We caught up Jorg Zupan & Matjaž Zagradišnik after an amazing Valentine’s Day edition of Chef’s Night at Cattaro Hotel. The Slovenian chef and wine professional shared their thoughts on dining, fine wine and what it was like to visit Kotor and Cattaro Hotel.

What was your first impression of Kotor when you arrived in preparation of Chef’s Night? Your first impression of Cattaro Hotel?

JZ: My first impression of Kotor was that it’s a gorgeous city, especially the Old Town, which is truly something special – with walls, squares, the church and the fortress. Cattaro Hotel is also very beautiful and I really like the theme of maritime paintings which decorate the halls and rooms.

MZ: When you’re driving on the road to Kotor, one thinks “wow”, and with every kilometer it becomes more and more interesting. When you arrive to Kotor and see that super beautiful place surrounded by hills filled with history, you’re left simply without words – it’s very beautiful. Honestly, Cattaro Hotel surprised me with how much you feel the history in this place – it’s unbelievable. I like the design, the position, the rooms are incredible and you feel as if you’re in a palace of some sort.

How much is atmosphere important for a good meal? What do you believe to be the most important details for a good meal?

JZ: The most important details for a good meal are the ingredients and foodstuffs. The cooking techniques follow next… but without the highest quality ingredients, there are no highest-quality meals.

What is your favorite dish- and where have you eaten your finest meal?

JZ: I think that the best dish doesn’t exist… perfection doesn’t exist!

What do you consider to be good wine?

MZ: If you ask me, there is no bad wine. All wine is good, it’s only a matter of personal taste. For me, personally, good wine is that which has not been experimented upon by the winery. Instead it’s clean, genuine wine that must be honored.

What are your three favorite varieties of wine?

MZ: My favorite wine… hmm… there are many of them. I love wine from Clai Winery in the Croatian region of Istria. Also, Carolina White from Jakončič Winery and for a sparkling wine, Bjana Rose from the Gorizia Hills.

How do you see the future of food? Or which new trends in fine dining will be even bigger in the next few years?

JZ: I think that this trend of “natural” food and the concept of “less is more” stayed with us for a long time, which makes a lot of sense. Molecular gastronomy was like a wave that came, added some useful techniques to the craft and left. But fermentation, investments, local ingredients and the relationship with the people who carry these foodstuffs (butchers, fishmongers and farmers…), that’s something that makes a lot of sense. It will last much longer than any trend.

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Join us on Thursday, the 14th day of February, 2019 at Historic Boutique Hotel Cattaro for the third edition of our Chef’s Night fine dining series.

This time we have the pleasure of welcoming one of the most remarkable young chefs in the region, Jorg Zupan. Jorg is head chef of ATELJE restaurant and bar at Hotel Union in Ljubljana. He visits along with Matjaž Zagradišnik, a representative of the country’s celebrated Jakončić Winery.

Chef’s Night with Jorg Zupan and Matjaž Zagradišnik

14 February, 2019 at 8 pm

Bring a friend, a romantic partner or spouse for a special 3-hour, 5-course dinner, expertly paired with 5 exceptional wines.

The meal will offer a lovely combination of traditional and modern Slovenian cuisine.

Each wine is from Slovenia, specifically Jakončić Winery, a famous winemaking region spanning western Slovenia and northeastern Italy. One of the winery’s most recent notable achievements was the naming of their Carolina Red wine among Decanter’s list of the 10 best wines in the region. This award-winning wine is one of the wine pairing selections for the evening.

Cattaro Hotel’s own head chef, Bojan Fržović, will provide support.

The Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu

Welcome Drink: Monogram, a quince liqueur

Course 1: Trout from Lake Bohinj, Jerusalem Artichokes (also known as Sunchokes), Pork Cracklings and Pumpkin Oil.
Pairing: Rebula Jakončić / Jakončić Winery, Gorizia Hills, Slovenia, Rebula 100%

Course 2: Veal Tongue with Beetroot, Mushroom Sauce and Dashi.
Pairing: Carolina Pinot Noir / Carolina Jakončić, Slovenia, Pinot Noir 100%

Course 3: Scallops, Polenta Trdinka and Lobster Bisque.
Pairing: Carolina White / Jakončić Winery, Gorizia Hills, Slovenia, Chardonnay 60%, Rebula 35%, Pikolit 5%

Course 4: Lamb Sirloin Chuck served in a 48 hour Mediterranean Marinade and baked for 7 hours in a vacuum of Sea Salt.
Pairing: Carolina Red / Carolina Jakončić, Slovenia, Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 5%.

Course 5: “Rubber Knot” – Buckwheat Cake with Macchiato, Hazelnut Ice Cream and Lemon.
Pairing: Mosaic Sparkling Wine / Jakončić Winery, Gorizia Hills, Slovenia, Rebula 100%

Read Cattaro Magazine or follow us on social media for event updates and announcements for upcoming events.

Dinner is 40€ per person.

Space is limited; advance reservations are required.

To book a reservation or to request additional information, please contact Cattaro Hotel:

Phone 1: + 38232311000
Phone 2: +38267209847
Email: cattarohotel@t-com.me

The post The Chef’s Night Valentine’s Day Edition with Chef Jorg Zupan appeared first on Cattaro Hotel.

Will you be joining us?

Chef’s Night with Mate Janković

December 14, 2018 at 8 pm

The second evening of our Chef’s Night series features renowned Croatian chef, Mate Janković. Mate was a finalist on the first season of MasterChef Croatia, a jury member of “Jedan, Dva, Tri – Kuvaj” (“One, Two, Three – Cook”) and creator of the celebrated cult cookbook, “Hrvatska Kuharica” (“The Croatian Cook”). 

Cattaro Hotel’s own Chef Bojan Fržović will provide support for the five course, fine wine meal.

Wine will be provided by RUSTORG’s PREMIUM line, and the meals and wines have been expertly paired by Dalibor Dado Marković and Nenad Bantulić.

The Menu

Welcome Drink: Cocktail Grand Premium by Vodka Kremlin

Course #1: Marinated Tuna with an Onion Bow, and Sesame Cracker and Smoked Oil. Wine Pairing: Pošip, Winery Korta Katarina, Croatia.

Course #2: Lukewarm Soup with Panna Cotta and Caramelized, Flowered Cauliflower and a Sauce of Mediterranean Spices with Incunas. Wine Pairing: Riesling, Winery Nikolaihof, Austria.

Course #3: Pork Arancini with a Concentrated Onion Liquid Center, Potato Cream with Horseradish and Glazed Vegetables. Wine Pairing: Kardaš Limited, Winery Aleksić, Serbia, 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Course #4: Warm Ham of Veal Fillet on Cream of Smoked Cheese and Celery with a Dish and Vegetable Basket. Wine Pairing: Carolina Red, Carolina Jakončić, Slovenia, Cabernet Sauvignon 75%, Merlot 20%, Cabernet Franc 5%.

Course #5: Baklava with Cranberries. Wine Pairing: Yellow Muscat, Winery Bodren, Zagorje, Croatia.

Read Cattaro Magazine or follow us on social media for future updates on these events.

Dinner is 40€ per person.
Space is limited; advance reservations are required.

To book a reservation or to request additional information, please contact Cattaro Hotel:
Phone 1: + 38232311000

Phone 2: +38267217084

Email: cattarohotel@t-com.me

The post Chef’s Night, Edition 2 with Mate Janković appeared first on Cattaro Hotel.

Food and wine lovers, we are proud and excited to present to you our upcoming “Chef’s Night” dining series. One of the finest chefs in the region is coming to Cattaro Hotel to take us on a journey of the senses.

Will you be joining us?

“Chef’s Night with Ivan Pažanin”

November 23, 2018 at 8 pm

The first evening of the series features Chef Ivan Pažanin, one of Croatia’s best. In addition to being an accomplished chef, Ivan is a celebrated television star, appearing on MasterChef Croatia. We cannot wait to host this bright, young culinary expert at Cattaro Hotel.

Enjoy the menu…

Welcome Wine: REGINA Cabernet Sauvignon 100% – Plantaže, Montenegro

Codfish paté | Crnogorska Malvazija: Malvasia Aromatica 100%, 13% alcohol – Plantaže, Montenegro

Black risotto with smoked seafood | Pro Anima Pinot Blanc: Pinot Blanc 100%, 13.8% alcohol – Plantaže, Montenegro

Angler medallions with straw salsa and smoked mussels | Luča 2015: Pinot Blanc 35%,  Sauvignon 35%, Chardonnay 30%, 14% alcohol – Plantaže, Montenegro

Veal cheeks with spruce and mushrooms, on pumpkin and chestnut purée | Vladika: Vranac 80%, Cabernet Sauvignon 10%, Merlot 10%, 14.7 alcohol – Plantaže, Montenegro

Carrot cake overflow with chocolate | Medun: Vranac 100%, 15.4% alcohol – Plantaže, Montenegro

Read Cattaro Magazine or follow us on social media for future updates on these events.

Dinner is 40€ per person.

Space is limited; advance reservations are required.

To book a reservation or to request additional information, please contact Cattaro Hotel:

Phone 1: + 38232311000

Phone 2: +38267217084

Email: cattarohotel@t-com.me

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