Zamykal Gourmet Kolaches

Of all the places to run across an artisan bakery, Calvert wouldn't be at the top of my list.  I pass through the area frequently for work, so eventually I drifted in curious as to what baked goods there were to offer.

The lady at the counter amused me.  She's exuberant, friendly, quirky and clearly enjoyed bantering about the history of the restaurant, kolaches, and why the sausages wrapped in dough are actually "klobasnikies" and have been mangled and confused into the wrong name across Texas.  I could see the two owners hard at work in the kitchen making more goodies and apparently they still use their Czech grandmother's recipe.  That's cool.

The kolaches come in an astounding 27 varieties which feature rather specific and interesting flavors including: blackberry, key lime, raspberry truffle, Bavarian cream, etc. - in addition to the regular and traditional flavors.  I ordered a couple and I was extremely impressed.  The pastry is sweet and fluffy, and the fillings are spot-on.  Tasty!  I was not surprised to see several awards hanging on their wall.

I also tried a klobasnik, but the unfortunately the magic wasn't carried over.  The pastry volume overwhelmed the meat, and there wasn't enough spice or flavor in the meat for balance.  

I'll be back, but I'll stick to the kolaches!

The kolaches are delicious!! The owners use their grandmothers old Czech recipe-you know czechs make the best! The shop is also decorated with tons of history. (They've won awards at Westfest in West, Texas- the kolache capital of Texas.)

So if you're making the drive to Waco or Houston then reward yourself with some of these kolaches-you won't regret it!

The owner and staff are very friendly and welcoming. Last time I was there they gave me flyer indicating that they'll conveniently ship the kolaches to you...

Try it all, love it all. That good.