Bohemian dining reflects the gustable influences of neighboring countries on this crossroads of Europe. Germanic imports include roast goose, sauerkraut and dumplings. Meats and starches dominate the national dinner table. This hearty tabletop trinity will have fans of plain home cooking pleased from the first mouthful down to the last carraway seed. Often garnished with onion slices, they nicely balance the gulas blend of rich gravy and beef, as well as being an aid in mopping up the rich sauces.
Hearty food requires hearty drink, and Czech beer is touted as the world's best.
Among wines, Moravian varieties are the best. In Bohemia, the only noteworthy wine comes form the Melnik vineyards. What one doesn't find are colorful medleys of fresh vegetables. With the exception of tomatoes, cabbage, bell peppers and cucumbers, canned vegetables are more likely to be the norm. Mushrooms, of course, are the exception to everything.