Memories

Lenten dishes in Croatia

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

Vedran Obućina

2 days ago3 min read

Sweet Seductions: Romantic Desserts to Celebrate St Valentine’s Day

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

Ahmed M.M. Saleh

Feb 105 min read

Valentine's Day in Esplanade

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

Tomislav Radić

Feb 93 min read

With Cabbage Around the World

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

Vedran Obućina

Jan 276 min read

Lika's Lunch in NP Pltivička Jezera

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

Alma Premerl Zoko

Jan 25 min read

Christmas in Srijem 2025: Nijemci and Vinkovci offer a holiday magic

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

Alma Premerl Zoko

Dec 27, 20253 min read

Winter Garden in Preko

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,

Alma Premerl Zoko

Dec 22, 20255 min read

Gifterija- a place where gifts are made with story and emotion

Giving – a little magic woven into big moments that always fill us with joy. Whether we are opening boxes and admiring their contents or carefully choosing gifts for the people we love, eagerly anticipating their reactions as they lift the lids, giving is one of the ways we connect with those dear to us. It is an expression of feeling and a creation of memories that last. It was precisely this mission that guided Iva Špalj, the founder of the Croatian brand Gifterija, whose g

Alma Premerl Zoko

Dec 8, 20253 min read

Keight Hotel Opatija - Modern Oasis of Kvarner Riviera

Opatija is one of the most beautiful destinations on the Adriatic, a town with a rich history and a continuous tradition of tourism dating back to 1884. Situated along the Kvarner Bay, Opatija entices visitors with its Belle Époque architecture, lush parks, and promenades such as the famous Franz Joseph lungomare. This town is an ideal year-round destination, and November 2025 will be marked by not one, but two captivating stories – the beginning of the month will celebrate t

Alma Premerl Zoko

Nov 28, 20253 min read

Autumn in Zagorje

Autumn in Zagorje – is there anything better for a wonderful weekend escape or a perfect family day trip? If you visit the Biser Zagorja (Pearl of Zagorje) destination and focus on its three uniquely radiant “pearls”, the answer will be a resounding no. This is especially true if you live in Zagreb County, which meets Krapina-Zagorje County precisely in this area. The Biser Zagorja destination is located in the western part of the Croatian Zagorje region and encompasses Velik

Alma Premerl Zoko

Nov 14, 20255 min read

Discover the Secrets of Green Međimurje

If you’re looking to experience something truly special this autumn — a memorable weekend in the heart of continental Croatia — let your journey lead you to Međimurje. This beautiful region, nestled between the Mura and Drava rivers, proudly preserves a rich tradition and cultural heritage that forms part of both Croatian and global patrimony. Often affectionately called the “Green Međimurje”, the name will make perfect sense once you begin to explore. Even when it rains, the

Alma Premerl Zoko

Oct 20, 20255 min read