In the heart of Prague, chef Isaac Starobin has transformed the city’s casual dining landscape with his venture, Isaac’s Barbecue. Known for his smoky creations at Dirty Dog Barbecue and captivating experiences at Manifesto Market, Isaac now serves delectable offerings like pulled pork, slow-smoked brisket, and a whimsical Elvis Presley bread pudding. His commitment to evolving Prague’s culinary scene shines brightly in his new central location on Jungmannova Street.
Isaac’s journey in Czechia has been a serendipitous blend of opportunities. He reflects, “Most of it has been people coming to me with ideas…” and credits a friend’s encouragement for pushing him to evolve from casual concepts to a full-fledged restaurant. His initial worries about finances were overridden by the promise of creating something enduring.
His foray into Berlin with Manifesto Market proved to be challenging. “Opening in Berlin was… an experience. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone,” he admits, pointing to the cumbersome bureaucracy that shadowed his excitement. The stark contrast between the German and Czech systems reignited his love for Czech efficiency.
Isaac candidly shared the struggles faced in Berlin: “You don’t realise how important it is to speak the language… I think we all underestimated just how difficult it is to start from scratch in a new country.” His aspiration to break into a sophisticated market turned into a harsh reality, revealing the warmth and acceptance of the Czech food lovers compared to the formidable competition in Germany.
Looking back at the frantic opening day, he recalls, “It was the worst opening I’ve ever had… We looked like total clowns.” Yet, the adventure taught him pivotal lessons about teamwork and the importance of hiring professionals over attempting to juggle everything himself.
As Prague gravitates towards a more vibrant casual dining scene, Isaac sees it as a golden opportunity for his barbecue venture. He recalls a time when dining in the city was limited to high-end or poor quality options, but now, restaurants thrive on creativity and authenticity, creating a nurturing environment for culinary experimentation.
Despite his love for flavour over geography, Isaac’s barbecue reflects a hybrid of influences. “We’re having fun with barbecue tacos, spring rolls—whatever keeps it interesting,” displaying his creative flair. He finds pride in evolving local preferences, with brisket becoming a best-seller, indicative of Prague’s shifting palate.
Isaac, a father of two with a bustling culinary career, jokingly mentions that he barely recalls the last time he truly dined out. His exhaustion, however, does not overshadow his love for his craft. “This is finally me cooking the food I want to cook,” he declares, cherishing the opportunity to blend rustic history with modern comfort in a building rich with stories and character. Each bite at Isaac’s provides more than just sustenance; it promises an unforgettable experience in a beautifully restored historic setting.
Chef Isaac Starobin, known for Dirty Dog Barbecue, has opened Isaac’s Barbecue in Prague, offering a playful menu featuring smoked meats and inventive dishes. His culinary journey, marked by challenges in Berlin, has led him to embrace Prague’s evolving dining culture, where casual dining thrives. He believes in hiring professionals and creating authentic experiences, ensuring each dish reflects his passion for great food.
Isaac Starobin’s journey through Prague and beyond highlights the challenges and joys of culinary entrepreneurship. From navigating bureaucratic hurdles in Berlin to embracing the evolving Prague dining scene, he has instilled passion into every dish served at Isaac’s Barbecue. His commitment to quality, creativity, and community reflects a remarkable story of growth and love for food that transcends geographical boundaries.
Original Source: www.expats.cz
