, and service par excellence Farina stands firm as one of the Krakow greats. Complimentary aperitif welcomes guests carrying TOP.

Farina RestaurantKrakow, Św. Marka 16phone: +48 12 422 1680www.farina.krakow.pl

12-01/2012

Edo Sushi Restaurant Edo Fusion Restaurant

16 17TOP Krakow

Edo Sushi RestaurantKrakow, Bożego Ciała 3phone: + 48 12 422 2424Zakopane, Droga na Bystre phone: +48 72 471 0724www.edosushi.pl

Edo Fusion, the sister restaurant of pure Japanese Edo Sushi, is as the name suggests an excellent locale for much sought after Asian fusion, where dishes created with a wide ca-nvas of flavors especiallyfrom the re-cognized cuisines of Japan and Tha-iland are juxtaposed with flavors and techniques from the Mediterranean, Italy, and even Mexico; this is crea-tivity in the kitchen at its very best.

A stunning interior implements the idea of modern-fusion firmly in the mind, preparing one to appreciate and savor delicacies such as the black tiger shrimp batter fried with cilantro and shitake mushroom; cod marinated in sweet miso paste; halibut in sake served on cucum-ber Carpaccio; and the fried wheat noodles with chicken in curry sau-ce. An outstanding journey of fla-vors is what one experiences here at Edo Fusion!

Edo Fusion RestaurantKrakow, Bożego Ciała 3phone: + 48 12 422 2424www.edosushi.pl

Edo Sushi, the oldest existing sushi place in Krakow is located in historic Kazimierz. This is an inspired effort by owner Piotr Zajczkowski with ty-pical Japanese rooms and a menu designed by the finest sushi masters working in Poland. Examples include nigiri, fish toppings on rice; futomaki and hosomaki, large and small rolls in nori or the flat seaweed; urama-ki, with the rice outside; and various sashimi and sushi. Of course, these may be washed down perhaps with sake chosen from an impressive list, or the very sweet Choya plum wine, or just Japanese beer, or tea.

With a Japanese attired friendly staff, the experience at Edo Sushi promises to be marvelous indeed! If visiting Zakopane, there is an Edo Sushi here as well under the supervi-sion of sushi master Katsuhiro Kudo who hails from the island of Hokka-ido – the winter capital of Japan.

12-01/2012

Grande Grill Steakhouse & Bar

Grande Grill Steakhouse & BarKrakow, Rynek Główny 16phone: +48 12 424 [email protected]

Grande Grill has quickly achieved the reputation of the best true ste-akhouse in Krakow, located in a ver-dant courtyard setting in the Main Square. An ideal place for a barbe-cue outing with friends and family, this is the place for succulent grilled meats and seafood to be washed down with an outstanding selection of drinks and cocktails that are offe-red here. This roofed summer gar-den in the very centre of Krakow is made all the more special with top quality service that helps water away the mental pressures with positive energy, relaxation, and an away-from –the-bustle feeling right in the center of this sometimes noisy town! Recommendations include the ho-use specialty which is the T-bone steak to be accompanied with any of the several crisply fresh salads, allowing one to make a truly heal-thful combination of an outstanding dining experience!

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Kraków, Pijarska 13phone: +48 12 627 37 49

email: [email protected]

12-01/2012

Il Calzone Restaurant

Il CalzoneKrakow, Starowiślna 15aphone: + 48 12 429 5141www.ilcalzone.pl

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who for years have added to this lo-cale’s refreshing uniqueness—from the Chef Grzegorz Graboś to the steady crew of friendly bartenders and wait staff.

Il Calzone is one of those places that quickly becomes part of one’s select stable of restaurants—if you live in Krakow you will find yourself periodically here for a casual lunch or dinner indulging in its Mediterra-nean fare. Excellent for pizza—try the outstanding pizza bianca—and calzone at reasonable prices, you will marvel too at their grilled sirloin and beef steaks, lamb in herbs, or dishes such as chicken liver in or-

ange and balsamic sauce. Its wine selection, well supported by a foun-dation of Piedmont, Tuscany and Si-cilian varieties, carries names from elsewhere around the world as well. Everyone finds something to suit their tastes here, and we are sure so will you!

TOP Krakow

Located minutes away from the Main Square, Il Calzone is somewhat hid-den away behind the Pugetow Pal-ace on Starowiœlna Street. Once you discover it in its hidden enclave, you could very well become part of its regular patronage that faithfully converges here for fine Italian fla-vors, great wine, and its wonderful ambiance. A slightly rustic décor, with soft mood music noticeably lays claim to the idea that atmos-phere is perhaps just an important ingredient as all else. Evenings and weekends is when you’ll find Il Cal-zone’s congenial atmosphere in full bloom with its regular clientele that includes long-time residents as well as new visitors to Krakow.

For its owner and proprietor Marcin Pierożyński, Il Calzone is the em-bodiment of a long-term fascination with Italy—the country, the peo-ple, and its cuisine. His desire was to recreate in Krakow a „little part of what [he] misses every day”, a restaurant where good wine isn’t necessarily synonymous with large expenditures, and where compe-tent service doesn’t have to be accompanied by stilted gestures and mannerisms.

Each successive trip to his beloved Italy sees him returning to share new ideas and experiences with his guests—delivered through innova-tive recipes and well suited wines selected and imported directly from Italy, without the expense of middle-men which allows the prices to be reasonable in the restaurant.

Marcin is proudly and enthusiasti-cally aided by Il Calzone’s personnel

20 12-01/2012

La Campana Restaurant Jarema Restaurant

Plac Matejki, where Jarema is lo-cated, is named after 19th century painter Jan Matejko who enshrined many of the glorious traditions of Polish kings and their victorious ar-mies. Jarema enshrines yet another Polish tradition—kresowa, the cui-sine in focus here. Originating from the eastern borders of historical Po-land, an area known as Kresy, Polish and Jewish dishes combined under further eastern influences to con-stitute what is served here in forms such as exceptional lamb cutlets, quail stuffed with figs, pierogi with liver and grits, and standard favorites such as the bigos served under the inspiring title of Great Master of the Royal Hunt Bigos! The feeling of a traditional Polish manor is immedi-ate at the entrance, where one is greeted by Polish nobility captured in paintings that adorn the walls, alongside what seem to be their hunting trophies and accessories.

A three-roomed interior provides a cozily matched setting to the various gastronomic delights of the kitchen, with friendly, polite staff enhancing the flavor with period attire. The menu varies with the seasons and marks the traditions that are tied to them.With Michelin’s two forks and spoons rating, summer garden seating, Jarema is an excellent experience, especially with a cuisine that suc-ceeds with its special uniqueness!

Jarema RestaurantKrakow, Plac Matejki 5phone: +48 12 429 3669www.jarema.pl

23TOP Krakow

Michelin Guide recommended Ital-ian restaurant La Campana is locat-ed on Kanonicza, the oldest street in Krakow. Refreshing to the senses, its décor is best described as warm and immensely elegant, in complete union with an impressive back gar-den viewed through its windows. A comprehensive menu ensures that there is something for palate. Spe-cial mention must be made of the careful selection of the finest pro-sciutto, from San Daniele for exam-ple, to be had with fresh figs, melon, or fresh mozzarella. An impressive array of pasta, such as the rigatoni with tenderloin, garlic and tomatoes are great precursors to main cours-es such as the tender lamb chops in sage and pine nuts; or the zander fillet served with vegetable rata-touille in orange and saffron sauce. As expected, the wine list, desserts, and coffee are all outstanding. Fine indeed!

Trattoria la CampanaKrakow, Kanonicza 7phone: +48 12 430 2232www.lacampana.pl

22 12-01/2012

Leonardo Restaurant Marmolada Restaurant

Full of grace and warmth, Ristorante Leonardo is located in the exact center of town a few steps from the Main Square. It offers a specialty-based Italian and Polish menu with varied selections, especially of fresh fish and seafood. The restaurant spells class from the oustet, with a decor that clearly conveys the spe-cial attitude of the place in terms of its seriousness in being a culinary landmark New flavors and exciting new compositions by Chef Krzysztof Jaśko—which are regular winners at prominent culinary contests—has been the hallmark of Leonardo! With the sommelier guaranteeing the wine selection from its well-stocked wine cellar, Ristorante Leonardo stands out as being amongst the finest in Krakow. And for corporate clients, Leonardo offers the oppor-tunity of organizing trainings and conferences amidst its outstanding hospitality!

Leonardo RistoranteKrakow, Szpitalna 20-22phone: +48 12 429 [email protected]

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Marmolada located in the Main Square is designed to evoke child-hood memories of visits to grandma, family dinners, and tasty pancakes gobbled down with marmalade. The combination of flavors and nostalgia is an alluring platform where a Polish-Italian menu filled with the rich aro-mas of spices and a fruits has come alive to delight in many ways. The encompassing menu offers items such as the golden spareribs mari-nated with plum vodka, topped with fruit ratatouille; beef tenderloin with pears fried in red wine and honey; Zander fried in butter and olive oil, with leek and mushrooms; cannel-loni with spinach and creamy ricotta, served with a velvety tomato sauce; and an array of crispy pizza from a wood-fired oven. Intensely flavorful desserts such as the traditional Kra-kow cheese cake served with bitter chocolate complete this marmalade of flavors and a happy time!

Marmolada RestaurantKrakow, Grodzka 5phone: +48 12 396 4946www.marmoladarestauracja.pl

25TOP Krakow12-01/2012

Manzana Restaurant Metropolitan Restaurant

Located in the Jewish quarter of Ka-zimierz, Manzana’s Mexican Chef Jeronimo Carrillo has created an au-thentic menu from Mexico and Latin America. Within its elaborate bar on one side, and the open cantina-type kitchen on the other where all of the kitchen action adds to one’s appe-tite, the outstanding fall/winter menu offers delicious staples such as ta-cos, burritos, enchiladas,and items inspired by flavors which are typi-cal of meat, steak, and fish dishes in Latin America. Volcano Rock is one such example, served piping hot in a stone bowl with the very traditional Yucatan Tacos. A world class wine menu, outstanding selec-tion of cocktails, and a substantial tequila collection have made Man-zana a top class bar outing as well. A beautiful outdoor garden enables enjoying the warmer weather, and a well attentive staff has indeed made Manzana the apple of Krakow’s culi-nary eye! Note: Dessert free when bill over 30 PLN.

Manzana RestaurantKrakow, Miodowa 11phone: +48 12 422 2277www.manzana.com.pl

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Metropolitan Restaurant & Bar opened over a decade ago in 2000. Located just 50 meters from the’s Main Square, it is best described as a place which has set the stand-ard for what an international bistro restaurant should be! Catering to a stringent audience of international visitors and top locals, Metropolitan never fails to impress. Chef Grzegorz Szpik changes his menu with the seasons; renowned for his steaks, fresh fish, and menu favourites such as the Caesar salad and Thai pasta!

A long favourite in town for English and American breakfast, and week-end brunches with eggs Benedict and French Toast, Metropolitan also offers an outstanding bar with a vast selection of world-class cocktails. With an attentive, English speaking staff, Metropolitan is a reminder of class. Note: Dessert free when bill over 30 PLN!

Metropolitan RestaurantKrakow, Sławkowska 3phone: +48 12 421 9803www.metropolitan-krakow.com

NEW WINTER MENU

BEGINS5th OCTOBER

27TOP Krakow12-01/2012

Mamma Mia Restaurant Miód Malina Restaurant

Miód Malina—“Honey Raspberry” is a term used in colloquial Polish to express delight! This Michelin Guide recommended Polish restaurant ex-cites at all levels. Spread over two hall-like rooms, its warm rustic interior is made cozier by a large wood-burn-ing oven, and fresh flowers illumined in an abundance of candlelight.

Menu highlights include the spe-cial oscypek cheese with cranberry jelly; the savory duck with mush-rooms and plum sauce; succulent tenderloin; delicate lamb chops served with blueberry sauce and roasted garlic; and desserts such as the racuchy, which is a home-made apple pancake served warm with a tempting vanilla and caramel sauce—all wonderfully outstanding. With a carefully chosen wine list, a wide selection of liquors, and a friendly staff, Miód Malina offers true delight indeed!

Miód Malina Restaurantopen: Mon–Fri from midday to midnight;Sat, Sun from 11am to midnightKrakow, Grodzka 40phone: +48 12 430 0411www.miodmalina.pl

Minutes from the Main Square, Mamma Mia offers authentic Italian in a dolce vita setting with its wood burning stove, warm colors, and photographs from the home coun-try. Credit goes in large part to its chef Robert Koczwara, whose alle-giance to Italian culinary traditions is the reason for its enormous suc-cess. Here a wide variety of pizza is always a winning choice, and soups such as the cream of broc-coli with salmon bits; the gnoc-chi with parmesan in mushroom sauce; mussels in tomato sauce; the veal cutlets stewed in white wine sauce; and desserts such as the semifreddo—partially frozen, made with whipped cream and amaretto, are all excellent. An extensive wine list from Spain, France, Italy, Chile, Argentina, ensures a wonderful bal-ance with what is ordered. Mamma Mia—a great choice always for a splendid time!

Mamma Mia RestaurantKrakow, Karmelicka 14phone: +48 12 430 0492tel./fax: +48 12 422 2868www.mammamia.net.pl

28 29TOP Krakow12-01/2012

Milano Restaurant Paese Restaurant

Milano Restaurant brings to mind many things; foremost amongst them is redefining the idea of a fine dining experience. This is an Ital-ian restaurant pulsating with a rare vitality. Located on a corner in the Main Square, its warm earth interi-ors, crisp white-linen draped tables adorned with the soft glow of can-dlelight all come together in high-lighting a menu which is illustrative of the tremendous thought and ef-fort that has been put into it by Chef Grzegorz Fic. Items such as the tuna carpaccio; Tuscan fish soup; the piz-za with Napolitano ham and arugu-la; the saddle of deer with foie gras sauce; and the Ossobuco alla mila-nese, are all incredibly outstanding. Desserts such as the crème brûlée and chocolate soufflé become sweet exclamation points to a wonderful meal. With an extensive wine list and a warm, attentive staff, Milano tops on all levels!

Milano RistoranteKrakow, św. Jana 1phone: +48 12 374 1300mobile: +48 694 44 01 99www.milanokrakow.pl

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Paese Restaurant Krakow, Poselska 24phone: +48 12 421 [email protected]

As with Corsica the island gem in the Mediterranean, Restaurant Paese continues to be its own island of culi-nary heaven on the quietly pretty and lazily meandering Poselska Street in the center of town. The word ‘paese’ means “country” in Corsica, and the authenticity of country warmth and conviviality has been recreated here with an immense sense of sincer-ity. If longevity is tangible proof of success proof then Paese’s being around for over 15 years is a huge feather in its cap. This is French Mediterranean in feel both for the eyes as well as to the palate where outstanding creations from the kitch-en never fail to thrill. Chefs leave no stones unturned in doing justice to a menu that is replete with seafood and healthful dishes that emphasize the freshness of ingredients. Fresh asparagus in vinaigrette; Corsican bean soup with bacon and garlic; grilled sea-bream, mullet, shrimp and calamari served with garlic spinach and potatoes; the sliced leg of lamb with garlic and herb sauce; desserts such as Fiadone which is Corsican ricotta cheese cake with rum and pumpkin puree, or the nougat ice-cream with caramel and mandarin orange all achieve heights of epicurean delight. Paese’s wine list contains a rich selection; they are imported directly from family-owned vineyards in France and Italy. A per-fect location indeed for a romantic dinner, business meetings and pri-vate parties.

31TOP Krakow12-01/2012

Pepe Rosso Restaurant Pimiento Restaurant

Pimiento RestaurantKrakow, Józefa 26phone: +48 12 421 [email protected], Stolarska 13phone: +48 12 [email protected]

Kazimierz, the old Jewish quarter of Krakow is on its ascendancy: its track from bohemian to trendy is well on its way here with the opening of new, refreshing places such as Ital-ian restaurant Pepe Rosso. With the advantage of considerable visitors to this part of Krakow, its excellence has already begun to garner rave reviews. Modern and yet rooted-in-tradition, this restaurant is the culmination of spirited efforts and vision of owners Marcin Seweryn and Łukasz Przybyl-ski. Mr. Przybylski, the creative force in the kitchen, owes his success in pleasing our palates to his generous vigor in applying many an individual twists to otherwise traditional fare. No wonder the King prawns served here with garlic, olive oil, and courgette are unrivaled (courgette is French for zucchini). It is worth noting that fresh shipments of Mediterranean seafood arrive each Wednesday, illustrative of the focus here on quality. Dishes such as the ravioli stuffed with spin-ach and ricotta, or the grilled beef seasoned with rosemary and served with wild mushrooms and cherry to-matoes are delightful. For dessert if your Italian restaurant reflexes kick in and you begin to ask for the tiramisu, do pause and venture towards the Sardinian pardulas which combine the delicate flavor of pastry with the taste of fresh, sweet ricotta. Excel-lent food, great atmosphere in a light and elegant setting, and all this em-bedded in extraordinary Kazimierz—what more than Pepe Rosso can one ask for!

Pepe Rossoopen from midday to 11pmKrakow, Kupa 15phone: +48 12 431 0875www.peperosso.pl

A culinary tribute to at least an aspect of Latin America cuisine was much awaited in Krakow. With the arrival of Pimiento in historic Kazimierz, the first ever Argentina grill restaurant, this wait may now be considered over. When one mentions “Argen-tinean”, what immediately comes to mind are juicy grilled meats, thick and charcoal-brazed, cooked over the unique “asado”—a slow cook-ing grill, where the natural wood and coal embers are carefully spread to ensure all of the meat’s natural fla-vors are preserved. Moreover, since Argentinean cuisine has heavy in-fluences of Mediterranean cultures, one also expects a wide variety of healthful, robust dishes and flavors. Under the brilliant ownership of Mar-cin Seweryn, all of this is very much true here; the kitchen staff ensures special care is taken such that each cut of meat, Pampas grass fed and imported from Argentina, is individu-

ally seasoned to give customers a truly authentic dining experience. The most popular cuts are the bife de costilla, similar to the T-bone and is the largest cut of beef, and bife de chorizo, a steak cut off the rib and equivalent to rump or sirloin. Various other cuts of beef, pork, chicken, and chorizo are served with special sauc-es, rice, salads and vegetables. With great desserts, a diverse wine list, and friendly “Latin-inspired” service, Pimiento offers a wonderful detour from Krakow to Gaucho country!

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Rubinstein Restaurant Unicus Restaurant

Unicus RestaurantKrakow, Floriańska 35 / Św. Marka 20phone: +48 12 433 71 [email protected]

Restaurant Unicus’ chef Rafal Tar-gosz is the winner of several culinary competitions and an elite member of the association of leading chefs. The innovative menu he has designed of-fers a combination of traditional Po-lish and international selections deri-ved from his own travel experiences. The place itself redefines the Krakow “underground”, medieval cellars co-nverted with breathtaking sense of modernity for both social get-toge-thers as well as business or corpo-rate events. Items on the menu such as the wild mushroom pierogi with braised cabbage; the salmon and cabbage strudel in wine and shallot sauce; and the Roe deer saddle in a chocolate and cranberry sauce se-rved with potato dumplings describe the sense of culinary achievement. Unicus is a wonderful Krakow expe-rience that comes as a gift to those seeking culinary excellence!

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Rubinstein RestaurantKrakow, Szeroka 12phone: +48 12 384 [email protected]

Located in a 15th century building in Szeroka Square, the Hotel Ru-binstein is brimful with style and elegance. The famous cosmetics mogul, Helena Rubinstein, was ac-tually born on this very square, and the hotel’s name is an inspired note to this famous one-time neighbor. The Restaurant Rubinstein, located within the hotel combines traditional Polish, Jewish, and pan-European cuisine with nouvelle elements to thrill gastronomically. Dishes such as the marinated ostrich carpaccio accompanied by lettuce and bole-tus mushrooms; the roast duck with currant sauce on spinach served with potato purée; the pork tender-loin with calvados accompanied with potato and apple mushrooms, are all excellent. With desserts such as the chocolate gâteau, and a won-derfully varied wine list, this elegant restaurant is yet another feather in Krakow’s culinary cap.

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SomePlace Else Restaurant The Olive Restaurant

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SomePlace Else RestaurantKrakow, Powiśle 7phone: +48 12 662 1670Open: monday midday to 11 pmtuesday – thursday midday to midnightfriday – saturday midday to 1 amsunday midday to 11 pmHappy Hour – everyday 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

www.someplace-else.pl

Every once in a while, one has a carving to just let loose in an ultra casual setting, and perhaps a sports bar comes to mind; SomePlace Else is just that place!

The executive chef has focused on an outstanding tex-mex menu—the Chicken Wrap with grilled strips of chicken; the Slim Figure Salad with an assortment of greens, tomatoes, mozzarella, and grilled chicken breast; the Big T-bone steak served with garlic and herb butter are all en-joyable! Along with delicious drinks and cocktails this has become the ultimate place to relax with family, friends, and colleagues, and sports fans have 9 plasma screens to enjoy exciting events.

A wonderfully large summer garden, and a professional staff makes the fun all the more cheery!

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Krakow’s Sheraton Hotel, situated perfectly on the banks of the Vis-tula offers a stunning panorama of Wawel Castle, is a 10-minute walk from the Main Square, and is not much further away from the old Jew-ish district of Kazimierz. But if you are a lucky resident here, there is no walking necessary and no time needed whatsoever to reach The Olive, Sheraton’s spectacular atrium restaurant.

Dominating the interior of the 1200 sq. meter glass roofed lobby, The Olive serves Mediterranean fare and welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch and dinner in this year-round “courtyard.”

The Olive RestaurantSheraton Krakow Hotel, Powiśle 7phone: +48 12 662 1000open: 6.30am–10.30am; midday–4.00pm; 6.00pm–10.30pm www.sheraton.com/krakow

The 12-metre-high olive tree at its centre helps anchor us down in an otherwise “float-away”, uplifting at-mosphere brought about by its huge space and its overall brightness.

For dinner with a larger group of friends, family, or business associ-ates, consider making a reservation in the Wine Cellar.

Szara Restaurant Szara Kazimierz Restaurant

Szara Kazimierz RestaurantKrakow, Szeroka 39phone: +48 12 429 1219www.szarakazimierz.pl

Szara Kazimierz is an encore per-formance by the owners of the gra-cious Szara in the Main Square, and has come as a culinary ornament gracing this historic Jewish enclave. Opened in 2006 in the neighbor-hood’s most prominent square, it has already received three Miche-lin Recommendations three years in a row, and the comparison to its elder counterpart have yielded but one answer—just as classy! The feel here is elegant as well, but with a tinge of informality, which fits well with the more relaxed attitudes of this arty, bohemian district. Within its spacious venue the décor is taste-fully reflective of the fact that the place promises to deliver the high-est quality. Evidencing this further is the menu which is international in scope, and has elements similar to the menu in its sister restaurant.

Appetizers such as the mozzarella with strawberrys and baby spinach, and the salmon tartar with capers and mustard sauce, are great pre-cursors to outstanding main cours-es such as the leg of duck glazed with honey and lime; and the out of the ordinary, the sole rolls with salm-on mousse and a lobster sauce. Equipped with an elaborate bar, the restaurant can rightfully boast about the quality of its drinks and wonder-ful coffee. This is indeed the type of place that transforms one’s time here into a precious memory.

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Szara RestaurantKrakow, Rynek Główny 6phone: +48 12 421 6669www.szara.pl

Located in the Main Square steps from Krakow’s grandest cathedral, St Mary’s Basilica, Szara delivers as much of an experience for the sens-es, as its erstwhile neighbor does for the spirit. This Michelin Recommend-ed restaurant offers elegance at its best with aproned waiters groomed to please in a gothic arched interior replete with starched white table lin-en and ornate silverware. This photo-shoot setting has always been the choice for those in the know, and for those who wish to make a ceremony out of a culinary outing.

The international menu here may be best described as a reflection of the well-heeled clientele that converges from all over the globe. Appetizers such as the Swedish style marinated herring served with potato, or the clas-sic foie gras with truffle sauce, convey the global aspirations of the kitchen. The flavor-rich Salad a la Szara with marinated salmon, egg, shrimp, and avocado is an ideal prologue to dishes composed of succulent meats and fish in the form of, for example, the Plankstek, which is beef sirloin served on an oak plank with pommes duchesse and yellow string beans wrapped in bacon; or the Halibut served on a bed of beetroot and car-rots. Desserts such as the panna cotta with forest fruits and a comprehensive wine list help complete the vision of this gastronomic delight! And not to forget—Szara also serves a delight-ful breakfast daily from 8 until 11, and lunch between 12 to 3 p.m. at prices that are indeed quite reasonable.

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Taco Mexicano – El Pueblo Wentzl

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Taco Mexicano – El Puebloopen from midday to midnight Krakow, Poselska 20phone +48 12 421 5441www.tacomexicano.pl

Taco Mexicano El Pueblo located steps from the Main Square on near-by Poselska street is the first Mexi-can restaurant in Krakow, having opened its doors to taco enthusiasts over 20 years ago! Spread out in a spacious setting, the unquestioned ruling elements of the tables here are the best from the diverse cuisine of Mexico: various paellas, fajitas, and of course tacos. Here in this two storied place, the sounds of Latin music and the aroma of traditional Mexican dishes combine to make any fiesta as fiery as what’s being made inside the kitchen! As far as Mexican food goes, this is perhaps the only place in town that comes close to true genuine authenticity, and leaves no stones unturned in en-suring one’s complete satisfaction. And one leaves the restaurant with this impression even without the ef-fects of tequila, which of course this place has the best of as well!

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Wentzl Restaurant, situated upstairs at No. 19 in the Main Square, brings forth to this day a culinary tradition that reaches back to the late 18th century when Jan Wentzl located his eatery here. The house itself, known today as “Pod Obrazem”, which means “Under the Painting”, was built nearly 400 years ago. Blessed by its history and a great location overlooking Krakow’s center, guests continue to pour in. The French and Polish menu designed by Chef – Anthony Lelievre brings to mind adjectives such as spectacular and wonderful, the experience made whole by a choice of wines that hail from known and acclaimed vine-yards in France and Italy. Culinary creations of the highest order are re-vealed during the course of dinner; it is very likely that a state of bliss will be attained with the delightful desserts!

With spacious interiors, unique views, a marvelous collection of Ecole de Paris paintings, and per-fect service, Wentzl has over the years become the meeting place for personalities that belong to the world of art, politics and business. And for all those of us who stress the importance of ambience as much as the treatments of our palates, this gratifying place leaves really nothing more to be desired!

Wentzl RestaurantKrakow, Rynek Główny 19phone: +48 12 429 5712www.wentzl.pl12-01/2012 41TOP Krakow

Wierzynek Restaurant Zen Sushi Bar & Japanese RestaurantZen has finally brought to Krakow a unique interpretation of Japanese cui-sine. Chef Tomasz Łapiński’s menu includes traditional dishes as well as those with ingredients that may not be typical of the Japanese kitchen. The sushi is always made of fresh fish and appetizers such as the gyutataki which is slices of juicy beef, marinated in sake, served with fresh garlic and ginger; or the beef carpaccio with aru-gula and parmesan served with Japa-nese wasabi, are great precursors to dishes such as the Kobe steak; or the duck marinated in orange and cin-namon, served with teriyaki sauce. The first floor offers a more casual “sushicanal”, while the second floor has tables and the traditional “tata-mi” floor-mat seating. Drinks include Japanese wines, beers, and original green tea. Zen is indeed a great ad-dition to Krakow’s culinary scene! Savings Note: 25% off on sushi from midday to 5 pm Monday to Friady.

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Zen Sushi Bar & Japanese Restaurantopen from noon to midnightKrakow, Św. Tomasza 29phone: +48 12 426 5555 www.zensushi.pl

Wierzynek Restaurant brings 14th century renaissance to the present day in the form of one of the most elaborate multi-halled, culinary set-tings in Krakow. Its classic interiors with ornate beams, period art and frescoes, have hosted distinguished heads of state such as Emperor Akihito, Queen Elizabeth II, George Bush Sr., and a host of celebrities such as Steven Spielberg, Robert De Niro, and Sophie Marceau.

This is indeed a unique setting for traditional Polish cuisine from the kitchens of the courts and nobility in the past. Items such as the home-made pate, a Wierzynek special-ity served with glazed apples and honey and marjoram sauce; the veal shank with Polish potato dumplings and beetroot in sour cream; the pike-perch flamed in mead honey wine with pear in a sour cream sauce; and the traditional sour rabbit soup with quail eggs are all outstanding.

Desserts include handmade pas-tries and confectionery made with age-old recipes and techniques, as well as the pralines created out of love and passion for chocolate! These delights along with traditional liqueurs and vodkas can even be taken home from the restaurant’s outstanding souvenir shop. The American bestseller “1000 Places to See before You Die” has indeed mentioned Wierzynek as one of those places that are a must whilst in Krakow!

Wierzynek RestaurantKrakow, Rynek Główny 15phone: +48 12 424 9600e-mail: [email protected]

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Wesele Restaurant Via Otta Restaurant

Located in the center of Krakow, near Wawel Castle and adjacent to the picturesque banks of the Vistula, Via Otta is a chic, modern-urban restaurant offering an outstanding interpretation of Italian cuisine, one that emphasizes old standards pre-pared with an utmost focus on fresh, carefully selected ingredients of the highest quality. The menu is com-prehensive with a wide selection of sumptuous salads, pastas, meat dishes and home-made desserts. A perfect place for lunch, evenings with friends, or even business meet-ings, Via Otta combines a modern urban lounge bar esthetic with the benefit of a classic menu; and out-standing service makes it all even better. The place offers the facilities to organize small get-togethers, ban-quets, conferences and other spe-cial events with customized menus. Indeed an oasis of relaxation in a bustling part of town.

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Via Otta RestaurantKrakow, al. Krasińskiego 8phone: +48 12 427 1052www.viaotta.pl

Wesele RestaurantKrakow, Rynek Główny 10phone: +48 12 422 7460www.weselerestauracja.pl

In Polish, “Wesele” means “wedding party”. This Michelin Guide recom-mended restaurant is exquisitely ar-ranged and adorned with a 16th cen-tury ceiling and floral arrangements. Located on the Main Square, this is where nouvelle Polish is winning ac-colades from both the locals as well as visitors. The carpaccio of veni-son with fresh berries, capers and parmesan cheese; the mixed salad with duck, orange, and pistachio with basil-garlic dressing; and veni-son with gingerbread sauce, made with red wine, honey and mandarins; are all ethereally delightful. Desserts touch a high note as well with items such as the warm cheese pancakes with vanilla and caramel mousse. With an elaborate wine list, a staff that is eager to please, and live con-certs every evening from Wednes-day to Saturday, Wesele indeed is a marriage of exquisite elegance and a good time!

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Top Casual & After Dinner

Russian Enso Club & Restaurant Scandale Royal

Russian Enso Club & Restaurant Krakow, Karmelicka 52phone: +48 12 633 6520www.russianenso.pl

Russian Enso has quite successfully imbibed all of the great adjectives and sentiments that come to mind when one thinks of great fun and great ti-mes! Located on Karmelicka Street, a few minutes from the Main Square, this unique club and restaurant, inti-mate and incredibly stylish, is spread over two levels, offering chic opulence with an underground dance floor as a backdrop to great drinks, cocktails and even a cup of outstanding coffee in the morning. The kitchen, serving a mix of Italian, Russian, and Polish cuisine is open all night from Thursday to Sa-turday, especially helpful if one is par-tying until dawn with diverse themed events such as Fiesta Mexicana, Ba-hama Mama, and Russian Style Party- Gastro Pleasure. A great dance floor with side seating, great quality audio and video which allows for the orga-nization of mini-concerts, artistic per-formances, and even fashion shows, makes this an outstanding venue!

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Scandale Royal Krakow, Plac Szczepański 2phone: +48 12 422 1333www.scandale.pl

Scandale Royal located at Plac Szczepański is becoming increas-ingly popular due to its remarkable versatility combined with a natural el-egance—the place is great equally for a sophisticated dinner as it is simply for some cocktails with friends.

The menu is primarily French nouv-elle along with Asian accents—the chef indeed hails from France and his creations well reflect his origins from that culinary wonderland. Dishes and appetizers such as the Provençal-style tuna steak, the tenderloin of beef with morel mushroom sauce, delight on all levels. The shrimp tempura, as well as Polish classics like pierogi and the fillet of duck with apples add to the spectrum of flavors.

Guests converge here also for cock-tails from it’s rather well appointed and well tended bar. A rich décor with romantic reds and purples offers

an ambience that is spread over two floors, with the upper level akin to a grand balcony offering a view of the action down on the main floor. With patio seating in a summer and an ex-citing dance floor ready in the base-ment, Scandale Royal is a place for all seasons offering something.

The place prides itself as a leading venue for private parties, ranging from smaller birthdays to larger corporate events. With the kitchen open until midnight during weekdays and until 2 a.m on weekends, this is indeed a wonderful place, offering great quality and wonderful times at a reasonable price!

Sushi Square Ul Lala Cafe & Lunch Time

Sushi SquareKrakow, Rynek Główny 15phone: +48 12 424 [email protected]

Sushi Square is an outstanding quick visit to Japan right from the he-art of Krakow’s Main Square! Affor-ding a wonderful glimpse into Japa-nese culture, through its cuisine and a décor that reflects modern Tokyo, the restaurant serves the spectrum of fresh fish and seafood based su-shi, sashimi, and warm dishes that all emphasize authenticity and their ways of preparation. Options within the menu surpass the idea of the place just being one for “sushi”, with its range of Japanese soups, appe-tizing tempura, and desserts. With regular lunch and special menus, Sushi Square provides takeaway for those on the go. It boasts the only Japanese garden of its kind in the city and is perfect for both the sushi connoisseur as well as the comple-te beginner; the friendly staff de-lights to assist any and all with the pleasant intricacies of the world of Japanese cuisine!

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This spring witnessed the opening of the extraordinary Ul Lala Cafe and Patisserie. Located on a classy corner on the Main Square, with its abundant and super elegant terrace seating and a remarkable interior décor, it serves 100% natural and home-made deli-cious pastries, cakes, sweet cocktails, fine coffees and teas, as well as sal-ads and sandwiches.

With healthy breakfast which includes various options—traditional Polish with scrambled eggs, cheese and rus-tic meats; Mediterranean with tomato, feta cheese and olives; and French with omelets, fruit preserves, and cr-oissants. A great place for lunch and casual dining, one can partake from a wide selection of salads, soups, and main courses. Of course right through the day the place is an outstanding café serving up all of its pleasures. A class act is indeed the only way to describe Ul Lala!

Ul Lala Cafe & Lunch TimeKrakow, Rynek Główny 42phone: +48 12 374 13 07mobile: +48 694 44 01 99e-mail: [email protected]

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Słodki Wentzl Wierzynek Souvenir Shop

Słodki Wentzlopen from 10am to 11pmKrakow, Rynek Główny 19phone: +48 12 429 5712Galeria Krakowska, Pawia 5phone: +48 12 628 7203www.slodkiwentzl.pl

Life begins from the dessert!—this rather sweet motto suggests that a visit to Słodki Wentzl, which means Sweet Wentzl, is nothing short of returning to the realms of childhood with its sump-tuous layer cakes, refreshing sorbets, ice-creams and crème brulée.

Depending on the weather, you can take refuge in the cosy interior or choose to sit outside and add to the flavors by enjoying the finest views of the Main Market Square. Its other lo-cation at the Galeria Krakowska shop-ping center is making life sweeter for the many more that seek the sooth-ing pleasures that Słodki Wentzl has to offer.

And now Bistro Wentzl welcomes guests to its Renaissance cellars where delicacies prepared in Kra-kow under the watchful eye of chef Anthony Lelièvre can be enjoyed!

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Wierzynek’s Souvenir Shop is located at the ground floor of the Wierzynek Restaurant. It offers hand-made choc-olate pralines in several flavors with each piece crafted from traditional recipes by experienced chocolatiers whose passion ensures the intensity of flavors. Also available are confec-tionery products and cookies made with the best quality natural ingredi-ents, as well as traditional Polish al-cohols with unique recipes such as tinctures, meads, vodkas, and slivo-vitz. All packages are hand-crafted and elegant,and in themselves are commemorative of one’s visit to Kra-kow, and for special occasions such as for gifts to take home. Over the two biggest Polish holidays, Christ-mas and Easter, the store becomes a special fair where one can buy tra-ditional festival dishes straight from the Chefs of Resturant Wierzynek, a landmark within Krakow’s culinary landscape!

Wierzynek Souvenir ShopKrakow, Rynek Główny 15phone: +48 12 424 9600e-mail: [email protected]

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Top Essentials

Top Essentials

N I C O L A S R I E U S S E C T I M E W R I T E R .W hołdzie wynalazcy chronografu. Chronograf Monopusher, mechanizm automatyczny z własnej manufaktury. Rotujące dyski z licznikiem 30 min. i 60 sek. połączone na tarczy. Rezerwa chodu 72 godz. Wykonany w Manufakturze Montblanc w Le Locle, Szwajcaria.

Chronograf Monopusher,

BOUTIQUE MONTBLANC KRAKÓW, GALERIA KAZIMIERZNOBLE PLACE KRAKÓW, BONARKA

WWW.MONTBLANC.COM

Renowned for its high quality writing instruments and more recently for extraordinary leather products and watches, Montblanc’s range has now further expanded to include fine jewellery and eyewear.

A purveyor of exclusive products that reflect exacting standards, it differentiates with quality, tradition, design, and master craftsmanship.

This truly international brand has operations in more than 70 countries with its products available at select authorized stores and at over 300 Montblanc boutiques worldwide. The outstanding boutique here in Krakow is a delightful glimpse into the entire world of Montblanc!

Great for those who wish to combine their visit to Krakow with the buying of something treasureable—Mont- blanc could be it!

Galeria KazimierzKrakow, Podgórska 34phone: +48 12 433 [email protected]

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Boutique Montblanc

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Top Essentials Top Essentials

Galeria Niuans, with stores in Krakow and Warsaw, came into existence in 2003 to become one of the most prominent in Poland to represent the “art of the beautiful table.” It offers its customers objects made of china, silver, and crystal glass, as well as accessories for interior decoration. Manufacturers such as the Swedish Kosta Boda and Orrefors are presented here with limited edition glass articles, art glass, that add exquisiteness to everyday life. There is Haviland and Raynaud china from Limoges, silver from Christofle and Ercuis, and crystal from Baccarat. Galeria Niuans has indeed become a trendsetter in the Polish market with the brands and products that it carries often chosen by the top interior design magazines such as Elle Decoration. It also offers wedding registration services. Indeed a great place for the finest things for one’s table at home!

Galeria NiuansKrakow, Rynek Główny 39phone: +48 12 429 5446Warsaw, Al. Witosa 31 (C.H. Panorama)phone: +48 22 842 9159www.galerianiuans.pl

Galeria Niuans

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Galeria Kreo excels in providing those with a passion for jewelry, the best shopping experience. Owner Kinga Łodzińska says “for me, jew-elry means small works of art.” This sentiment is perhaps the reason why one finds here pieces of the highest quality and original design made by top Polish artists. Each piece here is individually selected, to present one with a truly exceptional choice of bracelets, brooches, ear-rings, necklaces, and rings. It is clear that the owners of the gallery want eve-ryone to partake of their passion, an honest motivation that trans-lates into great prices which suits all budgets!

Galeria KreoKrakow, Sławkowska 23phone: +48 12 432 6640www.galeriakreo.pl

Kreo Gallery

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Top Essentials Top Essentials

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Tradition and prestige are to be experienced in this old-fashioned jeweler with a 50 years of history. ituated on the Main Square in Krakow, Aurum Jew-eler has catered to generations of Cracovians. It is the exclusive representative of Chopard and Toy Watch in Krakow. Aurum also carries a wide selec-tion of gold and silver jewelry for every occassion, as well as creations from many renowned Polish artists. It is indeed a perfect destination to find this special something for a loved one in a tranquil at-moshpere of pre-war charm.

Krakow, Rynek Główny 39-40phone: +48 12 423 20 50www.aurumjubiler.pl

Jubiler AURUM

Bull Pub An old traditional English pub situated in the heart of old Krakow, where an almost Victorian décor helps create a pleasant and a thoroughly enjoy-able atmosphere. Bull Pub offers its guests a well equipped bar with a wide selection of whiskeys including single malts and a wide range of beers, from Irish and English to Polish barrelled beers. Your drinks would be well accompanied by the exquisite snacks, or topped of with a Cuban cigar from its well equipped humidor!

Krakow, Mikołajska 2phone: +48 12 423 1168

In the heart of Krakow’s Old Town this charming women’s boutique is to be found with its selec-tion of original Italian clothing and accessories fashioned to attract those with the most exact-ing of tastes. Boutique Vanita is a fashion store where both high quality and modern designs come packaged together with great service. This is, in our view, most definitely a place for the woman who values elegance, comfort, and things unique. Do not forget to ask for your TOP discount at the store!

Krakow, Stolarska 6phone: +48 12 421 6060Mon–Fri 11am–7pm Sat 11am–3pm

Boutique Vanita

IN VOGUEHAIRCARE – cuts, color, conditioning, professional therapies and advice

FACE AND BODy TREATMENTS – anti aging, rejuvination, chemical peels, firming, lifting, massage

MANICURE & PEDICURE classic and hibrid PERMANENT MAKE UP using latest

FEELGOOD equipment with wide spectrum of natural pigments

***Krakow, Tomasza 31, phone: + 48 12 4220541, www.invogue.pl

Top Essentials

Jola Wrona’s ORA Gallery is an art jewelry collection. Every piece here is hand-made by the finest Polish artists, and most are creations from her own design. Here one can find traditional amber in non-traditional settings as well as a wide spectrum of pieces made with natural stones, glass, ceramic, and metals. This is indeed the fasci-nating world of modern jewelry!

Galeria Biżuterii ORAKrakow, Św. Anny 3phone: +48 12 426 89 20www.galeria-ora.com

ORA Gallery

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Likus Home Concept Top Essentials

Located in the Main Market Square, this historical building is home to a one-of-a-kind retail complex named Pasaż 13, an architectural master-piece that has now become the backdrop to elite stores and shop-ping catering to the quality conscious customer. It is clear at once that this is indeed a retail heaven, with the great quality of stores and brand names resonating perfectly with the outstanding location. From Batycki to Miss Sixty from DSQUARED2 do YSL, and from Cerruti to Lantier, all these and more reside side by side together at Pasaż 13.

Located within this are gourmet stores such as Delikatesy 13 and Vi-noteka 13; the unique Delikatesy of-fers a variety of high-end Polish and international produce, and Vinoteka provides a similarly rich palette which includes hundreds of quality wines. Extremely inviting to be sure!

Pasaż 13Krakow, Rynek Główny 12–13

Pasaż 13

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Krakow, Rynek Główny 13on the first floorphone: +48 12 617 0223www.likushome.com.pl

Likus Home ConceptThis interior décor gallery located in a historic Renaissance building in the Main Square is a must-have experience. This expansive store or “art gallery”—both terms de-scribe it well—is a consequence of a long-term collaborative effort with Baxter and Richard Ginori where everything is evaluated from a dif-ferent perspective, where furniture and porcelain collections posses an overriding idea of art, where every object is both utilitarian and artistic. Designer Paola Navona reigns here with her stimulating avant-garde style which, in 1983, gained her the prestigious Osaka International De-sign Award. She is also the creator behind several of the works present-ed in the porcelain section of the Gallery. And Baxter’s vintage prod-ucts created by internationally ac-claimed designers Drag Obradovic and K. Aurel Basedow are incredible to say the least!

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Top Essentials – Autodirect

Buy Cars The New, Efficient Way

Finally, the cutting edge way to purchase cars, both brand new and pre-owned, has finally arrived in Poland with the recent launch of Autodirect’s new web portal, www.autosalon24.pl. Prospective car buyers in the country now virtu-ally have the best of the entire Polish car market on their desktop. Says CEO, Mr. Łukasz Gębski “This busi-ness model has been successfully implemented in Western Europe. In countries such as Spain or France almost 15% of cars are purchased in this way.”

Autosalon24.pl offers tremendous advantages over conventional ways

Autodirect SAWarsaw, Grójecka 1/3www.autosalon24.pl

Autodirect SAof buying cars, which include:• Significantly better price with dealerships competing to provide the highest discount in order to make the sale; • Clean, transparent, and secure business practices—cars are pro-vided by official authorized car deal-erships only with bank payments made directly to the dealer’s bank account;• The widest possible choice be-tween virtually all brands of cars and motorbikes;• One stop shopping for financing, (credit, leasing) and insurance, and professional advice by autosalon24.pl consultants in identifying what’s most suitable;• Customized requirements deliv-ered to the doorstep such as winter tires, baby seats, individual leather interior, and auto spa treatments such as scratch-proofing;• And finally lots of time saved which is perhaps the most important factor today.

On occasion an identified vehicle with the best deal may in fact be available at a dealership in a distant town. In these cases autosalon24.pl would be delighted in making travel arrangements to get one there to take delivery of one’s new car, always a thrilling experience made better perhaps with a sightseeing holiday in a different city! With almost every car and model, along with a good choice of motorbikes autosalon24.pl is indeed the place to purchase a new or pre-owned vehicle. The best possible price and service is indeed just a few computer clicks with no running around and wasting time. Thank you autosalon24.pl!

66 12-01/2012

Top Management AutodirectŁukasz Gębski, Krzysztof Lis

EXCLUSIVELY POLISH

VARIA POLISH LANGUAGE CENTER

POLISH CLASSES FOR PROFESSIONALS

EXCLUSIVELY POLISH

VARIA POLISH LANGUAGE CENTER

POLISH CLASSES FOR PROFESSIONALS

WWW.VARIA-COURSE.COMKRAKOW, MICHAŁOWSKIEGO 2/3

PHONE: 12 633 58 71

MOBILE: 608 845 793

E-MAIL: [email protected]

Top Culture

Top Culture Top Culture

72 12-01/2012

What?4Th DIvINE COMEDyWhen?8th-15th December 2011Where?Łaznia Nowa Theatre or Juliusz Słowacki Theatre or National Stary TheatreWhy?The 4th Divine Comedy International Theatre Festival is a journey through all parts of contemporary theatre from Poland and around the world. One is invited to see the top Polish plays of the last season, and outstanding performances and premieres from the younger generation of directors. More at: ww.boskakomedia.pl

What?ANTONIO vIvALDI - L’ORACOLO IN MESSENIA - WORLD PREMIEREWhen?December 8Where?Philharmonic Hall in Krakow, Zwierzyniecka Street 1Why?The world premiere of Vivaldi’s opera L’Oracolo in Mesenia, will be aired by 17 radio stations! It will be the second Polish edition of the Euroradio Opera Season 2011-2012. The Euroradio Opera Season enjoys huge popularity and its participants include 24 radio stations associated under the European Broadcasting Union banner.More at: www.operarara.pl

What?hALKA – NATIONAL POLISh OPERA By S. MONIuSzKOWhen?December, 16, 18Where?Krakow Opera, Lubicz Street 48Why?This will be a premiere performance of Stanisław Moniuszko’s Halka at the Krakow Opera. The attraction of this amazing piece, for many generations of performers and viewers, lays primarily in its very Polish message, both in the musical sphere and in its manner of portraying reality. The director Waldemar Zawodziński has strived to maintain the traditional values while, at the same time, shying away from the common trappings of genre and overly-folksy stylisation.More at: www.opera.krakow.pl

What?CARNIvAL CONCERTS: MuSIC, CARNIvAL, SONg, JAN 7LET uS WALK DOWN MEMORy LANE, JAN 21Where?Krakow Opera, Lubicz Street 48Why?As per tradition during the Carnival, the Krakow Opera invites one to its Carnival concerts. The first concert will feature the greatest hits of operettas, musicals, and Neapolitan songs. January 21 will be a day of the music of the first half of the 20th century. The title of the concert Let Us Walk Down Memory Lane, gives an excellent idea of the evening’s atmosphere. This promises to be a journey through the music of these past years with two valued artists of the screen and stage, Sonia Bohosiewicz and Jacek Wójcicki.More at: www.opera.krakow.pl

Dianne Reeves is one of the pre-em-inent jazz vocalist in the world today due to her virtuosity, improvisational prowess, and unique jazz and R&B talents. Reeves is the recipient of several accolades including having been awarded the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings—a first in any vocal category. The soundtrack of Good Night and Good Luck pro-vided Reeves her fourth Grammy in 2006 for Best Jazz Vocal. Reeves has recorded and performed extensively with Wynton Marsalis, the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Berlin Philharmonic, amongst many others. In this concert Dianne Reeves is sure to meld her timeless grace, elegance and charisma into unforgettable jazz renditions of Christmas favorites such as Little Drummer Boy, Carol of the Bells, Christmas Waltz, I’ll Be Home for Christmas, and Let It Snow.

73TOP Warsaw

Dianne Reeves

December 7, Warsaw – Palladium Club

Historical Interest Culture Interest

Wawel, The Royal Castle Wawel lies on a small hill above the Vistula River where the first settlements began thousands of years ago. There are some real jewels here, amongst them: the exquisite cathedral chapels, the renaissance courtyard and the State Rooms themselves. In the chambers of the castle one will find collections of Oriental art and military trophies, collections of Flemish tapestries of amazing beauty, as well as archaeological spec-imens. Wawel is open to visitors from 9.30 am to 5 pm, from Tuesday to Friday; on Saturday and Sunday it is open between 11am to 6 pm. Normal admission is 17 pln, and discounted is 10 pln. Tickets are issued for definite entrance hours so one has to comply with the entrance times printed on the ticket.

Krakow has about 360 churches and cathedrals—seeing them all would be a great challenge. However, to understand their historical meaning for this city, one can definitely concentrate on the ones located in the center. Visiting the Mariacki Church, which is the central point of Krakow, is a must; here one can find the famous altar of Wit Stwosz, made between 1477 to 1489. Other venues close by not to be missed are the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul on Grodzka street; the Church of St. Wojciech in the Market Square; and the Church of John the Baptist and John the Evangelist on Jana Street.

Churches

phot. Artur Żyrkowski Municipality of Krakow, City Promotion and Marketing Office

phot. Artur Żyrkowski Municipality of Krakow, City Promotion and Marketing Office

Kazimierz district The Jewish district Kazimierz is indeed a unique place, historically shaped by close relations be-tween Poles and Jews up to the time when this was one of the important centers of Jewish so-ciety. The most important aspects of this part of Krakow are its unique tenement house architec-ture, cozy streets, and its many synagogues—Stara located at 24 Szeroka street, Remu at 40 Szeroka street, Wysoka at 38 Józefa street, Izaaka at 16 Kupa street, Poppera at 16 Szeroka street, and Kupa located at 8 Warszauera Street. Nowadays, Kazimierz serves as a great enter-tainment center with its several cafes, restau-rants, and hotels, and many interesting annual events such as the Jewish Culture Festival.

phot. Artur Żyrkowski Municipality of Krakow, City Promotion and Marketing Office

74 12-01/2012 75TOP Krakow

Schindler’s FactoryThe permanent exhibition ‘Kraków under Nazi Occupation 1939–1945” is a story about the city and its Nazis occupiers who arrived here on Sep-tember 6, 1939, brutally disrupting Polish-Jew-ish relations. The history of this war intersects here with everyday life, and the experiences of individuals overlap with this giant tragedy. The motto of this exhibition and of the entire branch of the Historical Museum here is “the factory of memory”. The space of remembrance created at this former Enamel Factory offers the visitors an opportunity to confront the past in a very per-sonal manner.Krakow, Lipowa 4phone: +48 12 257-10-17www.mhk.pl

MOCAK – The Museum of Contemporary Art

MOCAK – a new museum of Polish and interna-tional contemporary art The Museum of Contem-porary Art in Krakow is the first such museum in Poland to be constructed from scratch. The building was erected on the site of the former Schindler’s Factory, in the post-industrial district of Zabłocie, which in recent years has recently undergone a vigorous renaissance. The building was designed by the Italian architect and interior designer Claudio Nardi. MOCAK has complied an international collection presenting the art of the last 20 years which relates the recent artistic phenomena to the tradition of conceptual art.Krakow, Lipowa 4phone: +48 12 263 40 01fax: +48 12 257 10 34email: [email protected], www.mocak.com.pl

Rynek UdergroundIn the archaeological park located 4 meters be-low the surface of Krakow’s Market Square, a section of medieval Krakow has come alive in this outstanding new museum; a place such as this has so far been unprecedented in Europe. One can witness here the evidence of the con-tinuity of trade, pursued uninterrupted for over 800 years. The exhibition “Following the traces of European identity of Kraków” is a multimedia show as well as a journey through time – al-lowing visitors to not only see the history of the origins of the legendary city, but also to become part of them!Krakow, Rynek Główny 1phone: +48 12 426 50 [email protected]

„Architectural design and interior architecture: prof. Andrzej Kadłuczka with the Studio Archeon team; the concept and content-related

scenario: dr. Cezary Buśko with the Archeologia B.C. team; the tour management: artists - Marcin Pietuch, Mieczysław Bielawski, Tomasz

Salwierz, with the Konsorcjum Trias team.”

The MOCAK Collection

Important informationInternational prefix for Poland: +48Krakow area code (when phoning from other regions of Poland): 12

Emergencies:All emergencies, phoning from a mobile telephone: 112Ambulance: 999Police: 997Municipal Police: 986

Taxi:RadioTaxi +48 12 191 91City Taxi 48 12 266 64444 +4819621

Transport:Polish Railways (PKP): +48 2219436Polish Airlines LOT: +48 801 300 952

24-hour pharmacies (apteka): Apteka Galla, Galla 26 +48 12 636 7365Apteka Pod Opatrznoscia, Karmelicka 23 +48 12 631 1980

Consulates:Austria: Krupnicza 42 +48 12 424 9900Denmark: sw. Anny 5 +48 12 421 7380France: Stolarska 15 +48 12 424 5300Germany: Stolarska 7 +48 12 424 3000Russia: Biskupia 7 +48 12 422 2647Japan: Grabowskiego 5/3 +48 12 633 4359Lithuania: Chlopickiego 10 +48 12 413 6518Norway: Mazowiecka 25 +48 12 633 0376United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland: sw. Anny 9 +48 12 421 7030USA: Stolarska 9 +48 12 424 5100

Tourist Information:Tourist Information Centre +48 12 616 1886Wyspianski Pavilion +48 12 616 1886Plac Wszystkich Swietych 2 [email protected]

Guide & trips:AB City Tours : +48 791 475 485

Language School:Accent School of Polish, Kącik 10 +48 12 656 7568PROLOG Language School, Bronowicka 37 +48 12 638 4565

76 12-01/2012

Publisher

Publisher: MediaPolska Sp. z o. o. President of the Board:Dominika PendereckaDirector: Pushkar Butani

Editor: Pushkar [email protected] Coordinator: Kinga Molczyk [email protected]: 798 826 618Sales: Monika Brzegowska [email protected]: 692 786 419Layout: Wojciech PletiTypesetting: Eskal – Paweł Wolań[email protected]: Długa 19/10, Kraków 31-147Phone: +48 12 431 0301 Fax: +48 12 631 0401 [email protected]

All texts are original and created by TOP. Copyright protected.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted or used in any form by any means – graphic, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or information storage and retrieval systems or otherwise – without the prior permission of the publishers.© MediaPolska

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14 Jarema Restaurantp. 23

15 Leonardo Restaurantp. 24

16 Marmolada Restaurantp. 29

17Manzana

Restaurantp. 26

18Metropolitan Restaurant

p.27

19Mamma Mia Restaurant

p. 28

20Miód Malina Restaurant

p. 29

21 Milano Restaurantp. 30

22 Paese Restaurantp. 31

23 Pepe Rossop. 32

24 Pimiento p. 33

25 Rubinstein Restaurantp. 34

26 Unicus Restaurantp. 35

1Aqua e Vino Restaurant

p. 8

2Amadeus Restaurant

p. 9

3Amarylis Restaurant

p. 10

4Ancora Restaurant

p. 11

5Aperitif Restaurant

p. 12

6

Buddha IndianRestaurant and Lounge

p. 13

7Da Pietro Restaurant

p. 14

8Farina Restaurant

p. 15

9Edo Fusion Restaurant

p. 16

10 Edo Sushi Restaurantp. 17

11Grande Grill

Steakhouse&Barp. 18

12 Il Calzone Restaurant p. 20

13 La Campana Restaurantp. 22

27 Some Place Elsep. 36

28 The Olive Restaurant p. 37

29 Szara Restaurantp. 38

30Szara Kazimierz

Restaurantp. 39

31Taco Mexicano –

El Pueblop. 40

32 Wentzl Restaurant p. 41

33 Wierzynek Restaurantp. 42

34 Zenp. 43

35 Wesele Restaurantp. 44

36 Via Otta Restaurantp. 45

37 Russian Ensop. 48

38Scandale Royal

Restaurant p. 49

39 Sushi Squarep. 50

40 Ul Lalap. 51

41 Słodki Wentzl p. 52

42Wierzynek

SSouvenir Shopp.53

43 Boutique Montblancp.57

44 Kreo Galleryp. 58

45 Galeria Niuansp. 59

46 Bull Pub p. 60

47 Boutique Vanitap. 60

48 Jubiler Aurump. 60

49 Ora Galleryp. 63

50 Likus Home Conceptp. 64

51 Pasaż 13p. 65