European dishes land at MB eatery

By Johanna D. Wilson - jwilson@thesunnews.com

Readers Herbert and June Manson called to tell me about European Tavern in Myrtle Beach.

The eatery, owned by Karel and Gabriela Libal, features cuisine from the Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Austria, Germany, France, Italy and Spain.

Karel Libal, 38, does the cooking, while his wife, Gabriela Libal, is the waitress and cashier.

Manson told me he and his wife, residents of Prestwick Country Club near Surfside Beach, have been going to the eatery, which opened in February, for two months.

When I visited, a family from the Czech Republic was dining. They said the food was good and continued eating. One had Pilsner beef goulash (beef simmered in Pilsner beer and served in a dark, rich paprika gravy with dumplings), and it looked delicious.

The menu features a kaleidoscope of flavors and food combinations I have never before experienced. For example, I tried an entree with chicken, peaches, ham, cheese, roasted potatoes, cucumbers and tomatoes - all on one plate. Interesting.

Read more about the food in FeaturedDish in Kicks! on Friday.

Karel Libal told me he began cooking as a boy.

"I have taken the best food from European countries," he said. "All the food is fresh. Nothing is pre-cooked. I am an old-country kitchen cook."

Gabriela Libal said her man always wanted to be a cook but didn't pursue his dream until after he made some money in the concrete business.

The result? According to Karel Libal, lovers of European food will get authentic taste at their place.

"If you go to Europe and try this food, you can come here and the food will taste the same," he said.

Herbert Manson said he has loved everything he has tried, including pork schnitzel (a breaded, fried pork cutlet), the Russian pot roast and the Kyev chicken (breaded bird stuffed with butter).

"The food is great," he said. "If people go there, they will go back."

Lunch specials are $6.95 and come with soup or salad. Entrees are $8.95 to $17.95.

European Tavern, at 411 79th Ave. N., is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Call 497-5711.