You can find a Mediterranean atmosphere full of taste and aroma at the Hliněná bašta restaurant in Průhonice. This establishment, with almost thirty years of tradition, is one of the mainstays of Czech gastronomy and attracts guests not only for its cuisine but also for its unique environment. The terrace above the picturesque pond, children's playground, domestic animals and outdoor bistro give the place a charm that reminds of a holiday by the sea.
The basis of the menu is fish and seafood, which guests can also choose directly from the aquarium with live lobsters. The variations of grilled fish are very popular, as is the menu number one - grilled octopus with sautéed vegetables and polenta. Sweet tooths will appreciate the homemade cakes and desserts prepared by pastry chef Andrea Vávrová, the owner's wife.
The whole concept is led by Hynek Vávra, the owner and chef, who opened Hliněná bašta in 1996. His family introduced him to cooking – he cooked with his grandmother and grandfather since childhood, from whom he inherited many recipes that he still uses today. His first independent meal was chicken with paprika, which is one of his most popular. After training as a chef-waiter, he gained experience in Prague restaurants and briefly cooked abroad, for example on a ship. Today, he runs a family business in which his wife and their children are also involved. Andrea bakes cakes and wedding sweets, his son Hynek is learning to take on managerial tasks, and his daughter Lucie helps in the pastry shop with decorating mini desserts. Even after years, Hynek Vávra likes to return to the stove and prepare dishes that represent his philosophy – honesty, quality ingredients, and cooking with joy. “Do it with pleasure, look forward to work and look forward to what you can create from good ingredients. If you do it with love, it will come naturally,” he sums up his culinary motto.
Today, the Clay Bastion is a symbol of the combination of honest work, Mediterranean atmosphere and family comfort. Guests like to return here not only for seafood specialties and carefully prepared Czech dishes, but also for the experience that this place has been offering for decades.