*This is without a doubt one of my favorite places to eat anywhere in the world*
Friends, acquaintances, lovers and rivals, take a seat. It isn't often that I grant five stars (13.6% of the time as of the penning of this review), and it's even less often that I wish I could grant six. There are but a few locations that I've found around the world, whether that be in the United States, Europe, Australia, Asia or Africa, that have been more than just a meal. These are places that make me question everything I've ever known or loved about food. These are places that devalue even the five-star establishments on my lists as they so drastically rattle the curve. These are places, dear readers, like Czech Stop, that shake me to the core with an overload of sensory-induced bliss brought on by tastes and textures that I've never before experienced. It's magical.
Star 1: How was the service and atmosphere?
So you're driving either up or down I-35 yes? Of course you are. Why else would you be here? Well fear not friend, for this Oasis in the middle of Texas exists for the sole purpose of making your trip an enjoyable one. The service runs as deep with smiles as any river, and the icy blue eyes of nearly every employee (seriously, it's weird) is a steady reassurance that everything is right in the world. Service is as quick as Mulan post-training, and as accurate as Robin Hood (the fox version, not the man). You're in good hands dear reader. Do not be afraid. Star Granted.
Star 2: How were the portions relative to the cost?
While others might gouge and pickpocket and swindle their way into getting three or even four dollars out of your tightly clasped wallet for a kolache, fret not, for the Czech Stop will ask no more than $2.95 for even the most premium or their wares. Behold, my jalapeño brisket treasure, that cost short of three slabs of paper bearing the face of our first president:
http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=xndd3ObAhEldkfXM5O30fQ&userid=OKX-V5j_qfuOebeHeWGrHg
Or here! Pepperoni goodness that was naught more than eight quarters:
http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=fWc5NM7OxscYItK-mj8a-g&userid=OKX-V5j_qfuOebeHeWGrHg
Dear reader, the prices are fair, and fair is just. Star Granted.
Stars 3 and 4: How was the food?
How can words describe what is so far beyond description? Prepare your mind friend, because if you don't, you may well perish at the first taste of such a heaven as these pastries. Whether it be savory or sweet, the flaky and buttery shell conceals what is one of many overpowering combinations of taste and pleasure. Be it fruit or the flesh of the calf, these tastes and textures will change you, and they are only made better when complimented with one of endless homemade delicacies ranging from cookies to candies and housemade breads. These products are unlike anything you will ever have friend, and you should cherish this moment on a plateau that is level with your wedding day and the birth of your first child... combined. Dual Stars Granted.
Star 5: Would you eat here every day if you could?
Not only would I dine with the Gods who dwell in the kitchens of Czech Stop daily, but I would without hesitation give life or limb to do so. My spirit has been rattled in a way that only a life-testing experience can manage, and while I am somehow keeping the cravings and withdrawal symptoms at bay long enough to write this account of my adventure, I feel the memories will be too strong to keep from clouding my judgement for the rest of my days. Star Granted. read more