After a day of trekking around Apple Hill, car loaded down with prized fruit and cider, my husband and I decided to Czech out Taste of Europe for dinner. The simple red and white sign (no neon here) and smattering of umbrellas on the patio set the stage for a familial and casual experience. 

Bohemian Potato Pancakes

The small, homey restaurant seats 40 inside and out on the patio (­weather permitting); on the  evening we dined, there was a cheerful crowd settled in the back corner. As we got comfortable, our waitress brought out bread and butter while we perused the menu, which features all sorts of European and Czech specialties—each one sounding more delectable than the last. 

Some of the items are familiar, like beef stroganoff, chicken Alfredo and spinach ravioli, and others more unique, like schnitzel (breaded chicken or pork) or goulash (sautéed beef in a paprika sauce). 

We started with the weekend special of rich and meaty sauerkraut soup with sausage and potato, and an ultra-fresh mixed greens salad in a chilled bowl. Next up was an appetizer of Bohemian potato pancakes, which came out thick and chewy with crispy edges, alongside sausage, sauerkraut, gravy and sweet applesauce—providing a perfect counterbalance to the oniony pancakes. 

For entrées, I couldn’t pass up the chicken paprikash, featuring tender chicken breast coated in creamy and vibrant paprika sauce, with a side of fluffy, toothsome oversized dumplings. My husband’s pork schnitzel—two gigantic slabs of pork fried to crunchy perfection—was served with an earthy mushroom sauce and side of spaetzel with bacon and green onion. Never having tasted spaetzel before, we soon learned it’s like a smaller and less-uniform version of pan-fried gnocchi—and instantly fell in love with the doughy delight.

 We knew we’d want dessert, and the fresh-baked apple strudel with vanilla ice cream was an obvious choice. Served steaming hot with layers of buttery, deliciously chewy pastry, amidst walnuts, raisins and apples aplenty, the richness was nicely offset by the fruit’s tartness.

With such casual environs and tasty European dishes, we’ve officially found our new go-to eatery for post-Apple Hill trips.

Taste of Europe. 545 Main Street, Placerville, 530-306-6670

Hours:  Thursday-Monday: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. ; Closed: Tuesday-Wednesday
Note: In late spring and summer, hours extend to 9 p.m.

Try This:  Pork Schnitzel, Chicken Paprikash

Alcohol:  Beer and wine

Tab:  $$

Heads-Up:  Keep an eye out for different soups every week (like sauerkraut soup), and wine pairings listed beneath the menu offerings. 

By Jennifer Resnicke   //  Photos By Dante Fontana