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Truffles at Zigante Truffle Days

Spotlight on: Zigante Truffle Days, Istria

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Istria is a gastronome’s delight, with so many wonderful delicacies for foodies to enjoy. As well as some truly excellent restaurants – including Michelin-starred ones – the region is renowned for its products, such as pršut (similar to prosciutto), olive oil and wine. One ingredient that goes hand in hand with Istria, which isn’t particularly found in other parts of Croatia, is the not-so-humble truffle. Although you can enjoy sampling truffle dishes any time of year, the best time of year to enjoy this fungus is in early autumn during the month-long festival that is Zigante Truffle Days. Find out all about it here!

Zigante Truffle Days
Credit: Zigante Truffle Days

About Zigante Truffle Days

Zigante Truffle Days is essentially a weekend-only festival that stretches out for a whole month. Taking place each Saturday and Sunday starting from 3rd and 4th October 2026, until the weekend of 31st October and 1st November, the fair welcomes guests to its base in Livade in the Istrian countryside.

The truffle festival is brought to you by the Zigante family, who have done much to establish Istria as one of the main truffle bases in the world. It was in November 1999 that Giancarlo Zigante discovered a 1.31-kilogram truffle in the Motovun forest – with a little help from his dog Diana. This amazing truffle was recognised by Guinness Book of World Records as the largest truffle ever found (at the time) and would have been worth around €1 million had Giancarlo decided to sell it.

Even more amazingly, he didn’t. He instead invited 200 guests to a feast and shared the truffle out amongst them all. (If you want to read the full story, take a look at Experience: I found the largest truffle in the world.) Giancarlo may not have cashed in on his amazing find, but he’s clearly brought a different level of appreciation and wonder to this part of Istria, which in some ways matters so much more.

Truffles at Zigante Truffle Days
A plate of truffles – nowhere near the size of that 1.31kg one! (Credit: Zigante Truffle Days)

Getting There & Accommodation

Livade is right in the heart of the Istrian countryside, around 35 kilometres northeast of Porec and 27 kilometres east of Novigrad, both on the Istrian coast. Realistically, it is easiest to reach Livade and the truffle fair using a rental car and to drive yourself there from your chosen destination in Istria. Reaching this part of the Istrian interior is difficult by public transport.

Livade is only a short hop from the exceedingly pretty hilltop town of Motovun, so combining the truffle fair with a visit to (or even a stay in) Motovun would be ideal.

The truffle fair has its own suggestions for nearby accommodation and do also take a look at some options using this map:

Experiencing Zigante Truffle Days

The festival – as you may expect – is all about the truffle. Many exhibitors will be present, showcasing their wonderful truffle-based products. It’s the ideal place to take home a truffle-based souvenir and – remember now – don’t be shy; share these with family and friends back home! You will also find many Istrian (and Croatian) products on show here, from wines to olive oil, brandy, cheese and salami, so it’s an excellent event to attend to pick up all manner of food items.

The fair will also see a number of culinary demonstrations take place by expert chefs. Dishes that are truffle-based or that have truffle as an accompaniment will be cooked right in front of you, so you can really taste this Istrian delicacy in the best way. If you try only one dish the whole weekend, make it fuzi with truffles. Fuzi is a very traditional Istrian pasta, rolled out and folded over into a kind of diamond shape.

(Credit: Zigante Truffle Days)

Wine tastings will also take place during the fair – what better pairing with truffle than a crisp white Istrian wine?

A real highlight is the “train” (a motorised train) that takes you from the fair into the Motovun forest, where the truffles are found in the ground. This is a lovely opportunity to see the setting of the magic, and to experience demonstrations of truffle hunting by the experts – human and canine. (As dogs are an essential part of truffle hunting!) Should you wish to level up the whole truffle experience, you can book yourself onto a truffle hunting tour.

Hunting for truffles in the Motovun Forest
Hunting for truffles in Motovun Forest (Credit: Zigante Truffle Days)

Opening Hours and Price

The truffle fair runs each Saturday and Sunday (3rd October to 1st November 2026) from 10am to 7pm. Entry into the fair is free.

Other ways of enjoying truffles

If you aren’t able to make it to the truffle fair over the next few weekends, you can visit the Zigante Tartufi restaurant or shop any time of year. Or simply head to their website and order some of their delicious products to be delivered directly to your door!

Truffle hunting opportunities are also available outside of the fair. One-hour group hunting trips take place every Saturday from late June to late September, whilst private hunting trips can be arranged for any time of year, by prior appointment.

Otherwise, you’ll find truffle dishes or embellishments in many dishes at restaurants throughout Istria and elsewhere in Croatia. If you’ve never tasted truffle before, give it a go!

More info

You can find out everything about Zigante Truffle Days on the official website.

You can also learn slightly more about truffles in this part of the country on the Colours of Istria website.

The chocolate sampling box

Visit Croatia Review: Museum of Chocolate, Zagreb

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Croatia isn’t necessarily known for its chocolate production globally, which is fair enough – although the country does produce a number of excellent chocolate-based products and sweet treats. (I assume you’ve always gone home with a few packs of Bajadera, am I right?) So when the Museum of Chocolate opened in Croatia’s capital city Zagreb, I was intrigued by what the museum would actually cover and how. Sure, it’s a great addition to Zagreb’s lively museum scene, but could this museum do the history of chocolate and chocolate production justice? Find out in my review.

Museum of Chocolate, Zagreb

Visiting the Museum of Chocolate, Zagreb

I’ve been lucky enough to have visited a few chocolate museums around the world…which is an odd sentence, I’ll admit. I promise I’m not a chocaholic; I just happen to have visited a few cities that have a link to production of this highly addictive sweet treat. Nevertheless, I’m appointing myself something of a “chocolate museum expert” – could Zagreb’s museum go one better than the venues I’d visited before?

Well, they had me sold as soon as I walked in, with a very friendly welcome. After paying for my entrance ticket, I was then handed a box…intriguing, certainly. Turns out this box contains six chocolate items, plus a spoon to taste three more types of chocolate at the end of the museum visit. In many of the main rooms of the museum, a large wall sign announces that particular spot as a “savouring station”, and it is here that you are supposed to sample one of the chocolates in the box. The friendly lady at the front desk did warn me that the first couple of chocolate items were quite bitter – in keeping with what was considered to be “chocolate”/cacao of the time – which I heeded. Those first samples weren’t too bad to me (but then I don’t mind bitter chocolate at all), but I could see how it might not be to everyone’s taste!

The chocolate sampling box
The chocolate sampling box

I visited the Museum of Chocolate in the early afternoon on a winter weekday, when I almost had the museum to myself. I say almost because, as I slowly wandered around reading all the descriptions and notices in room two and playing around with a costume helmet, I heard a school group arrive. Which is fair enough – learning about chocolate is still learning! Once I heard the noise of excited kids, I thought I’d better up my pace to keep ahead of them – which is just as well, as it meant I had most rooms to myself.

Walking through chocolate history

The Museum really does go back to the start in the history of chocolate, travelling many, many centuries back to the ancient civilisations of Central and South America. In these times, cacao beans were used as a form of currency and drinks made from cacao were prized, linked with status. It was the elite that consumed cacao, and the drink remained bitter…as can be evidenced by the first chocolate sample I consumed in that first room’s savouring station.

When brought from South America to Europe by explorers, cacao drinks were changed to suit European tastes – sweetened, of course. However, chocolate drinks were still consumed by the wealthy and the nobility, and very much considered a luxury product. It was interesting to read about the importance of chocolate within trade around the world – by the 16th century, demand for the product was rapidly increasing, with European production of chocolate drinks still far off.

Display of fancy chocolate drink serving items
Items that chocolate drinks were served by or in, back in the day
Keeping one’s moustache chocolate-free…no doubt a common problem, back then

But as the world turns, the history of chocolate in the museum moves on into the 19th century, when European chocolate production began in earnest. The invention of pressing cocoa on this continent meant that both a fine powder could be produced – making cocoa drinks easier to make – and that the remaining cocoa butter could be turned into solid chocolate. In other words, a chocolate bar! You can easily imagine the move from consuming chocolate as a very special treat to a more everyday “snack” to the more artisan items that we often find today. (Yes, I have seriously zoomed through several centuries, but head to the museum to learn for yourself!)

Cadbury display in the Museum of Chocolate, Zagreb
The Brits rejoice at the Cadbury display

There are displays of famous current chocolate producers around the world, including famous chocolate brands (M&Ms, Kinder, Toblerone anyone?). Understandably, there’s a special section on one of Croatia’s most famous chocolate producers, Kraš. So many childhood memories came flooding back as I saw a Kraš Animal Kingdom sticker album (I remember collecting those stickers from Kraš chocolate bars) as well as the Kraš pins. Okay, those references may be slightly niche, but I bet many of you remember your own Kinder Surprise goodies from your childhood. (Anyone else remember the terrapin family?!)

There are more modern displays in the latter parts of the museum, including unusual chocolate moulds and the idea of chocolates as gifts, plus displays of novelty chocolate boxes. Items that we all know and love!

The Animal Kingdom sticker album
Kraš pins

Museum Musts

The final room is where a lot of the magic happens, seeing as that’s where you can help yourself to the chocolate dispensers using the provided spoon. Surely most visitors start out relatively polite and think, “I’ll just have a small helping”, and then find themselves going back for more. I mean, I did! All three were absolutely delicious. Just as well that I went at a not-so-busy hour!

Once you’ve finished the whole museum, do check out their chocolate products that are for sale in the shop at the museum entrance. You might think you’ve seen everything that can possibly exist when it comes to chocolate products, but the museum may make you think differently. The bags of sweet treats would even make a very suitable present for your nearest and dearest back home.

Famous chocolate producers

Museum of Chocolate, Zagreb – to visit or not?

Absolutely yes! A very fun, beautifully displayed museum that hits the right spot between informative and fun, with exhibits set at just the right pace. Notices are kept informative but not too long, and items range from the “wow, I never knew” to the “oh gosh, I remember these!”

The box with the savouring station chocolate items is a very inventive way of allowing guests a sample of different chocolate types. I’m sure all visitors delight in this.

The museum is an excellent way of spending a few very happy hours in Zagreb, and I’d thoroughly recommend it.

An angry Zagi
I’m including this angry Zagi – on a chocolate box – as he made me laugh

More info

The Museum is located at 26 Gundulicev Street (Gunduliceva 26). It is open daily, on Mondays from 12:30 to 20:00, Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10:00 to 20:00 and on Sundays from 10:00 to 19:00.

Tickets cost €12 for adults and €9 for children aged 5 to 18 years. You can also purchase an audio guide for €1.50, which is now available in 16 different languages.

You can find all information about the museum on its official website: Muzej Cokolade.

Oyster Festival in Mali Ston (Credit: Mali Ston Oyster Festival)

Spotlight on: The Oyster Festival in Mali Ston

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March is still relatively early in the year, which means fewer visitors and fewer gastronomic events taking place in Croatia. But one of the most delightful foodie events of the year has its full focus this month. That’s the Oyster Festival in the small town of Mali Ston at the base of the Peljesac Peninsula, north of Dubrovnik. This year, the festival will take place from Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd March 2026.

Oyster Festival in Mali Ston (Credit: Mali Ston Oyster Festival)
(Credit: Mali Ston Oyster Festival)

About Oysters from Ston and The Oyster Festival

Oysters have a long association with this part of Dalmatia, and oysters from here are considered the best quality in all of Croatia. There’s some evidence to suggest oyster farming took place here in Roman times, but it’s during the time of the Republic of Dubrovnik that oysters begain to be written about. In the late 19th century, oysters from Ston were even exported to Vienna, Prague and Paris! The variety grown here is the European flat oyster.

Oysters from the bay by Mali Ston were awarded a Protected Designation of Origin mark by the EU in 2020, which recognises their quality and production that is confined to this specific area using local expertise.

If you’re an oyster fiend then you simplymust visit Ston. And oyster fiends will know that although this delicacy can be used in a wide range of dishes, they really are best served with a squeeze of lemon and accompanied by a crisp glass of sparkling wine.

The festival always takes place on our near St Joseph’s Day – Joseph being the patron saint of Croatia – which is on 19th March. But the festival takes place in March, for it is when oysters are at their fullest and tastiest!

A number of oyster farmers will participate in this year’s festival (you can see the full list here), and a number of local winemakers will also be providing accompanying wines.

Getting There

Mali Ston is around 55 kilometres up the coastline from Dubrovnik, meaning it’s roughly a one-hour drive if you have your own set of wheels.

It is possible to reach the town using public transport. A couple of the suburban Libertas Dubrovnik buses run to Ston, with line number 15 the most useful, although – beware – not so much on Sundays when some of the departures don’t operate. You can see the timetable of line number 15 from Dubrovnik here.

Some of the long distance buses from Dubrovnik also make a stop at Ston. Take a look at the websites of Flixbus or Arriva for timetable details and to buy tickets.

Experiencing The Oyster Festival in Mali Ston

As mentioned, this year’s Oyster Festival will run from 19th to 22nd March. There will be a varied programme of events, with talks, workshops, concerts, events for children, and boat trips out to the oyster farms.

The main highlight of the whole festival is the seaside tasting, which will take place in Mali Ston on Sunday 22nd March between 11am and 3pm. Another highlight will surely be the boat trips out to the oyster farms, which will allow visitors to really understand the entire production process and how oysters are farmed.

You can see the whole programme of the festival below:

oyster-festival-2026-programmeDownload

Credit: Mali Ston Oyster Festival

Pre-registration is required for some of the events, details of which will be revealed very soon. I would recommend that you follow the Mali Ston Oyster Festival on Instagram as they frequently post news about the festival there.

A pleasing bonus – entry to the Town Walls in Ston will be free from Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd March. These town walls are seriously impressive – some say even better than those in Dubrovnik – and are definitely worth experiencing.

The oyster farms in Mali Ston Bay - Oyster Festival in Mali Ston
The oyster farms in Mali Ston Bay

Other ways of seeing and enjoying oysters in Mali Ston

If you’re not able to get to the festival this month, don’t think that you can’t enjoy oysters here at other times – oh, no! You can indulge in some oysters at the eateries here for most of the year. It is also possible to visit the oyster farms – by organised boat for many months of the year too.

You may also like to be aware of the Salt Festival in Ston that takes place at the end of August and early September each year. Although yes, there is an emphasis on salt production – for Ston is almost famous for its saltworks – there is a general gastronomic offer throughout the run of this festival. And oysters are definitely part of the offering!

Even without a festival taking place in Ston, it won’t come as a surprise that you can simply enjoy a plate of Ston oysters at a local eatery. One of the most acclaimed restaurants is the long-standing, family-run Bota Sare, who now also have restaurants in Dubrovnik, Split and Zagreb.

You can also join organised tours to oyster tastings in Ston, with many tours setting off from Dubrovnik. Take a look at some options below:

Powered by GetYourGuide

More info

The Oyster Festival has its own official website at www.malistonoyster.com/en, or you can also take a look at the Mali Ston Tourist Office website for more details.

Kestenijada - Chestnut Festival - in Ivan Sveti Zelina

Join the Kestenijada (Chestnut Festival) in Ivan Sveti Zelina

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October is definitely chestnut month. If you’re currently experiencing the full force of autumn, as well as all of the colourful leaves that are a’falling, you’re probably tripping over chestnuts a’plenty! A number of locations in Croatia also celebrate chestnuts this month. One of the best festivals is Kestenijada in Sveti Ivan Zelina, just northeast of Zagreb. Taking place on the weekend of 18th and 19th October 2025, Kestenijada is in its 27th year this year and will offer a rich and entertaining programme for all ages. The majority of the festival centres around Kladešćica, the peak of Zelina Mountain.

Kestenijada was listed as one of the Top 100 Stories at the 2025 Green Destinations Awards, which promotes sustainable tourism development. You can read the detailed report about Kestenijada from Green Destinations here.

Kestenijada 2025

Healthy, eco walk to Kladešćica

At 10am on Saturday 18th October, Mario Valentic (creator of the HealthyFIT Experience) will lead the 6-kilometre walk to Kladescica, the peak of Zelina Mountain. This hike sees a welcome return for this year, but there will be an additional activity this year. Register ahead of time to join the ecological campaign to clean up the local environment. Participants will be rewarded with a coupon at the start to receive a free lunch and a refreshing Zelina Chestnut Smoothie by Mario Valentic, made from local chestnuts.

The walk to Kladescica – aided by Izvor Mountaineering Association – will also feature “body & mind training” and “breathe & flow exercises” which aim to strengthen the mind and body and improve health. Suitable for all ages.

For anyone thinking that such a walk may only be for the super-active or highly trained, don’t worry! The trail starts near the village of Biškupec, winding through beech and chestnut forests. You’ll walk past the ruins of Zelingrad Fortress, a once majestic medieval castle. Whilst you walk, you’ll notice numerous educational points detailing the local animal and plant life, some of which are endangered or protected.

The walk should take one and a half to two hours.

Party Time…and food and drink time

Sunday 19th October will be party time, as well as food and drink time! From 10am to 6pm at Kladescica, numerous excellent chestnut gastro offerings will be available – including roast chestnuts (which are of course absolutely delicious), chestnut delicacies and craft beer and Zelina wine – all thanks to local association Amanita. Indulge in chestnut treats with a nice glass of a local drink, with live music playing in the background. The perfect party!

The first 200 walkers to reach the Kestenijada (Chestnut Festival) will be rewarded with a scoop of delicious chestnuts, a gift from the town of Sveti Ivan Zelina to say thanks to participants for the protection of the Mount Zelina ecosystem.

The local hunting lodge will once again be hosting a competition for the best hunting stew. Organisers from Hunting Society Srndać will provide participants with the necessary supplies and wood. After 2pm – when the winner is announced – you can taste the delicious goulashes! The same hunting society will also be holding a talk on the animals of the region, so you can learn more about the local inhabitants.

Delicious roasted chestnuts at Kestenijada

Plenty of fun for the younger ones

The festival will provide “Games Without Screens” for children from 12pm to 2pm, offering kids the chance to enjoy themselves without any digital devices!

A variety of games will be available to play with, including giant Jenga, giant Tic Tac Toe, Mölkky, ring toss, tug of war and relay race games. Such games and activities allow children to develop their gross motor skills, and encourage communication and resourcefulness – with a bit of competition too. All in the outdoors!

Thinking of the Environment

Kestenijada promotes a zero-waste initiative, and single-use plastic is banned. Furthermore, visitors are encouraged to bring their own glasses, crockery and snacks in reusable containers.

Anyone arriving at the festival by car instead of on foot will be part of a one-way traffic system to avoid long queues.

The ruins of Zelingrad Fortress on Mount Zelina

Kestenijada Programme

Saturday, 18th October 2025

  • A walk along the trail in the company of Mountaineering Association Izvor and Mario Valentić feautring HealthyFIT body&mind training and breathe&flow exercises program and an ecological environmental cleaning action
  • Free lunch and a refreshing smoothie available for all participants of the eco-action and HealthyFIT program
  • Pre-registration is required

Sunday, 19th October 2025

  • 11 am: Walk to Kladeščica – Walk along the hiking trail, suitable for all

  • 10 am – 6 pm: Kestenijada, The Zelina Chestnut Festival
  • A diverse and rich gastronomic offering that includes roasted chestnuts, chestnut delicacies, various dishes and refreshing craft beer and wines from Zelina
  • Surprise musical performance!
  • Free mushroom talk
  • From 10am: Free scoop of chestnuts for the first 200 people who reach Kladeščica on foot
  • 12pm – 2pm: “Games Without Screens”– outdoor activities and games for children and workshops on the theme of autumn fruits
  • 10am – 6pm: Hunting stew competition organised by Hunting Society Srndać
  • 10am – 6pm: Socialise with the Moto and Off-Road Club of Sveti Ivan Zelina

More info

You can find out more on the Sveti Ivan Zelina Tourist Board website.

26th Sveti Ivan Zelina Chestnut Festival

26th Chestnut Festival in Sveti Ivan Zelina

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October is a month in which many Croatian delicacies are celebrated and enjoyed and this weekend it is the turn of chestnuts. The small town of Sveti Ivan Zelina (around 40 kilometres northeast of Zagreb) will be celebrating the 26th edition of the Chestnut Festival this Sunday, 13th October 2024.

If your only experience with chestnuts is having a conker fight (tell me you’re British without telling me you’re British) and you’ve never experienced roasted chestnuts, this festival will be the perfect introduction for you. Roasted chestnuts are one of the tastiest autumnal snacks and – trust me – Croats know how to roast chestnuts to perfection.

26th Sveti Ivan Zelina Chestnut Festival - Roasted Chestnuts
26th Sveti Ivan Zelina Chestnut Festival

The majority of the action will take place in amongst the beautiful nature of Kladeščica, the peak of Zelinska Gora mountain. The centre of all the activities is around a 20-minute drive from Sveti Ivan Zelina, but the first 200 visitors to reach there on foot will receive a free portion of hot roasted chestnuts. What an excellent reward!

Chestnut Festival Fun

What will there be to see and do? Well, there will be plenty of tasty treats to sample – roasted chestnuts, of course, but other items made from chestnuts, mushroom and bean stews, BBQ food, chestnut cake, the craft beer “Angelus” and local wine too. Indulge in these treats at this outdoor festival – there will be plenty of seating – and take in the aroma and excellent natural surroundings. Not forgetting live music! The band Faringaši will be performing on the day as well. All in all, an excellent way to enjoy Autumn.

This year’s wide-ranging food offering is thanks to the Amanita Association and Restaurant 4M. In addition to this tasty food to eat, there will also be an exhibition of mushrooms for those who want to learn a little more.

26th Sveti Ivan Zelina Chestnut Festival

The local hunting lodge will be hosting a competition for the best hunting stew. Participants will be given the required food and wood for participating, and stews can be tasted after a winner has been announced at 2pm.

Something for the kids

No gastro – or indeed, any kind of festival – in Croatia is complete without something to entertain the younger generation too The Chestnut Festival is no exception, with outdoor activities and fun and games planned from 12pm.

26th Sveti Ivan Zelina Chestnut Festival - Kids Events

Pre-Chestnut Festival Walk

On Saturday 12th October 2024, there will be an additional celebration. The newly renovated educational trail “Through Zelinska Gora” will be opened with a 6 kilometre hike to Kladeščica starting at 10am. The hike will be led by Mountaineering Society Izvor and Mario Valentić who will be running his educational and entertaining fitness programme HealthyFIT Experience. Expect body and mind training and breathing exercises during the walk…and be rewarded at the end with a free outdoor lunch at Kladeščica.

Remember to wear comfortable hiking shoes!

26th Chestnut Festival
Sunday, 13th October 2024
Sveti Ivan Zelina
visitzelina.hr/novosti/item/726-26-zelinska-kestenijada-je-pred-vratima

Burger Fest heads to Dubrovnik

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If you’re a fan of gourmet burgers (who isn’t?!) and are heading to Dubrovnik later this month, you’ll be delighted by the news that the popular gastro festival Burger Fest will be held there from 20th to 30th June 2024. A mix of incredibly tasty good, top quality drinks and a great atmosphere, it’s absolutely the place to head to during these summer days.

Brought to you by the same people behind the incredibly popular Burger Fest in Zagreb – which is enjoyed by over 150,000 people every year – and the Pizza Festival in Dubrovnik – where over 100,000 pizzas were eaten during the event (that’s some hungry people!) it is now the turn of the tasty burger to shine in Dubrovnik. This also follows burger festivals held in other towns and cities in Croatia, including Zadar, Pula, Varazdin and Bjelovar, which has really enabled Burger Fest to up the game in the local burger scene.

Burger Fest Dubrovnik, 20th - 30th June 2024
Burger Fest Dubrovnik, 20th - 30th June 2024

So what’s on the cards for Burger Fest in Dubrovnik? Held at the Lazareti events space in the heart of the city, there will be specialities prepared by Institut za burger (Burger Institute) by Mate Jankovic, Chef’s Burger by Ivan Pazanin, Guloso Burgers&More, Picnic – mingle&fun, kDogs, Kenova by Branko Kusovac and Beg’s Plant Based.

Hit burgers incoming at Dubrovnik’s Burger Fest

Trust us, that’s quite a list! Burgers crafted by Mate Jankovic have been declared the best at previous burger festivals, and his meat and vegan burger options are sure to delight the Dubrovnik crowds.

The “Crispy Kapula” burger by Chef’s Burger/Ivan Pazanin is another previous festival favourite that’s delighted the hungry masses.

Dubrovnik brand Guloso Burgers&More will be showing what the locals can do with their burger offerings, including the “Cheesy Special” – pure beef topped with two types of cheese, caramelised onions and a special Guloso sauce made from 11 secret ingredients. I mean, my mouth’s just watering at the thought of this one!

A burger by Kenova, Burger Fest Dubrovnik, 20th - 30th June 2024
A burger by Kenova

But then I’d equally go for Kenova’s “Blue Cheese” burger which is made up of beef, cheddar, BBQ blue cheese sauce, caramelised onions, bacon, iceberg lettuce and pickles. YUM!

A burger by Picnic - mingle&fun, Burger Fest Dubrovnik, 20th - 30th June 2024
Picnic – mingle&fun’s tasty dishes

Zadar will be represented by Picnic – mingle&fun whose specialities include the Blackie burger, the prawn burger, the Snow Burger and the Frenchie burger.

If you love burgers but meat isn’t your thing at all, then you need to try Beg’s Plant Based offerings, made by chef Eduard Beg. For example, his Beg’s Chicky Burger consists of a plant-based brioche bun filled with Amaze Food’s chicken that’s been marinated in agave syrup with tzatziki sauce, fresh cucumbers and iceberg salad.

kDog will be offering something entirely different – American-style corn dogs (a hot dog dipped in batter and deep fried) and and a half hot dog half cheese dish. And they also offer tasty desserts with their brioche filled with soft serve ice cream speciality.

To wash down all this burger goodness, a great range of drinks will be provided Beer&Cocktail Bar and Gingle Bells. And to add to the atmosphere, DJs will be spinning tunes all throughout the festival.

Come down to Lazareti in Dubrovnik to see what the amazingly successful Burger Fest is all about! Entry is free.

Burger Fest
20th – 30th June 2024
Lazareti
Dubrovnik
www.facebook.com/BurgerFestivalHR
www.instagram.com/burgerfestivalhr

Lazareti in Dubrovnik
Lazareti in Dubrovnik

Baioco Olive Oil Production

Meet Istrian-based olive oil producers Baioco

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We’ve recently been in touch with Baioco, the wonderful Istrian olive oil producers who were originally founded as far back as 1918. Read our interview with Baioco to find out more about the company and their production processes, as well as their excellent, award-winning olive oils – and how to sample and buy them!

1. I understand that the company Baioco was founded as far back as 1918, how did it come to exist?

The mill was founded with the aim of forming a cooperative where the farmers could produce their oil. They came to an agreement with a businessman of the time who decided to invest in the cooperative.

Years later the cooperative changed ownership and continued to produce oil in smaller quantities, until years later, in 1997, it passed into the hands of the current directors of Baioco in an interest to revive a tradition that over time was lost. From that moment the mill began to modernise to optimise its processes and the quality of the oil obtained, whilst at the same time preserving tradition and reducing the impact to the environment every year.

Baioco Ester Casita

2. Whereabouts are your wonderful olive groves based?

Our olive trees are located on the Istrian peninsula bathed by the Adriatic Sea in Croatia.

What makes our olive groves different is that they are located on small plots of land surrounded by wild aromatic plants that give our extra virgin olive oils different aromas and flavors. [Visit Croatia note: doesn’t this sound wonderful?!]

Baioco Olive Groves

3. Can you tell us a bit about the process for making your lovely olive oil?

As they are grown in small olive groves surrounded by nature, the olives are harvested by hand so they are not stressed and reach our oil mill without any impact.

Once the olives have arrived at the mill, the fruit is washed with water and the olives are crushed.

The paste that is formed is taken for kneading for approximately 20 minutes, this allows the oil to separate from the paste. This operation is carried out at a controlled temperature of 22-23ºC, obtaining less quantity of oil than with high temperatures, but of optimum quality.

Baioco Olive Oil Production
Baioco Olive Oil Production

Finally, this paste goes to the centrifuge where the oil is completely separated from the paste and is ready for bottling.

It is important to carry out all the processes in the shortest time possible so that the fruit does not oxidize and we obtain a high quality oil. 

At Baioco, the olive goes from being in the tree to being bottled as extra virgin olive oil in only two hours!

4. Tell us a little bit about the awards Baioco’s olive oils have won?

In 2018, Baioco began to enter competitions as we saw it as a form of recognition for all the hard work we had done.

That same year we entered the Flos Olei list, known as the guide to the best extra virgin olive oils in the world. From that moment until now we have remained in the guide every year.

We have also collected several awards, both silver and gold in NYIOOC (New York), AVPA oils of the world (Paris), LIOOC, Best Oils of the World (London) and L’oro del Mediterraneo, (Italy) with the maximum number of gold drops and mentions of excellence, as well as other local competitions in Croatia.

Food

5. How can customers come and taste your oils? (And can they visit the olive groves?)

We have two places where you can taste our extra virgin olive oils.

One is in the center of Vodnjan where we also have our store. For those who are interested in knowing more about the production, in Galizana we have our oil mill and you can enjoy a guided tour and a tasting with more typical products. 

To visit us in Vodnjan, simply drop in. However, if you’d like to visit the olive mill or the olive groves you can make a reservation through the Baioco website or send us an email. 

Our most popular product is our extra virgin olive oil. We have three varieties, two monovarietal and one Cuvèe.

The two monovarietal varieties, Busa and Bianchera, are indigenous to the Istrian Region and are therefore difficult to find in productions from other countries or regions.

Moreover, our extra virgin olive oils are organic and have the protected designation of origin of Istra.

Thank you so much to Celia and Baioco for taking the time to answer our questions, and also for supplying the images seen on this post. We highly recommend that you pay them a visit if you are visiting Istria this summer!

Baioco
www.baioco.eu

Sibenik Spring gastro festival

First Sibenik Spring gastro event opens today

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Sibenik Spring, the first gastronomic street food festival of its kind in the town of Sibenik, starts today until 12th June. Held in the lush green Robert Visiani Park, the festival will be open daily 5pm to 11pm (11am to 11pm on Saturday 12th June), and entry is free. There will be tasty food offerings as well as plenty of live music each day, and even a kids corner provided by Sibenik’s Bubamara.

Sibenik Spring gastro festival

The festival opens today, Tuesday 8th June, with live music from famous Croatian saxophonist Jaksa Jordes accompanied by DJ Kresh. Wednesday 9th June will see DJ Matthew Bee perform, whilst its DJ Bakula’s turn on Thursday 10th June. Friday sees local Sibenik legend DJ Bake senior take to the decks, whilst attendees on Saturday 12th will be entertained by Sibenik saxophonist Chuck Borris, accompanied by DJ PaleolitiKa.

Jaksa Jordes, Sibenik Spring
Jaksa Jordes
DJ Bakula, Šibenik Spring
DJ Bakula
DJ Bake Senior
DJ Bake Senior

But what about the food? There will plenty, all from well known Sibenik restaurants and caterers! Festina Lente Restaurant will be providing guests with a choice of juicy burgers, crispy chicken wings and pulled pork sandwiches. Pjat will have amazing-sounding tuna ceviche tacos and porchetta (pork belly) flat breads. Bistro Pucalina will offer up a feast of items including manistra (a Dalmatian soup/stew dish) with cuttlefish, lamb and desserts such as Sibenik gibanica and Skradin chocolates. Karoca will offer healthy juices, frappes, smoothies and cocktails; Konoba Lola will have traditional Dalmatian platters; whilst pastry shop Yum will be selling all manner of innovative desserts. And if you need something cold to wash down these tasty offerings, there will be Staropramen and Grif beers, Wai hard seltzer, Jamnica, Henricks gin and Thomas Henry mixers, Freixenet and Grasevina Kutjevo wine.

Sibenik Spring food
Dalmatian platter
Grill Sibenik Spring

If you’re in the Sibenik area, come down and sample the sumptuous food on offer as well as the refreshing drinks, enjoy the live music and revel in some open air fun!

Sibenik Spring is organised by the S2 Group, with support from the City of Sibenik, Sibenik Tourist Office and Sibenik-Knin County Tourist Office.

Sibenik Spring
8th – 12th June 2021
Robert Visiani Park
Sibenik Spring on Facebook

Brasserie on 7

Brasserie on 7 in Split Reveals Special Spring Menu

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Split‘s acclaimed Brasserie on 7 restaurant has recently launched a Spring Specials menu featuring some special deals that are sure to tempt many of you to its doors on a future visit to Croatia.

Brasserie on 7
(Credit: Brasserie on 7)

Their All-Day Brunch offer includes freshly brewed coffee or tea paired with one of three breakfast choices – French toast, Eggs Benedict or Acai Bowl – for just 60 Kunas. If you’re eating out a little later in the day, there’s the B7 Lunch Special: a choice of main (either a burger, seafood risotto or chickpea salad), served with a complimentary glass of wine or beer, for just 100 Kunas.

Brasserie on 7 Breakfast
Eggs benedict (Credit: Brasserie on 7)
Brasserie on 7 Lunch
Seafood risotto (Credit: Brasserie on 7)

If you want to treat yourself to something sweet as well, Brasserie on 7 has a delicious patisserie menu to choose from – including their signature B7 cheesecake, gluten-free chocolate fudge cake or carrot cake.

Brasserie on 7 also recently announced the appointment of French-American Alexandre Ange as Executive Chef. Alex is classically trained in French cuisine and, having started his career in New York, has spent the last 12 years working at some of the top restaurants in both France and the U.S. including L’Atelier in Paris, run by Joel Robuchon – holder of the most Michelin stars in the world. He has subsequently worked with some of the world’s best chefs, including Thomas Keller and Philippe Tessier at The French Laundry in California’s Napa Valley, Joshua Skenes at Saison in San Francisco, Daniel Boulud at Restaurant Daniel in New York, as well as Marcus Samuelsson.

Brasserie on 7
(Credit: Brasserie on 7)

Alex has now made the move to Split, together with his family, and has an exciting vision on how to expand and improve on the imaginative and innovative menu that B7 is already famous for. Alex will be introducing subtle changes to the menu, whilst also using the very best produce Croatia has to offer.

Alex says:

“I strongly believe in using local ingredients and supporting Dalmatian producers. My vision is to bring our guests an exceptional and memorable dining experience by introducing a renovative food menu that satisfies the taste bud of local and international guests”.

Brasserie on 7 is owned by business power-duo Korana Bucic and Maria Mustapic. Both born and raised in Australia, they returned to Croatia in 2006 and opened the first registered hostel in Split. They then opened a second hostel, Charlie’s Backpacker’s Bar, Zinfandel Food & Wine and then Brasserie on 7 in its prime Riva location in 2014.

Maria says:

“After such a tough 2020 for the tourism and hospitality industry, I am thrilled to welcome Alex as our new Executive Chef. Sparked with passion for Mediterranean cuisine, we are absolutely delighted that Alex is joining our team, thus helping to further develop our culinary story!“

Korana continues:

“Our goal, as always, is to provide a memorable dining experience for each and every one of our guests. And with the addition of Alex, I am confident that Brasserie will reach new heights”

B7 Split
(Credit: Brasserie on 7)

Brasserie on 7 often takes part in community and humanitarian efforts in Split and the rest of Croatia. During the covid pandemic, both the Brasserie on 7 and Zinfandel restaurants cooked for local health workers. The restaurants also recently joined 300 volunteer chefs in cooking for the citizens of Petrinije, who were affected by the destructive earthquake there in December 2020.

Presently, Brasserie on 7 is open daily from 8am to 6pm (kitchen closes at 4pm).

Brasserie on 7
Obala Hrvatskog Narodnog Preporoda 7
Split 21000
Croatia
brasserieon7.com

Our Stories from Bol - Bol Tourist Board

New initiative from Bol Tourist Board – Our Stories from Bol

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We’re sure that many of you have holidayed on the stunning island of Brac, and plenty of you have also enjoyed visiting or staying in the scenic town of Bol, set on the south side of the island.

Our Stories from Bol - Bol Tourist Board

Perhaps you’d like to ‘revisit’ this dream destination, or find out more if you’ve never been? How about finding out more about organically grown products that you can eat there, or where’s best to buy locally produced goat milk products and extra-virgin olive oil? Maybe you are interested in finding a fishmonger selling freshly caught fish? What about learning which are the best restaurants for enjoying local specialties prepared with wild herbs? Or merely getting lost in holiday daydreaming while listening to beautiful guitar sounds?

Our stories from Bol is a new project by Bol Tourist Board (TZ Bol) that will reveal all of this and more! With an emphasis on unity and support from the local community and the population that has tourism written in their DNA, Bol Tourist Board has brought its locals together to send you a simple message – “See you in Bol!”

These Bol locals send this message to all those who have already visited this beautiful town, as well as to future visitors who will hopefully visit one day soon.

Bol Tourist Board – Our stories from Bol


The Our stories from Bol project focuses on local restaurants, farmers and producers as well as small hotels who are understandably experiencing mixed emotions at the moment – from fear and uncertainty to optimism and trust that the future will be brighter.

Unity is the key to the sharing of an genuine experience of Brac by the citizens of Bol, known as Bolke and Boljani. They wish to share first-hand stories with their guests, stories that cannot otherwise be found in magazines; stories about about irresistible tastes and scents of local food and products, about wild plants and herbs, about an authentic experience of their town and all of its beauty. That means not just referring to the famous Dominican monastery from which you can enjoy a scenic walk to one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Zlatni rat (Golden Horn) or attractive biking trails, but also to the generations of dedicated and hard-working people that make this small town so charming. 

So what are some of the Our Stories from Bol? In the perfectly imperfect video clips and photographs, Franci Marinković from the Pusa restaurant shares his story. As well as his wild herb specialties that are adored by many, he always enchants his guests with singing and guitar playing.

Franci Marinković Risotto
Risotto at Pusa Restaurant

For almost ten years now, Meri Bodlović and her husband have dedicated themselves to organic farming, olive and wine growing on their family farm.

Mirjan and his mother Irena successfully combine farming, production, and catering. Their specialty, Cheese in sugar, can be tasted at their tavern Dišpet.

Dišpet

Nikica Bodlović from the Bodlović family farm proudly talks about olives and the family olive grove, which has 250 olive trees that produce golden drops of their extra-virgin olive oil.

Pravdan Katić, a professional fisherman with 15 years of experience, enthusiastically talks about his job.

And while playing the guitar, Pjerin Jugović sings and plays in the same way that has entertained many tourists over the years.

You can see all the videos in the series on the Bol Tourist Board YouTube channel.

The director of the Bol Tourist Board, Markito Marinković remarks:

“This project aims to engage the local population in active promotion of their town. We would like to introduce our guests to people that will be there for them during their stay in Bol. I believe that this is a winning formula because who can tell the stories of Bol better than its people? This is also an opportunity for Bolke and Boljani to actively participate with their suggestions and engagement in the joint promotion of our Bol.”

This is just the beginning of Bol Tourist Board’s narrative that, over the next few months, will show accounts of their citizens and positive local experiences. Be sure to follow them on social media – on Instagram and Facebook – to see more!

Bol Tourist Board – Our Stories from Bol
www.bol.hr