Klezmer-Hois
Address:
ul. Szeroka 6
Telephone:
+48 (12) 411-12-45
Webpage:
http://www.klezmerhois.pl/
Email:
klezmer-hois@klezmer-hois.cracow.pl
Additional information:
vegetarian food,
Wi-Fi
What is Klezmer-Hois? From a tourists’ perspective, Klezmer-Hois, might be much like the other Jewish restaurants in Krakow’s Kazimierz.
However, there are two sides to Klezmer-Hois, the food and the cultural. The net result is an organisation that prides itself as a home of Jewish culture, a meeting place for locals, as well as a restaurant.
Firstly, the food. The menu at Klezmer-Hois is constantly evolving, much of what you find in the restaurant is based on visitor suggestions, a recipe that has been passed down through the generations. In the words of the owners, it’s a kind of culinary archaeology. If you’re feeling adventurous you might want to try the “Gęsi Pipek” goose stomach stewed in a garlic and onion sauce, complete with the addition of a few secret herbs. Tastes much better than it might actually sound.
The restaurant’s interior evokes an air of cosiness, if you’re not in the mood for a meal, you’re welcome to take a break with a coffee. In fact, as we mentioned above, Klezmer-Hois is often a place for people to drop in for a talk and see friends. For some, Klezmer-Hois is an oasis against the more progressive elements of modern day Kazimierz, a bulwark against naked commercialism.
Now for the culture. While the restaurant can lay claim to being the first of the Jewish restaurants that appeared in Kazimierz, the people behind Klezmer-Hois have been responsible for sparking and promoting the renaissance in Krakow’s, and Poland’s, Jewish culture. The bookstore that is situated in the building is the public face of Austeria, a publishing house that specialises in books on Jewish culture and history.
Musically, Klezmer-Hois has also been responsible for launching and looking after the best groups in Klezmer music, the Cracow Klezmer band started their musical journey here, as well as the band Kroke, who recorded with Nigel Kennedy.
A significant measure of Klezmer-Hois’ commitment to quality Jewish music is their long term association with Leopold Klozowski. For those who know their Klezmer music, Mr. Klozowski is regarded as one of the Klezmer greats, to the extent that he wrote some of the music featured in Schindler’s List.
Anyone visiting can enjoy a live music concert any day of the week at 8p.m. A concert in the main room at night is definitely one to remember as one of those great Krakow moments. For those who want to, Klezmer-Hois also provides accommodation at reasonable prices.
