Fond memories of Bistro Praha

Earlier this week the Ramsey Building, one of the older buildings in Edmonton's Rice Howard Way restaurant district, was destroyed by a fire that now appears to have been started by an arsonist.  A number of businesses and the recently closed Cafe Renoir were in that building, but a tragic byproduct of the fire was the extensive water damage to the adjoining Kelly Building, which housed several outstanding restaurants, including the legendary Bistro Praha, a fixture downtown for well over 30 years since its founding by the Czech expatriot and amateur cellist Frantisek Cikanek.  

Unfortunately the water damage was extensive has forced the Bistro, along with two other restaurants, Co Co Di's and Nikita's, to close indefinitely.  For many downtowners, and especially for the arts community that frequented Praha before and after events at the Winspear, Citadel, etc., this is a great loss (hopefully only temporary!)

I, like many who frequented it over the years, found in the warm and unpretentious environment of the Bistro a relaxed comfort level that enabled so many memorable gatherings over the years.  There was a sense of security one felt walking through the curtain from the vestibule - in the always reliable and personable, friendly service, a menu rich in variety (and calories, I dare say), and a flexibility that allowed for gatherings of all types and sizes which could go on well into the morning hours.  To our friends at the Bistro, we wish you a speedy recovery from what we hope is just a temporary setback - we're already missing the various schnitzels, delicious chicken and fish dishes, and of course the strudel and personalized crepes (Nadia will always be a personal fave).  Come back soon!