Jiří Lešikar and Lumír Sendrei. Two Moravian friends who had for years worked in hospitality business in Prague decided to improve the level of gastronomy on Czech D1 highway. They opened design restaurant Signature at the highway exit 182 in Popůvky near Brno. Honest cuisine, a collection of champagne wines counting more than 160 labels, or a cozy coffee lounge provide a haven for businessmen who travel between two large cities or among the countries of Central Europe. The interior of the restaurant was created in cooperation with an experienced interior architect Pavel Kříž. The chef Pavel Veltruský has Hollywood stars cooking experience.
Meaningful doesn’t have to be local
The two gourmets mentioned above care about every detail, from the thorough choice of suppliers, via unusual dishes, to the final product on a guest’s plate. They like to work with local farmers, but only when they are convinced that the farmers always provide fresh and quality ingredients. “Naturally grown and fresh mackerel from Norway is better than frozen and fattened trout from the Czech Republic,” co-owner of the restaurant Jiří Lešikar says. He doesn’t agree with the current trend of the use of only local foods at all costs.
He cooked for Pretty Woman
Jake Gyllenhaal or Julie Roberts, giant transoceanic ships, Marriot hotels in the Czech republic and also abroad, three-star Michelin restaurant Waterside Inn in England. Pavel Veltruský went through the kitchen of celebrities or renowned restaurants to embed in Brno after all. “Our menu is always compiled with respect to season. I like to come to meet conservative guests with, for example, a chopped rabbit by grandmother’s recipe but on the other hand I also like to satisfy demanding visitors with grilled foie gras,” the chef recounts. He also says that too sophisticated creations never take place in his kitchen. Such meals make no sense in his opinion.
Interior is covered by forest moss
Instead of exaggerated food styling, guests can enjoy remarkable visual experience by simply hanging out in the restaurant. Three spacious rooms, combinable to one with a wooden sliding wall, will immediately catch your attention thanks to original mossy carpets. These carpets came as an idea of architectural studio KOMPLITS and they were used by Pavel Kříž to garnish both – the portico in the major part of the restaurant and a whole wall in a separated saloon „We wanted to build a pleasant, spacious, ambient place with timeless design and I am glad we succeeded,“ Jiří Lešikar proudly presents the result, which combines wood and moss as well as metal and rock.
For more information visit website or Facebook of Signature restaurant.
