Johann Pálffy Palace, Prague

Being ever the snob (chuckle) that I am - and ever desperately trying to avoid the touristy places, I was utterly delighted to chance upon this place. I remembered the name from one of the printouts I'd taken with me to Prague, and just happened to be wandering down a side street. One of my favourite things about Prague is that it's very easy to imagine - at any point - that you are in a James Bond movie. The Palffy Palace restaurant won't let you down there. The entrance is via a very well used (but obviously quite regal in it's day) poorly lit staircase which reeks of history. Please be careful when ascending the staircase, as there is almost certainly a few ghosts there - and look out for the Bond Villains. Anyway, up the stairs, down another corridor to a large double doors. I quite like the fact that everything in Prague seems to be behind a door. You never quite know what you're going to find. Well in this case, you won't be disappointed. It's like walking back in time - the most exuberant and ostentatiously decorated room I think I may have ever been in. You really have to see it for yourself. Decked out in Art nouveau frills, crystal and baroque finery you'd expect to see in a period drama on BBC2. But it isn't out of place. The staff are very friendly. I was served by a tall good looking young man, and yet my attention was taken by a considerably more lithe female waitress with spiky hair that popped in from time to time. But I digress again. I had artichoke soup with truffles and creme fraiche to start. And for my main course I had roast capon with vegetables in a sauce that was divine, but that I could not quite place (piquant). I was so impressed with the main course that I honestly don't remember if I had a pudding or not. I suspect that I did though. Best of all I believe the meal came to about £20. Marvellous. I'd go back to Prague just to go to this restaurant again. www.firm.uk.com