Ewelina Tłuczek (1983)

Piwnica pod Baranami is unique place on map of Krakow. It was opened in 1956 and is full of history, tradition but most of all full of music, artists and laugh. Since the very beginning it was like home for young artists of many different genres: writers, musicians, actors, as well as their friends and faithful audiences.

For many years in the basement was served the most renowned political cabaret in the country; and it still continues its activities, even after death of its co-founder – Piotr Skrzynecki in 1996. Also, from the 50′s, Piwnica was a center of jazz in Poland and nowadays very important event connected with this music – Summer Jazz Festival, is organized every year.

After nearly fifty years Piwnica became a legend of local eccentricity and it’s influence has been described: “It was much more than a cabaret. It was a breath of freedom and of ironic distance to the reality which surrounded us.” And this ironic distance sometimes still can be found there.

What else can you find here – great music (I’m in heaven when I hear soundtrack to Amelie movie), nice drinks and very specific (only in a positive sense) staff – like the charming bartender;)

So go there, see and feel the real, old Krakow!

I have never been in France but when I think about this country I see wine and cheese with baguette, and the Eiffel Tower in the background. It sounds crazy to imagine but you can find all those elements in Zazie Bistro.

Zazie Bistro consists of two parts – one, smaller, with a large wallpaper depicting the famous tower and other, more cozy, located in basement. Imagine a situation – you go to Zazie because you’re hungry and want to eat something reasonably priced.

After two pieces of quiches and despite the fact that you are already fed, you just cannot refrain from ordering dessert. It is called gluttony but in this place you need to eat because the food is so good. Just not to have later problems with overeating I suggest taking starter – genius cheese souffle and later 1/8 of quiche. If you still have some place left in your stomach, order one of simple but delicious desserts.

Because this Bistro is located on Kazimierz and almost always is full of people I suggest you call in advance to reserve a table to be sure you will have an opportunity to taste their delicacies.

The Football games of Euro 2012 were very important for Poland and Ukraine. If you cannot visit our neighbor but you want to find a taste of it during your stay in Krakow, you need to visit Kanoniczna street to try some Ukraine specialties. “Ukraiński smak” is a restaurant and a café. In the restaurant you can order food you normally find on our eastern border; everything they serve is done by old recipes. When you’re here you need to try soups (solanka, żurek), main dishes (gołąbki, pierogi) or desserts. You can find also delicious wines from Ukraine or Georgia and beers like Obolon or Lwowskie.

But if you don’t feel like eating you can just sit in the cafe tasting beer, chocolate or something that I really recommend – kwas chlebowy. It is an old Slovenian drink with an original taste; kwas is not easy to find in shops so if you have an opportunity, you need to try it.

Inside, these two places are a little bit different – in the restaurant you can find elements of Ukraine culture like handmade ceramics; also the staff is wearing shirts with traditional embroidery. The cafe is a more cozy place, excellent for meeting with friends – if you know Ukrainian you can grab a one of the books and while drinking a beer, immerse yourself in the literature. Folk music seeping from the speakers creates a whole.

So if you’re searching for a place with Ukraine soul you need to come here.

Have you ever wondered what life in Krakow looked like in the beginning of the 20th century? Yes, you can see it on pictures or photos but for this you will use just one of your senses – sight. Now it is possible also to smell and taste the flavor of old times.

Krakowski Kredens is a place where you can buy traditional Polish products prepared according to recipes handed down through generations in families of Galicia (a historical region spanning southeastern Poland and western Ukraine). They have a wide range of products  - you can buy there sausages, dairy, vegetable products, teas, fruit syrups, phenomenal fruit preserves, sweets and liqueurs. Everything is in simple but elegantly packaged and excellent as a gift.

Besides this shop located on Grodzka street you can find their stands in Alma markets and in a few galleries, for example in Krakowska Gallery.

Personally I recommend milk chocolate with cyclamen, rose petals in sugar and old Polish style egg cream. The products of Kredens are not cheap but I think they’re worth trying

The name of this place is associated with design of its interior. Inside the cafe you will see plants – some of them are real and some of them, the ones made of metal, are twisted fancifully. Together they make an unusual contrast.

Café Botanica was the first café on Bracka street and still is very popular among people. It is a great place to have an afternoon coffee or tea while sitting by the huge window opened during the summer and watching people passing by. During winter time you warm up drinking hot wine or mead.

This place is also known for its food – tarts, quiches, salads and ciabatta sandwiches. Also you can try one of the types of toast, one not made from toast bread but from podpłomyk (a simple kind of flat bread made without yeast, a common kind of food in ancient Slavic societies).

It’s always difficult to decide what to eat there but I personally recommend you cheese tart with three types of cheese, rucola and tomatoes, fresh and as well sun-dried.