Sure you can get pork liver pâté at the Slovak-Czech Varieties import shop in Long Island City, but the real reason to visit is all the way in the back: the wonderful wooden toys (typically $8–$20). Kids of all ages will be mesmerized by the walking penguin or by the googly-eyed moose bouncing at the end of a coil. It's tough to resist buying up the whole wall of goodies, not to mention that cool ladder thingy at the register (you'll see what we mean).
They also sell fine glass (a Prague specialty), ceramics, games, CDs, videos, and books of the Slovak and Czech, er, variety. The food items are intriguing, and, I'm guessing, big sellers to Slovaks and Czechs dying for "Breathing Room" herbal tea or "Kitten tongues" milk chocolate.
- Slovak-Czech Varieties, 10-59 Jackson Ave., Long Island City, NY 11101, 718-752-2093
Comments
I couldn’t agree more — have bought several of these wooden toys for friends with new babies. This store is a gem!
This place is my home away from home! The “kitten tongues” that you mention are fantastic and I’ve lived on them since I was 5 (healthy, I know). Other great things to try are the “Fidorka” and the “Delissa” wafer bars–good stuff! I also recommend trying the salami and “knedle” or dumpling loaf. Both will cost you around $7-$7.50. Yay Slovakia!