Kolache-coincidence? First time experiencing the Czech pastry was in Brooklyn this summer, second time in Prague this month!

Traditional Czech kolache, but not my first this year!

Until this July, I had never heard of a kolache, much less tasted one. But, this summer, when visiting my son, Matt in New York City,  he took my husband, Chris, and I to one of his favorite breakfast stops near his Bed-Stuy apartment, Brooklyn Kolache. 

Matt's introduction of the kolache (pronounced "ko-lah-chee") to us, came with a bit of history as well. He told us it was a Czech pastry that made its way to the U.S. during the late 19th century when a wave of Czechoslovakian immigrants settled into central Texas. 

Brooklyn Kolache in Bed-Stuy location

Deep in the heart of Brooklyn

A recent New York Times article featured Brooklyn Kolache with news of  its opening another store in Greenwich Village. (The owner of Brooklyn Tea, Autumn Standford, is from Texas and her store's sign pays tribute to her home state, which proclaims it is, "deep in the heart of Brooklyn".)

Sampling sweet tea and kolaches in garden patio

The New York Times article also notes that a true kolache is a sweet treat: a yeast-raised bun filled with fruits and cheese. However, Texans added to that a variety of savory offerings which can include eggs and sausages. At Brooklyn Tea, I opted for the Raspberry Ruhbarb  kolache and paired it with a rose water sweet tea. The pastry was delicious - a sweety, doughy mixture with plenty of fruit filling.

Folks from the "D" sampling our first kolaches

My first kolache but,  not to be my last this year. Only two short months later, Chris and I were in the Czech Republic where we  were reminded on our first morning there, that we were in the  homeland of the kolache.

Our first morning in Prague

In Czech - home of the kolache

At our hotel in Prague, we were served up a daily breakfast buffet of scrumptious choices - many familiar to U.S. palettes such as  pancakes, omelets and bacon.  But, there, behind the glass display case, like a collection of prized jewels, stood a tray filled with traditional Czech kolaces! Of course, I added one of those to my morning repast.

The traditional Czech kolache

The "traditional kolache" that was served in Prague was a little smaller and more spherical, but equally tasty as the New York- via -Texas version.  

Such a kolacha-coincidence. Or is it irony? In any case, it was scrumptious!

When leaving Prague, we packed up an assortment of snacks bought at a grocery store across from our hotel to keep us going on the motor coach to Germany. The question now is, is there a chlebicky somewhere back home?

Is there a chlebicky back in the U.S.?