From the Czech Republic to England and from Australia to America, soccer and sports fans around the globe are on the edge of their seats during the tournament.

Show your nationalistic pride or find the perfect gift of a Czech soccer jersey for the soccer lover on your list …

The Czech Republic National Soccer Team has enjoyed considerable success for many years, dating back to its days as the primary national team for the former Czechoslovakia.

Now, the team is the pride of the Czech Republic and soccer is hotter than ever!

Czech soccer jerseys are the perfect way to display your ethnic heritage and show your rooting interest for the Czech Republic National Team.

Czech soccer jerseys are the perfect gift for dad or anyone else on your Czech gift list!

But, there are a few slightly different paths to take when it comes to tracing your ancestors back to the Czech Republic.

Here’s a handy “how to” guide for the first few steps in the process. We’ll be back with additional tips soon.

Three key factors in a successful search are church, state, and fraternal records. These three avenues should be pursued first. Sometimes, doing so will give you the information you need.

The main goal for most searches is to find the area or specific village where you ancestors were born. Once you have that information in hand, you’re better equipped to get to the specific final stages of your projects. For now, let’s focus on the three sources mentioned above.

Church Records

You may well know where your most recent ancestors, say your grandfather or even great grandparents, attended church. Check their records, particularly wedding, baptism, and death records.

Often, their place of birth was recorded on one or more of the certificates.

Many Slovakian records have been microfilmed by the Church of Latter Day Saints. If your roots are Slovakian, we recommend starting at your local family learning center (FLC) administered by this church.

State Agencies

State records are an excellent source of information. Death records almost always list the place of birth. In most states, the proper agency is titled as the Bureau of Vital Records or a similar name.

You can also check individual county records if you know the specific area where your most recent ancestors may have lived and subsequently died. The County Clerk office is the best place to start. Look for the same type of records as mentioned above … birth, death, etc.

Fraternal Organizations

Most Czech immigrants were active in fraternal organizations, particularly early in the 20th century. You may have an awareness through family albums or memorabilia of the specific organizations.

These records are useful to check because the application to join almost always required the applicant to list their place of birth. Other helpful information may be available as well.

One dish that we really enjoyed on our travels is svickova. We’ve had many versions, the best in our opinion at the Bohemian Cafe just south of downtown Omaha, Nebraska.

Svickova is made with beef tenderloin or beef sirloin tips. The meat is marinated for a day in pickled spices, vinegar, and vegetables. The result is one of the most tender cuts of meat you’ll ever enjoy!

The dish can be served with dumplings or over noodles with caraway seed (our favorite). Either way, svickova is Czech cuisine at its finest!

There are several notable Czech communities in the United States where settlers from eastern Europe made their home over a century ago. Thankfully, many of the cultural traditions are upheld and celebrated to this day.

Some of the more well known communities are in near west suburban Chicago, central Texas, Nebraska, South Dakota, Cedar Rapids in Iowa, and Wisconsin. That’s where you’ll find these wonderful restaurants just waiting to introduce you to Czech cuisine and hospitality!

Bohemian Crystal: Westmont, Illinois

We’ve been to Bohemian Crystal many times and are always looking forward to going back. The dining room is traditionally decorated, the portions are huge, and prices are low.

Roast pork loin, roast duck, and breaded pork tenderloin are three of the most well known dishes. Westmont is about 30 minutes west of downtown Chicago and is not far from the near west suburban Czech enclave of Chicago.

Al’s Blue Toad: Cedar Rapids, Iowa

A big Czech community with a specialty shopping area known as Czech Village, Cedar Rapids was devastated by flood waters a few years ago. It all but wiped out Czech Village, and Zindrick’s Restaurant was forced to close. Zindrick’s was one of the best known Czech restaurants in the country.

Now, the same owner has changed the name but kept the same great recipes. Al’s Blue Toad has been open since late 2009 and is a go to place for goulash, dumplings, and many other standards.

Hotel Wilber Restaurant

About 25 miles west of Lincoln, Nebraska, the small town of Wilber hosts an annual Czech cultural festival. The downtown area is a walkable, traditional Czech village, with specialty stores and a museum.

If you are ever in the area, be sure to eat here and stay overnight. It is Czech style hospitality at its finest!

Old Prague Restaurant: Vermilion, Ohio

This is one of our favorite places in one of our favorite towns. Old Prague is located in the harbor district of Vermilion, a picturesque town about 40 miles west of Cleveland and a short stroll to the shores of Lake Erie.

Since 1971, this welcoming restaurant has been dishing out home made soups, European style pastries, and hearty dinners that are easy on the wallet. Spend a day in Vermilion and cap it off with dinner at Old Prague.

Czech Plaza: Berwyn, Illinois

Circling back to suburban Chicago, you will find this mainstay conveniently located on Cermak Road in the near west suburb of Berwyn. Berwyn is one of the largest Czech and Bohemian communities in America.

In business for close to 50 years, everything here is home made and delicious. We recommend the Farmers Platter, a sampling of several meat dishes, or the Bohemian meatloaf which is one of the best we’ve ever had. Wash it down with one of the many beers available from the full bar.

Summary

Experience real Czech and Bohemian style cuisine in America by stopping in at one of these warm and welcoming restaurants. You’ll enjoy the authentic hospitality, which is only surpassed by the food!

Although there are millions of people of Czech descent in the United States, Czech restaurants aren’t particularly common. We are not sure why, because the cuisine is some of the most satisfying and delicious you’ll ever find at a dinner table.

Pork, beef, dumplings, and home made desserts are key elements of a Czech style dinner. The meat is prepared in a variety of ways, from hearty stews and soups to baked or pan breaded. In several heritage communities across America, you’ll find a few gems, just waiting for you to stop by.

In no particular order, here is a list of five of our favorites:

Milan’s Restaurant: Brooklyn, New York

Milan’s doesn’t look like much from the outside, but once inside you are transported to central Europe. The comfortable and traditional decor melds well with the lovingly prepared meals.

You can also buy authentic packaged goods from Slovakia and the Czech Republic here, including bottled beer, soda, and grocery items.

Our favorites here? Cabbage soup with smoked meat, roast pork with sauerkraut and dumplings, all washed down with one of the four Czech beers on the menu.

Cafe Bohemia: Omaha, Nebraska

Just a mile south of the Old Market district in downtown Omaha is Cafe Bohemia. This cozy restaurant has been serving authentic cuisine since the 1920’s, at very reasonable prices. You won’t go home hungry, that’s for sure!

Cafe Bohemia is a great place to try swieckova, a sauerbraten style dish usually served with dumplings or potato pancakes. But if you’re not sure, don’t worry. The friendly, experienced waitresses will steer you in the right direction.

Klas Restaurant: Cicero, Illinois

The largest Czech restaurant in the United State, Klas has greeted diners since 1922. It is only open Thursdays through Sundays. The large interior room is decorated with original antiques and assorted treasures directly from the Czech Republic.

We like coming here for lunch. Lunches are served Bohemian style, with soup, salad bar, entree, two sides, and dessert. Cicero is a near west suburb of Chicago, about 20 minutes from downtown.

Moldau Restaurant: Brookfield, Illinois

A staple in the thriving west suburban Chicago Czech community, this is another comfort food gem. It is located on Ogden Avenue, about 10 minutes west of Klas Restaurant.

Moldau is a small, quaint place that does brisk business on Sundays. Come here for the roast duck and home made desserts.

Czech-Tex Restaurant: Snook, Texas

Like Chicago, south central Texas also has a large Czech heritage community. The little town of Snook, about ten miles from College Station, boasts Czech-Tex, kind of combination barbecue and old world place that dished up traditional dishes to your hearts content.

Every day, you will find the chicken and dumpling special on the menu. Pot roast, grilled pork chops, and smoked prime rib are other favorites.

Summary

Are you hungry yet? If so, head to one of these authentic Czech style restaurants for traditional central European style food in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

Why Tour The Czech Republic?

If you’ve never visited the Czech Republic, there are several reasons to consider a tour. The first is Prague, a world class city brimming with spectacular architecture and unique shopping. Next is the scenic beauty of the country, with its varied topography of mountains, dense forests, and lush valleys.

If you enjoy visiting historic cities, there are several here to explore, along with quaint smaller towns where age old traditions reign supreme. Food and drink lovers will also enjoy the area, with its delightful cuisine and more great small local breweries than you can possibly visit on one excursion.

The Ride Of Kings Tour

The Ride of Kings Tour is a nine day all encompassing visit to several areas in and around the Czech Republic. The tour begins and ends in Prague, giving you ample opportunity to explore all the outstanding shopping opportunities the city offers.

A guided tour of the city is provided, along with generous amounts of leisure time to explore your own personal interests.

Two other prominent cities are visited during this tour, Karlovy Vary and Ceske Budejovice. Karlovy Vary is well known for the Moser Glass Works, and you’ll visit the factory store for the opportunity to buy some fabulous Bohemian glassware. There is also a guided tour of the Becherovka liquor factory, which is one of the most prominent in Europe.

Ceske Budejovice is most famous for its old world brewery which produces the original Budweiser beer, Budvar. You’ll enjoy a personal tour before departing to Cesky Krumov for a visit to one of the oldest castles in Europe, situated along the banks of the river Vltava. There is also an excursion to the wine and folklore region of Straznice, where you’ll sample local wine and enjoy the spectacular scenery.

Ride Of Kings Festival

Each year, the Moravian village of Vlcnov hosts the Ride of Kings Festival, a gala gathering honoring historic Czech and Hungarian kings. It is a three day long celebration of Moravian folk traditions, with local food, music, dancing, and libations.

Costumes are a big part of the Ride of Kings Festival, as young and old dress in traditional garb as they participate in the revelry. You will also have ample opportunity to purchase handcrafted Moravian artifacts, made by local craftsmen.

Summary

The tour concludes with a final visit to Prague, with a traditional farewell dinner and more free time to explore the city. We found this tour to be especially enjoyable, in large part due to its varied emphasis. There is a great mix of culture, history, food, drink, and scenery.

The Ride of Kings Tour is one of many Czech Republic tours available. Most are nine days in duration, although some are slightly longer or shorter. Either way, it is a great way for the first time or experienced visitor to the Czech Republic to really explore the country from a behind the scenes local perspective.

To learn more about this and other Czech Republic vacation packages, visit our partner site Weber Travel . Be sure to ask for Czech tour specialist Joe Hartzel and tell him you clicked through from CzechEverything.com . You’ll get a $100 voucher off any Czech tour booked!

Prague’s Old Town area is first and foremost, where you’ll experience much of the great architecture the city is noted for. You’ll also see a local landmark, the Charles Bridge, before dining at a local restaurant and soaking up some local culture.

All in all, three days are spent in Prague, which is barely enough to scratch the surface of all the city has to offer. But it’s ideal for an overview excursion because there is so much more to explore in the country. And for those who have never visited Prague, there’s a guided city tour included with an English speaking guide. We especially like that the tour is broken up in to two parts. Part one is conducted on the afternoon of arrival date, while part two is the next morning.

More Sites To See

You’ll also enjoy the full day excursion to visit Karlovy Vary and the renowned Becherovka liquor factory. Becherovka is an original Czech liquor that is similar to absinthe. Those in the know enjoy it ice cold or with tonic water.

Two more historic cities are part of this Czech Republic vacation package. You’ll visit both Cesky Krumlov and Ceske Budejovice. Cesky Krumlov is known for its beautiful gardens and castle, while Ceske Budejovice is known for its historic brewery, home of Budvar, the original Budweiser beer.

Unlike many tours, there is plenty of time on your own if you so desire. You can explore the great shopping and markets of Prague, or sample Czech cuisine from one of the street vendors.

Breakfast is included each day at the hotel so you’re assured of starting your day off right. All told, five nights are spent at your hotel in Prague and one night in Ceske Budejovice. Travel distances from attraction to attraction aren’t far, usually no more than two hours or so.

Summary

Departing in April through October, this new tour is an ideal Czech Republic vacation package for anyone who has never visited the country. With ample time spent in Prague and excursions to Ceske Budejovice and other cities, you are given an excellent overview and a great introduction to this beautiful part of Europe.

For more information about the Czech Discover Tour or any of our other Czech Republic Vacation Packages, visit our partner site, Weber Travel and ask for Joe Hartzel, Czech Republic tour specialist. Tell Joe you visited CzechEverything.com for a special $100 voucher off your booked tour!

Learn more about Joe here.

Absinthe itself has a mysterious past.  Similar to a pernod, absinthe’s main ingredient, wormwood, is reputed to have hallucenigenic properties.  Absinthe has long been favored by artisitc types like poets, painters, and songwriters who felt the drink stiumulated their creativity.

Real Absinthe Thujone – Buy Absinthe – Czech Strong Absinth

Long absent from the U.S. market, absinthe is now back.  However, it is almost impossible to find original recipe Czech absinthe in liquor stores.

With it’s bright emerald green color, Staroplzenecky Absinthe is sure to be popular at your next gathering.  Serve it the traditional way with water poured over an absinthe spoon over a sugar cube.  You’ll be amazed what happens!

Here’s our source where you can buy REAL Absinthe online.

They are absolutely stunning and are available in all sorts of colors. Unfortunately they’re not available everywhere but we’ve found a one-stop source for exceptional Czech beads and jewelry making supplies, with free shipping in the USA with no minimum order.

These beads are perfect if you’re a crafter or just want to use your artistic skills to create that special Czech gift for a loved one. Click on the banner below to see the latest selection!