There are few vegetables that carry as much quiet drama as the artichoke. At first glance, it appears almost defensive—layered in tough, green armour, its tightly packed leaves concealing something tender at the core. Yet that is precisely its charm. The artichoke invites patience, curiosity, and a certain culinary intimacy. To eat one is not to consume it quickly, but to engage with it—leaf by leaf, bite by bite—until you reach its prized heart. Its story begins in myth. Acc

If you are looking for an escape from the city that does not require hours of driving, but only a short journey, the destination Pearl of Zagorje stands out as one of the most interesting discoveries in Croatia’s continental tourism. Located just thirty minutes’ drive from Zagreb, this green oasis perfectly combines nature, culture, gastronomy, and activities for the whole family. It is precisely this proximity to the capital, combined with a feeling of complete detachment fr

The title may seem a little unclear at first. It comes from the end of the workshop “Vrijeme je ZA…” held at HKD Napredak under the sommelier guidance of Darko Lugarić. He asked those present to raise one hand for Malvasia or for the red varieties being presented, in order to see which colour or variety had more supporters. At one moment, we all had both hands in the air—meaning that Bruno Ferenac’s wines are inseparable in terms of quality; in other words, they are all excel

If you want to experience the beauty of the pre-season—sun, sea, and a level of luxury that remains within reach—head to the port of Gaženica in Zadar, board a ferry, and set off for the island of Ugljan. Known as the “green jewel of the Adriatic”, this island has long attracted those seeking peace, authenticity, and nature. In recent months, however, one particular place has been drawing public attention and reshaping perceptions of holidays on Croatian islands—LIOQA Resort.

Although everyone in Istria has their own recipe, in the small village of Bačva near Višnjan they prepare salt cod that is renowned far and wide. In the Stefanov family, cod is prepared just as it once was by mother Milena. From a modest konoba where many would stop by to taste Milena’s creamy fish delicacy, her son Aleksandar Stefanov, together with his wife Luiza, has today built a recognisable brand of premium products made from Norwegian cod—Baccalà della Mamma. In additi

There are restaurants born out of a business plan—and then there are those born from a stubborn love of cooking. The story of Konoba Al Ponte belongs to the latter. When Maja Mikleus Bradičić and Marin Bradičić opened the doors of their konoba in 2018, they had little experience in management, paperwork, or hospitality logistics. What they did have was something else: a clear idea of what they did not want to be. They did not want to be just another fish restaurant like all t

Do you love castles—their history, but also the modern transformations that have turned former fortresses into irresistible museums, galleries, and restaurants? Then don’t miss the first Posavje Castles Festival in our neighbouring region. The festival brings together as many as eight castles in Slovenia, located just a few dozen kilometres from Zagreb and accessible even without a vignette. Everything begins on 10 April at Sevnica Castle with a concert and a night-time tour,

From 7 to 9 April 2026, Croatia hosted the prestigious international wine competition Sauvignon Selection by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles for the very first time. On the final day, 9 April, the international judges travelled to Međimurje, a region that in recent years has been steadily strengthening its identity on the European wine map. Their first stop was Mađerkin Breg, a viewpoint offering sweeping views of the vineyards that shape both the landscape and the character of

The 11th edition of the Olive Festival in Zagreb took place on 28 and 29 March 2026, bringing together numerous experts from the world of olive growing, as well as a wide range of interested visitors. At the Festival, a total of 323 olive oil samples from Croatia, Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and North Macedonia were analysed and evaluated. Awards were presented to producers of the highest-quality oils at a ceremonial dinner held the day before the Fes

At this Tuesday’s promotional wine workshop “Vrijeme je ZA…”, the young winemaker Denis Bužić from Križevci was the featured guest, while in the second part four wines from Puglia were presented by winery owner Francesco Ruscino. I will proceed in the order of tasting, as we first sampled four wines from the Prigorje area around Križevci. Denis Bužić graduated from the Faculty of Agriculture in Zagreb in 2011, becoming an agricultural engineer specialising in what he jokingly

Winemakers and winegrowers of Bregovita Hrvatska are proud to present wines made from more than twenty grape varieties. Alongside single-varietal wines, they also produce blends, predicate wines, and aromatised wines. They take particular pride in the richness of their varieties and wine styles. At BregPremier in Zagreb on 23 March 2026 – a tasting of new wines from Bregovita Hrvatska – they emphasised that they aim to conquer the market not through quantity, but through qual

Due to the exceptional social and identity-related role of rafioli in local communities – a result of the continuous transmission of knowledge and skills in their preparation, both within families and in the public sphere – as well as their remarkable potential as a cultural and tourism symbol and product, a decision has been made to inscribe the craft of preparing filled pastry known as rafioli, rafijoli, ravioli or rafajoli into the Register of Cultural Goods of the Republi

Just one step from the sea and two from the snow lies the Municipality of Vinodol – a charming destination made up of four settlements that tell the story of the Frankopan family, the life and work of Juraj Julije Klović, and a place where the winds of sea and mountain meet. It is also where you will encounter the aroma of Bribir presnac, a traditional savoury “cake” that has been kneaded and baked for centuries in the kitchens of diligent local women. “There was hardly an oc

Historically, the Ferenci/Ferenzi family is mentioned as far back as 1688, when the ancestors of Giulio Ferenac arrived in what is now Istria from the Venetian region. Vine cultivation continued through dozens of generations, and by the late 1980s more serious market-oriented production was initiated by Marčelo (the grandfather) and Giulio (the father) of Marijana Ferenac, who is today increasingly taking care of the winery alongside her father. Marijana Ferenac graduated in

Situated in the unique setting of the Lim Bay, Restaurant Fjord offers an experience that goes beyond a typical lunch or dinner – here, nature, the sea, and gastronomy merge into a seamless and complete story. From the very moment of arrival, it becomes clear what makes this place so special. The Lim Bay, resembling a fjord that cuts deeply into the Istrian landscape, creates an almost surreal backdrop: calm waters, steep green slopes, and a silence broken only occasionally b

The Nofta vineyard and winery are located on Martinkovec Hill in Varaždinske Toplice. Tomislav Nofta’s family has been cultivating vines since the middle of the last century, and around twenty years ago they began planting new vineyards, which over the past five years have expanded to one hectare. Nofta is a small winery with clearly defined priorities. For spouses Daniela and Tomislav, viticulture is more than a hobby yet less than a full-time profession; both are employed a

Baškotini, muštaćoni, maneštre, jota, Grobnik cheese served in both modern and traditional styles, various types of risotto, and fish filled the space of Exportdrvo with enticing aromas on Friday the 13th, where the gastronomic event “Mosaic of Kvarner Flavours – Kvarner at the Table” was ceremoniously opened. This delightful culinary event, which brought together numerous participants and visitors eager to explore the diversity of Kvarner’s culinary heritage and authentic re

At the heart of the Istrian Peninsula lies the town of Tinjan, ideally positioned along an important transport route. In antiquity, it stood on the road connecting the western coast of Istria with Tarsatica, while today it is just a few minutes’ drive from the Istrian Y motorway exit near Pazin. The town proudly preserves its heritage and traditions, and is especially renowned for its exceptional prosciutto—so much so that Tinjan is often referred to as the “Municipality of I

The eleventh edition of VINART Grand Tasting 2026, held on 6 and 7 March 2026 at Lauba in Zagreb, brought together 140 wineries, including 16 from Slavonia and the Croatian Danube region. These wineries are members of the regional association Graševina Croatica and included Adžić Vina, Vino Buhač, Vinarija Danubio, Enosophia, Galić Vina, Iločki podrumi, Vina Jakob, Vina Jakovac, K55 – Vinarija & destilerija, Krauthaker, Vinarija Kutjevo, Vina Markota, Vinarija Perak, Royal Hi

The beautiful Fruška Gora has for years attracted gastronomes eager to experience outstanding cuisine in the midst of unspoilt nature, hidden farmsteads, wineries, and restaurants. If you are among lovers of fine food, Syrmia in Vojvodina—just 350 km from Zagreb and 100 km from Osijek—has much to offer. Here, dishes are crafted at the intersection of tradition and modernity, wineries present excellent local wines, and prices are considerably more accessible than those many vi

The launch of the book Wine Stories: Hrvatsko Zagorje took place on 23 February 2025 at the Hotel Matija Gubec. The project was initiated by Krapina-Zagorje County, which commissioned wine writer Željko Garmaz to document the stories of the region’s most renowned winemakers. The event brought together winemakers featured in the book, as well as representatives of local wine and viticulture associations. The gathering was opened with welcome remarks by County Prefect Željko Ko

In 2008, Lari Juričić and his family decided to prepare predominantly rocky land with brown soil in the village of Bartići, near Labin. They cleared the terrain, mulched it, and planted their first vines: half a hectare of Malvasia and the same amount of Teran. Today, with new plantings, they cultivate around 3.5 hectares (6,000 Malvasia vines, about 4,000 Teran, 3,000 Merlot, 2,000 Chardonnay, and some Muscat Blanc). We learned that they plan to plant an additional two hecta

When you are in Rijeka, you will be greeted by the aromas of maneštra and jota, fish and meat, fritule, kroštule, lamb and fresh vegetables. Here you will eat the finest squid you have ever tasted and discover that even an ordinary pizza seems to have an unusual flavour. In Rijeka you will encounter the famous Rijeka cream slice, enjoy an excellent tiramisu, and—while savouring the delightful chocolate dessert Rigojanči—hear the story of a Roma violinist in love and a recipe

At the XOCOC chocolate shop in Ptuj, you can learn how to make chocolate with pork cracklings! A fantastic experience and great fun. In the heart of Ptuj, the oldest town in Slovenia and the holder of the European Heritage Champion title for 2026, you will find XOCOC. Pronounced Sho-ko, the name belongs to the sweetest place in Ptuj—a small boutique chocolate shop that opened a few years ago and where you can taste and purchase handmade pralines every day. Modern travellers f

After finishing our visit to Veli Brgud, we descended to Rukavac, a settlement situated slightly above the centre of Matulji. It lies on the slopes of Orljak and Beljč and is connected by local roads with Opatija and Jušići, while the Rijeka railway line passes nearby. Rukavac has a strong tradition of bell-ringers and bell-ringing processions during the carnival season, which begins on St Anthony’s Day (17 January) and lasts until Ash Wednesday. The Rukavac bell-ringers wear

Just three hours’ drive from Zagreb, hidden in the heart of Triglav National Park, lies Bohinj – Slovenia’s winter paradise that combines a crystal-clear lake, Alpine peaks and unforgettable nature trails that are fascinating all year round. Triglav National Park protects this magical valley with 84,000 hectares of unspoilt nature – from waterfalls to high-mountain pastures that turn into ski slopes in winter. Bohinj is not overcrowded like some similar destinations – here pe

Lent in Croatia is a culinary mood. For forty days leading up to Easter, kitchens across the country subtly shift rhythm. The meals become simpler, the flavours more restrained, and yet, paradoxically, more inventive. Historically shaped by Catholic fasting rules, which limited meat and animal fat (especially on Ash Wednesday and Fridays), Croatian Lenten cuisine grew out of necessity, seasonality, and deep respect for religious practice. What emerged over centuries is a repe

At Bistro Fotić, right in the very heart of Zagreb (25 Gajeva Street), meals have been lovingly prepared every day for years. Both Zagreb locals and tourists come here to enjoy hearty homemade meat dishes, as well as fish specialities, fine stews and pasta. The bistro was founded and successfully run for many years by the Badrov family of photographers. At the end of last year it changed ownership and is now in the hands of the Khouri family. They do not intend to alter much,

Veli Brgud, a settlement within the Municipality of Matulji, is situated on the north-eastern edge of Ćićarija, in a fertile field framed by higher, hilly terrain. Although the old road and the motorway linking Rijeka with Rupa and Pasjak run close by, the village itself is free from the noise, haste and tension of modern traffic. Here, one can still sense the rhythm of the land and the passing of the seasons. Veli Brgud is known for its distinctive traditional costume and th

Valentine’s Day has long been wrapped in the symbolism of sweetness. From honey-drenched pastries in the Eastern Mediterranean to creamy coconut puddings from the Caribbean, desserts have always been culinary love letters — indulgent, shareable, and occasionally gloriously messy. After all, romance and sugar have something essential in common: both are best enjoyed slowly and preferably with someone who doesn’t mind stealing a bite from your plate. Certain ingredients — pista

The art of preparing Imotska Torta, a ceremonial round cake made from shortcrust pastry with a rich filling and a distinctive crown-shaped decoration, requires specific skills, knowledge and carefully selected ingredients. Imotska Torta is prepared as an expression of identity and as a symbolic culmination of celebrations marking major life events and annual family customs among the inhabitants of the town of Imotski and the wider Imotski region. This part of the Dalmatian hi

For Valentine’s Day, Esplanade Zagreb Hotel presents a special offer that brings together refined experiences and tender romantic moments. On Saturday, 14 February 2026, in the red-lit ambience of Zinfandel’s Restaurant, guests are invited to enjoy a five-course gala dinner accompanied by a welcome glass of sparkling wine, the soft glow of candlelight and romantic piano music. For the occasion, Esplanade’s Chef Ana Grgić Tomić has created a selection of delicacies designed to

Chef Miroslav Janjić, Executive Chef at Keight Hotel Opatija (Curio Collection by Hilton), has received the most prestigious recognition within Hilton’s global network – the 2025 CEO Light & Warmth Award. Selected from more than 800 nominations, Miroslav was chosen as the recipient of Hilton’s highest honour, celebrating exceptional individuals who embody warmth, hospitality and excellence in their everyday work. Through his leadership, Miroslav actively fosters an environmen

In Kastav, gastronomy is not seen as an add-on to the offer, but as its very foundation. Here, cuisine emerges naturally from the landscape, forests and changing seasons, while local chefs do not mechanically reproduce tradition but thoughtfully reinterpret it on the contemporary plate. This very idea lies at the heart of Kastafski obed, a gastronomic initiative that makes local classics more accessible and closer to everyone who experiences Kastav – or is only just discoveri

The gastronomic story on a Slovenian plate is told through compact schnitzels, refined sauces and štruklji. Unlike in Croatia, where štrukle are a dish in their own right, traditionally served in clay pots or in soup, Slovenian štruklji resemble pale, delicate roulades that melt in the mouth as you mix them with sauces and meat. There is hardly a home cook who does not have her own recipe for štruklji (most often passed down from generation to generation), and besides secret

When winter really bares its teeth, and the days grow so short that lunch and dinner begin to resemble one another, sauerkraut steps onto the stage. It isn’t glamorous, it doesn’t smell of fine dining, and it rarely ends up on Instagram — but it knows the most important thing: how to warm you, feed you, and restore faith in simple cooking. In a pot of cabbage there is no pretence — only a slow flame, a little patience, and dishes that have survived far harsher winters than ou

In Egypt, dates are never just dates. They are history you can snack on, hospitality you can hold in your palm, and a reminder that some ingredients come with a biography longer than most civilizations. With its sun-soaked climate, fertile Nile Valley, and millennia of agricultural know-how, Egypt has become one of the world’s leading producers of dates. From Pharaonic times to modern iftar tables during Ramadan, dates have marked moments of nourishment, welcome, and ritual.

Tanja Rebolj, a former professional soldier who swapped her uniform for a basket of herbs, now creates world-renowned liqueurs from as many as 300 medicinal plants grown in the unspoilt nature of Zgornje Jezersko. Mučenik, Brisalec Spomina, Koroški Antigripin, Jaga Baba – these unique liqueurs are crafted according to secret recipes that Tanja has been developing for 20 years, transforming alpine flora into her brand and into irresistible drinks and souvenirs that captivate n

World Cheese Awards The World Cheese Awards is one of the most prestigious and influential international competitions dedicated to cheese, bringing together producers, experts, and enthusiasts from around the globe each year. Hosting this renowned event in Bern in November 2025 further emphasised its international character and highlighted Switzerland’s importance as a country with a strong cheese-making tradition, knowledge, and quality. Thousands of cheeses from dozens of c

Our search for stuffed pigeon in Cairo began with mild confidence and ended, several hours later, with a kind of amused humility. “Hamam mahshi?” we asked eagerly, pronouncing it with the optimism of people who had clearly practiced the phrase too many times in advance. Taxi drivers nodded politely, waiters smiled encouragingly, and several menus seemed to promise everything except the one dish we were after. At one point, a well-meaning local assured us that yes, pigeons exi

One of Europe’s most popular national parks and a Croatian gem long proclaimed by both domestic and international visitors as a “paradise on earth”, Plitvice Lakes National Park has these days put on its winter attire. The cascades are partially frozen, the walkways await a blanket of snow, and from the restaurants wafts the aroma of food that awakens all the senses. The gastronomy of Plitvice Lakes National Park is so distinctive that it attracts a growing number of food lov

Koshary is Egypt’s most iconic comfort food, a hearty vegetarian dish built from a base of rice, lentils and macaroni, generously crowned with a spiced tomato sauce, chickpeas and crisp fried onions, and often personalised with garlic vinegar and flaming hot sauce. It is so ubiquitous that it feels woven into the very fabric of Egyptian urban life, served from humble street carts to bustling corner eateries throughout Cairo and beyond. At its best, koshary is much more than a

In Zagreb, at the Czech House, one of Serbia’s most significant wineries, owned by Božidar Aleksandrović, was presented. The winery is located in the village of Vinča in the Šumadija region. Those attending the presentation included winemaker Božo Aleksandrović, Jelisaveta Aleksandrović, Marketing Director, and Uroš Kostić, Sales Director. More on the presentation itself follows later in the text. That region, with the town of Topola at its centre, was an important hub of Ser

If you would like to experience Advent in a slightly different way—without crowds, queues for fritters, or jostling for the perfect photo—set off for Srijem. The easternmost region of Croatia, just over two hours’ drive from Zagreb, lives the festive season in its own distinctive way. Here, tradition and modern life intertwine; everything smells of grandmother’s cakes, Christmas songs fill the air, and both villages and towns breathe in the rhythm of the holidays. Christmas i

“Istrian Sheep’s Cheese” has been granted European Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, as announced by the European Commission in the Official Journal of the European Union on 10 December 2025. With this decision, the product name has been entered into the register of geographical indications for agricultural products and is protected across the entire European Union. The EU Protected Designation of Origin logo displayed on the packaging guarantees consumers that th

In the very heart of Zagreb, on one of the city’s most distinctive streets, at Radićeva 11, Dr. Pigley Food Clinique has opened its doors — a new gastronomic address that brings together tradition, contemporaneity, and a genuine passion for top-quality, locally sourced products. This recognisable Croatian brand, present on the market for over 20 years and best known for its production of pork cracklings, lard, and crackling-based products, now introduces a concept that goes b

Roger Moore and Pierce Brosnan, two actors who famously portrayed James Bond, both enjoyed stays at Hotel Grad Otočec, a castle hotel built in the 13th century on a small island in the River Krka near Novo Mesto, halfway between Zagreb and Ljubljana. Among its distinguished guests over the years have also been actors Henry and Peter Fonda and Matthew Perry, statesmen Nikita Khrushchev and Josip Broz Tito with Jovanka Broz, King Harald V of Norway with Queen Sonja, as well as

If you would like to experience Advent in a slightly different way, here is an idea: choose destinations close to large cities, bustle, and glitter, yet hidden in the peace and beauty of nature and carefully chosen company. Welcome to Ugljan Island—the green pearl of the Zadar archipelago and an ideal year-round escape. Even now, during the coldest part of the year, when fog and low temperatures dominate the mainland, the island offers contemporary travellers a mild climate,

The first Sunday of Advent has been marked, and in keeping with the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath, many cities and destinations have dressed themselves in festive attire, transforming into fairytale settings waiting to be experienced. One of the most popular festive “fairytales” in Slovenia took place this weekend in Bled, a destination just 140 kilometres from Zagreb and one of our neighbours’ most famous and visited tourist locations. Many travel lovers

The final “Wine by the Spoon” event of the year, now in its 28th edition, was held on Zagreb’s very own sea – Lake Jarun – at the restaurant Mala riba. There, just as in the Adriatic Sea, the young manager Karla Mikičić navigates brilliantly. Fourteen years ago, her family, together with the Nikolac family, opened the tavern of the same name in Matulji near Opatija. The business in Matulji is running smoothly, so they decided to expand to Zagreb, where, since opening in June,