Unique dining experience at Ernie’s International Pastries
Just around the corner in Country Club Mall, lies a unique dining experience at Ernie’s International Pastries. From the outside, Ernie’s looks like a purveyor of all things sweet and delicious, with an appetizing array of eye candy guaranteed to satisfy any sweet tooth. Inside lies a complete menu with authentic Hungarian and European influences.
Dance maven Karen Osborne accompanies me for an evening of Old World charm. There are only a few tables at Ernie’s, and it is much like eating in someone’s home. Ernie and his wife Marika, run the shop and, in-between cooking, Marika often relaxes on a recliner and watches a spot of TV. Honestly, I felt like I was a guest in a European home.
Ernie starts us off with two appetizers. The first is White Fish with Tomato and Feta, a mouthful of tastes, and the second Smoked Salmon Cannoli. Filled with a spicy cream cheese, this appetizer packs a lot of heat before you get to the cool salmon center.
Ernie, who hails from the Czech Republic, is full of personality and accommodating. His credentials are impressive and it is clear that both he and Marika have been at their craft for many years. For our entrées, Karen chooses the Stuffed Cabbage with Spaétzle and I can’t resist the Beef Stroganoff. The portions are generous and Ernie serves us some sour cream to mix in. Like I said, Ernie’s is homestyle.
Stuffed Cabbage, often considered a heavy dish, is light and tasty and the sauce is mild, but with a kick. The Stroganoff boasts chunky cubes of tender beef in a brown gravy that, when mixed with the sour cream, provides the quintessential taste the dish is known for. The side dish of Spaétzle provides the perfect starch for either dish. Ernie’s’ also serves authentic Hungarian dishes like Chicken Paprikash, Goulash and Viennese Schnitzel.
Of course, no meal at Ernie’s would be complete without a sampling of the desserts. Known for making birthday and wedding cakes for the area, my expectations were high and they did not disappoint. Karen took a few bags of cookies, meringues and macaroons to go, but I simply had to dive in to the Mocca Torte. Rich chocolate cake with mocha buttercream covered in chocolate fudge, the torte was rich and I had to cart off the second half for a next day treat.
Ernie’s is a comfortable, low-key hot spot with tasty food cooked to order by experienced hands. But, save room for dessert because at Ernie’s it’s all about the happy ending.
Ernie’s International Pastries is located in Country Club Mall at 120 Country Club Rd., #65 in Incline Village. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call (775) 831-3933.
