From the South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Best Polish Restaurant

October 18 2006

Royal Cracow Polish Restaurant
2670 N. Federal Highway, Lighthouse Point, 954/943-8770, Royalcracow.com

With its wooden booths, gauzy curtains and servers dressed in traditional Polish garb, Royal Cracow provides an Old World setting in which to experiment with this hearty ethnic cuisine. Veal cutlet and goulash with barley are among the entrées available, but diners could make a meal of appetizers alone, especially when combined with the thick slabs of rye bread served with farmer cheese and pickles brought to the table as they contemplate the menu. The wait staff is more than willing to answer questions and make suggestions. Butter beans with kielbasa and bacon in a light tomato sauce makes for a mild but flavorful starter, and a sampler plate of pierogi stuffed with meat, cheese, potato, spinach and sauerkraut disappears quickly when shared with friends over a few rounds of Polish beers. Other items not to be missed include assorted croquettes filled with meat, cabbage or mushrooms; stuffed cabbage bulging with rice and meat; and a large, satisfyingly crunchy kielbasa served over warm sauerkraut. If you can, save room for nalesniki -- warm, doughy crepes filled with cheese or jelly -- which adds a sweet finish to a savory meal.