Behind the scenes of the Yes Krabiček kitchen: Interview with Miroslav Kalina

The kitchen smells good, the steam rises and everything works like a well-tuned machine. That's how you could describe the successful collaboration with Miroslav Kalina, who prepared a French menu for you in March. In just a week, we'll have another special menu with a new guest, so we decided to look back at past collaborations and interview Miroslav, who has a rich career, a MasterChef competition, a love of simplicity and fresh ingredients, and now his own chapter at Yes Krabiček.

About a passion that started at home

Míro, what sparked your passion for cooking?
This comes from my family, as does everything that shapes us as children. We always cooked from the heart, and I carried that into my life.

What restaurants did you gain experience in? Where did you enjoy working the best?
There were many of them. Aqua, Kampa Park and internships abroad probably influenced me the most. Every experience moved me somewhere.

How has being a judge on MasterChef influenced your career?
You become more visible and can therefore command more money if there is interest in you. But most importantly, it is a challenge and a great lesson in communication.

What would you do if you weren't a chef?
I would sell hunting weapons. Or... who knows?

And now for some fun, what's the biggest mess you've ever had in the kitchen?
I don't usually make mistakes when cooking, I just forget something. But that happens to everyone sometimes, right?

What do you do in your free time outside of the kitchen?
I cook at home for my beloved family, I play sports and I walk my dog ​​in the forest. I like balance.

Do you have a career dream that you haven't fulfilled yet?
Yeah. Do everything I can to not have to work anymore. But I wouldn't stop cooking, I just love it.

Where can people enjoy your work today?
Especially at HQ Pippi Grill at Jeremiášova 7 or at Makro Stodůlky.

And who famous person have you cooked for?
There were actors, athletes, business people... Probably the biggest name I would single out is French actor Jean Reno.

Where do you go when you want to have a "proper fuck"?
I usually eat healthy, but when I have a hangover, schnitzel, and salad at Globus, it's a real mess, even if it's otherwise worth it...

Cooperation with Yes Boxes

How do you know Radek Hasman, the co-founder of Yes Krabiček? Can you tell us something about him?
We've known each other since 2002, we worked together at the Square restaurant on Malostranské náměstí. And bang? Well, he suffers from a complex that I'm a better cook than him. But seriously, he's a great chef, especially for Italian cuisine. And I envy him a little for that.

What was the collaboration like in the Yes Krabiček kitchen?
Perfect. Everything was professional, I basically didn't have to do anything. 😊

And any stories from the filming?
I forgot my apron at home. Radek of course laughed at me and called me… well, you know what. And then I had to listen to it all day.

Customers loved the chicken Marengo and the rye bread sandwich with salmon. Were you surprised?
Not surprisingly, I love them too. I understand people and their tastes.

Can you imagine cooking 4,000 servings a day like in Yes Boxes?
I would have to have a really good team. But it works if you have a system and heart. So all respect to Yes Krabičky.

Have you ever used a box diet? What do you like about Yes Boxes?
I didn't use it, and that's why I'm still fat! But the quality of the ingredients at Yes Krabiček is top-notch. And I'm not kidding.

Inspiration and opinions

Do you follow current gastronomic trends?
Sure, especially from professionals and on social media.

Are there any that annoy you?
I hate most "hipster" trends, sour coffee, cloudy wines, food made from moss and stones. I like simple, honest cuisine made from quality ingredients.

Is there a chef who inspires you?
One of many is Eric Frechon.

And who, in your opinion, had the greatest influence on Czech gastronomy?
Magdalena Dobromila Rettigová. No debates.

From the interview with Miroslav Kalina, it is clear that good food is not just about the recipe, but above all about personality. Miroslav brought a piece of himself to Yes Krabiček, his experience, sense of taste and a healthy outlook that gives authenticity to every meal. His approach confirmed our main idea that even boxed food can be a gastronomic experience if it is prepared with respect for the ingredients and honest craftsmanship. And now the moment has come when another prominent name in Czech gastronomy, Marek Raditsch, takes over his imaginary wooden spoon.

And what would you say to your successor, another guest chef at Yes Krabiček, who will be creating the new menu?
Let him roll up his sleeves. Because if he wants to overcome this menu, he's going to have to try really hard. But I'm keeping my fingers crossed for him. And most importantly, let him put a little bit of himself into it, then it'll be worth it.

From June 23rd, you can look forward to a new thematic menu under the baton of Marek Raditsch, which will be served at Yes Krabičky throughout the working week. He is challenged not only to follow the high bar set by Miroslav, but also to bring a new perspective, new tastes and his own unique style. It will be a week in which it will once again be shown that healthy eating can have the face of a top chef. And we look forward to seeing how you like Marek's recipes. Because at Yes Krabičky you will eat your way to your dream figure with gusto.