Nova Festival of Taste Delivers Upscale Gastronomy at Affordable Prices

A Culinary Journey: Nova Festival of Taste Captures Prague’s Palate

Prague’s culinary landscape underwent a delightful transformation on January 18th and 19th, 2025, as the Nova Festival of taste took center stage at the O2 universum center. Twenty of the Czech Republic’s most celebrated restaurants converged, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to savor exquisite dishes, priced slightly higher than a typical lunch menu, in an atmosphere buzzing with culinary excitement.

The festival’s layout was a masterpiece, designed to tantalize both the eyes and the palate. Three floors dedicated to showcasing the culinary talents of participating restaurants, each boasting its own dedicated space, created a vibrant tapestry of flavors. Two stages in the main hall served as platforms for exhilarating culinary battles, pitting MasterChef Czech champions Radek Kašpárek, Jan Punochára, and Přemko forejt against talented chefs from the exhibiting restaurants. Their challenge? To craft delectable dishes using a predetermined selection of ingredients.

One highlight, the Tasty Stage, pulsated with energy, fueled by laughter, playful banter, and culinary artistry. MasterChef judges Kristina Kloubková, alongside winner Roman staša, known affectionately as “Matla,” guided the proceedings, offering insightful commentary.Renowned food critics Zlata Adamovská, Petr Štěpánek, Pavel Nový, Veronika Petruchová, hunter dagmar Jandová, and whether presenter Dagmar Honsová added their expertise as judges, creating a panel brimming with culinary knowledge.

The MasterChef trio, Kašpárek, Punochář, and Forejt, injected humor into every moment, keeping the audience captivated with their rapid wit and spontaneous interactions. Forejt’s disappearing act with sepia ink, leaving behind a trace backstage, reminiscent of magic, and Punochář’s playful jabs about the laboriousness of grinding meat in his renowned restaurant, U Matěje, sent ripples of laughter throughout the crowd.

The culinary creations showcased were nothing short of impressive. Chateau Mcely presented a refined beef tongue dish adorned with horseradish foam, potatoes bathed in goose fat, and a delicate tarragon sauce.Restaurant U sapíků tantalized taste buds with a delectable deer loin, accompanied by chestnut puree and blackberry gel. Červený jelen wowed the crowd with a twelve-hour smoked beef rib, while Dejvická restaurant showcased a vibrant Saku tuna carpaccio. Each dish was a testament to the culinary artistry of Prague’s finest.

Beyond the exquisite food, the festival’s success lay in the seamless experience it offered.Despite the substantial crowds, wait times for meals remained minimal, a testament to the efficient organization and dedication of the participating chefs. By Sunday afternoon, some restaurants had already served over a thousand dishes, exceeding initial expectations.

The Nova Festival of Taste brought together a constellation of culinary stars, including Marco Giampaoli – Aromi, Lukáš Pohl – Myšák, Marek Fichtner – Červený Jelen, Tomáš Černý – Dejvická 34, jaroslav Kozdělka – Eska, ondřej Koráb – Grandrestaurant Pupp, Marek Raditsch – Kampa Park, Martin Svatek – Mace Restaurant, david Šašek – Molo Lipno, Vladimír Vaní
ek – Mlýnec Ari Munandar – Sasazu, petr Vlásek – Silq, and Daniel Bureš – V Z.

A Culinary Paradise: Delving into the Success of the Nova Festival of Taste

Prague’s culinary scene sizzled this past fall with the arrival of the Nova Festival of Taste, a resounding success that transformed the O2 universum center into a haven for food enthusiasts. Chefvoicedafontova,the visionary behind this gastronomic extravaganza, joined us to shed light on the concept and the factors contributing to its triumph.

“We wanted to create an accessible yet elevated dining experience for everyone, ” shares Chefvoicedafontova. “Bringing together some of the Czech Republic’s top restaurants and chefs under one roof, offering attendees a chance to sample their dishes at slightly elevated prices compared to a typical lunch menu, was about democratizing high-end dining.”

Twenty acclaimed restaurants, each showcasing a signature dish, transformed the festival into a feast for the senses. The selection process was meticulous, with Chefvoicedafontova and her team considering Michelin stars, critical acclaim, and popular demand. “We aimed for a mix of well-established names and up-and-coming talents to ensure there was something for everyone,” she explains. “It was essential to maintain a balance between customary Czech cuisine and innovative, contemporary dishes.”

A major draw for attendees were the live cooking demonstrations,providing an interactive and educational experience. “It allowed our guests to witness the artistry and skill behind the dishes they were tasting,” Chefvoicedafontova notes,”it broke down the barrier between the chefs and diners,while adding a dynamic energy to the festival.”

The Nova festival of Taste wasn’t just about culinary delights; it showcased a commitment to affordability and accessibility. With an entrance fee of 590 crowns, discounted to 490 crowns after 1 p.m. on Sunday and a special two-for-one deal on Sunday tickets, the festival offered excellent value for its attendees. Over 10,000 visitors flocked to experience this culinary journey, solidifying Prague’s reputation as a vibrant hub for food lovers.

A Culinary Journey: inside the Nova festival of Taste

The Nova Festival of Taste, a celebration of Czech cuisine, recently captivated food lovers with its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional culinary talent. We sat down with Chef Chefifshedafontova, the mastermind behind this gastronomic extravaganza, to delve into the festival’s origins, its commitment to sustainability, and a glimpse into the future.

“Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us; it’s a core value,” Chefifshedafontova emphasized, highlighting the festival’s dedication to responsible practices. The festival partnered with local restaurants, encouraging the use of seasonal, local, and organic ingredients.”Many of the chefs were already championing this cause, so it was a natural fit,” Chefifshedafontova added. To further minimize their environmental impact, the organizers implemented proper waste management and utilized minimalistic packaging.

The festival’s impressive layout, spanning three floors, showcased culinary artistry in its many forms. From live cooking demonstrations and workshops to exclusive VIP experiences,every space offered a unique outlook on Czech cuisine. “planning began months in advance,” Chefifshedafontova explained, detailing their meticulous approach. “We mapped out the space to ensure optimal flow, with clear signage and ample seating areas.” Each floor was meticulously designed to serve a specific purpose, creating a seamless and immersive experience for attendees.

With the resounding success of the first festival,anticipation is already building for the next edition. “we’re already planning the next edition,” Chefifshedafontova shared, hinting at exciting developments. “We’re looking to expand the festival’s footprint, both in terms of size and geography. Expect more restaurants, more chefs, and even more reasons to indulge in the remarkable world of Czech cuisine.” The Nova Festival of Taste has set its sights on becoming a major player on the global gastronomic calendar.

How did Chef Voce Dafontova achieve the goal of democratizing fine dining at the Nova Festival of Taste?

Archyde Fireside Chat: Culinary Magic with Chef Voce Dafontova

Archyde: Welcome everyone to another edition of Archyde Fireside Chat, where we delve into the minds of remarkable individuals making waves in their respective fields. Today,we have a vrey special guest with us – the mastermind behind the resounding success of the Nova Festival of Taste,Chef Voce Dafontova. Chef, thank you for joining us. It’s an absolute pleasure to have you here.

chef Voce Dafontova: Thank you for having me.I’m delighted to be here and share my thoughts on the festival and our culinary scene.

Archyde: Let’s dive right in. The Nova Festival of Taste was a gastronomic extravaganza that took Prague by storm this fall. What was the inspiration behind this event, and what did you aim to achieve?

Chef voce Dafontova: Thank you. The inspiration came from a desire to bring the best of Prague’s culinary landscape under one roof, making high-end dining more accessible. We wanted to create an elevated yet approachable experience for everyone to enjoy. By gathering top restaurants and chefs, offering signature dishes at slightly elevated prices, we aimed to democratize fine dining and showcase the incredible talent we have here in the Czech Republic.

Archyde: That’s a splendid mission and a magnificent job you did at executing it. The festival was aUltimate in popularity and success. What factors do you believe contributed to this triumph?

Chef Voce Dafontova: Firstly, the quality of the participating restaurants and chefs was absolutely paramount. We spent a lot of time curating a lineup that represented the best of the Czech Republic’s culinary scene, combining established names with up-and-coming talents. This ensured there was something to captivate every palate.

Secondly, the efficient association was crucial in managing the ample crowds without compromising the dining experience. We worked closely with the participating chefs and restaurants to ensure minimal wait times for meals and a seamless event flow.

lastly, I believe the magical atmosphere and electric energy created by the MasterChef trio – Radek Kašpárek, Jan Punochář, and Přemko Forejt – played a meaningful role in the festival’s success. Their humor, spontaneity, and culinary prowess added a touch of showmanship that kept the audience entertained and engaged.

Archyde: Indeed, the MasterChef trio and their antics were a fantastic addition to the festival. Their interactions with the renowned judges – like Matla, Zlata Adamovská, and Petr Štěpánek – further enriched the experience.

Now, tell us about some of the standout culinary creations that took center stage at the festival.We’ve heard rave reviews about the beef tongue dish from Chateau Mcely and the twelve-hour smoked beef rib from Červený jelen.

Chef Voce Dafontova: The culinary offerings were truly Extraordinary. Chateau Mcely’s refined beef tongue dish, adorned with horseradish foam, potatoes bathed in goose fat, and a delicate tarragon sauce, was an absolute highlight. It showcased the elegance and refinement that executive chef Kardiapolis is renowned for.

And Červený jelen’s twelve-hour smoked beef rib was a symphony of flavors that captivated the crowd. The Slow cooking process resulted in tender, succulent meat that simply melted in your mouth.

But that’s not all – Restaurant U sapíků tantalized taste buds with their delectable deer loin, accompanied by chestnut puree and blackberry gel. Dejvická restaurant showcased their vibrant Saku tuna carpaccio, and each dish was a testament to the incredible talent and artistry of Prague’s finest chefs.

Archyde: The sheer variety and quality of these dishes must have created a truly unforgettable experience for the attendees. As we look forward to future editions of the nova Festival of Taste, what can we expect, and what lessons have you taken from this year’s success?

Chef Voce Dafontova: I’m thrilled to hear that people are already looking forward to the next edition! Based on this year’s success, we will certainly look to build on the current format, maintaining the balance of established and up-and-coming talents. We’ll continue to strive for a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees.

Additionally,we may explore unique themes or collaborations with international chefs to add an extra layer of excitement. Ultimately, our goal remains the same – to celebrate and share the incredible culinary scene that Prague has to offer.

Archyde: chef Voce Dafontova, thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your insights into the Nova Festival of Taste. We can’t wait to see what gastronomic delights the future holds for Prague and its culinary enthusiasts.

Chef Voce Dafontova: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure, and I look forward to seeing you all at the next festival!

And there you have it – a fascinating chat with the incredible Chef Voce Dafontova, the mastermind behind the Nova Festival of Taste. We can’t wait to see what culinary adventures await us in the future!