We are now the ‘go to’ website for anyone looking for books set firmly in their holiday destination. We feature thousands of books by thousands of authors set in 1,800+ global locations – countries, regions, resorts, and cities. You can search by location and then drill down further by author or by genre. You are almost certain to find a book that whets your appetite – wherever in the world you are heading.
Slovenia is a country rich in its literary heritage. Drago Jančar is the most celebrated author in contemporary Slovenian drama and fiction, and his surreal, postmodern works have granted him a considerable following internationally. Jančar’s most critically acclaimed and masterful work is considered to be The Galley Slave. Chronicling the exploits and adventurous escapades of Johan Ot in his desperate attempts to escape the devout fanatics of the Inquisition. Jančar’s narrative, although experimental and poetically free flowing, is rooted in the concrete history and mythology of Central Europe.
Inspired by the modern works of Proust, Woolf and Kafka, Lojze Kovacic has erected a powerful Slovenian voice in the modern literary canon. His works articulate the limits of the human condition in an introspective and highly philosophical manner, whilst also exploring the morality of wartime.
Vitomil Zupan’s Minuet for Guitar is a complex narrative consisting of two interwoven strands in the life of a character named Berk. The recreated memories of his time spent as a guerrilla soldier in military service during WWII are juxtaposed with a meeting with a near-forgotten adversary whom he encounters during a holiday in Western Europe.
These are just three of the Slovenian writers who are very much worth exploring. Others include Vlado Žabot and Andrej Blatnik.
To find out more about Slovenian literature, visit the TripFiction site and search on Slovenia – or access our curated listing of Five Great Books set in Slovenia.
Happy reading!
]]>If you were to go on a culinary journey around Slovenia, you’ll soon notice the gastronomic influences from its neighbouring countries: Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Pasta dishes, gnocchi, and risottos from Italy; sausage, schnitzel, and strudel from Austria; goulash and stuffed paprikas from Hungary; seafood and other Mediterranean dishes from Croatia. We’re just skimming the surface here.
With its rich food offer, Slovenia enables you to taste various dishes that are typical of as many as 24 culinary regions. Some dishes can be eaten at restaurants across the country while others are exclusively reserved for their place of origin. You can also very conveniently discover a variety of Slovene foods right in Ljubljana and Bled.
Here are some of the most popular and symbolic Slovenian foods.
Top Slovenian Foods & Dishes (including desserts)
Kranjska klobasa (Carniolian Sausage)
Carniolan sausage is the best known Slovenian food in the world, apart from ‘potica’ and ‘štruklji’. Well, not only has it been around since 1896, the European Commission gave it the Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) seal in 2015, and it’s also the first sausage to have entered space! Kranjska sausage gets its name from the region of Carniola, a former duchy of the Austria Empire, where it originated. It is smoked and must be prepared using exact portions of pork (68%), beef (12%), and bacon (20%). It’s usually boiled, grilled, or fried, and served with a variety of accompaniments, including sour cabbage, potatoes and mustard.
Kraški pršut (Karst Prociutto)
‘Kraški pršut’ (Karst cured ham or prosciutto) is another very famous Slovenian food. It is typical of the Karst region in Slovenia and is also a product of Protected Geographical Indication. There’s a centuries-old tradition to it, of salting and drying meat with the help of the strong bora wind, locally called ‘burja’. It is prized for its excellent flavour and texture, and goes perfectly well with Teran, the region’s equally prized red wine.
Štruklji (Curd Cheese Dumplings)
‘Štruklji’ are another traditional Slovenian food that’s known all over Slovenia and even among international food enthusiasts. They’re made from different kinds of dough, with a diverse range of fillings, baked or boiled, sweet or savoury. The best known variations are with curd cheese, tarragon, walnut, or poppy seed fillings.
Idrijski žlikrofi (Idrija Dumplings)
These traditional Slovenian dumplings from the town of Idrija are a ravioli-type dish with potato filling. You’ll easily recognise them via their distinctive shape. The recipe dates back to the mid-19th century, yet they remain one of the most popular Slovenian dishes. They also gained protected geographical status in 2010.
Jota (Yota)
Stews might be found in quite a few countries, but the Slovenes consider their ‘Jota‘ to be something truly special as it varies according to region and season. This thick, hearty soup is prepared using turnip, beans, onions, and sometimes smoked pork ribs. And speaking of regional variations, in Istria (southwest Slovenia) the stew contains sour cabbage (‘kislo zelje’) rather than turnip, and doesn’t include potatoes. In other areas, other local vegetables and sometimes barley are added.
Žganci (Mush)
‘Žganci’ are one of the simplest and most popular Slovenian foods, that also varies according to region. Potato ‘žganci’ are typical of Prekmurje and Pohorje in the northeast of Slovenia, while buckwheat ‘žganci’—made from buckwheat flour, water, salt, and oil—are common in Gorenjska (northwest Slovenia). They often come topped with pork crackling (‘ocvirki’), which add a nice meaty touch to this meal.
Pražen krompir (Sautéed Potatoes with Onion)
‘Tenstan’ or ‘pražen krompir’ are the most popular version of a potato dish in Slovenia. Potatoes are boiled and then fried together with onions, making them the perfect side dish for most meat specialties. Here again, you might even find the addition of pork crackling. Pražen krompir became such a hit in Slovenia that a society was formed in Ljubljana in 2002 to promote and safeguard their reputation.
Potica (Potizza or Nut Roll)
‘Potica‘ is the most symbolic dessert of Slovenia. It’s made of dough to form a roulade-like or roly-poly shape. There are around 80 known types of fillings, but the most popular are tarragon (‘pehtran’), walnuts, cracknels (‘ocvirki’), and poppy seeds. Potica is mostly popular during festive seasons such as Christmas and Easter time.
Prekmurska gibanica (Prekmurje Layered Cake)
This dessert from Prekmurje gained its fame due to its multi-layered composition, not to mention its amusing name which translates to ‘Moving cake from Prekmurje’. Prekmurska Gibanica is also protected so it can only be made according to certain standards with ingredients of specific quantities. So a certain amount of poppy seeds, curd cheese, walnuts and apples.
Kremna rezina or Blejska kremšnita (Bled Cream Cake)
Bled Cream Cake is the dessert that Bled or Lake Bled is famous for. In other words, you won’t leave Bled without seeing or hearing about what the locals refer to as kremna rezina or more colloquially as kremšnita, a cube-shaped vanilla custard and chantilly centre sandwiched between two layers of puff pastry and a sugar dusting on top.
Jabolčni štrudelj (Apple Strudel)
Apple strudel is a dessert that you’ll come across more often in Slovenia’s Alpine regions, as it originates from Austria. It’s a flaky puff pastry dusted with an icing sugar coating filled with a juicy apple filling that usually contains cinnamon. The recipe varies from house to house, so you’ll never find two versions that are exactly the same.
Where to Taste Traditional Slovenian Food
Are you hungry for some heartwarming, traditional Slovenian food? We’re pretty sure you are. How about trying them out at one of Slovenia’s traditional restaurants. Or you could go on a food walk or food tour of Ljubljana and Bled, during which you’ll get some cool details about Slovene cuisine from your guide. And don’t forget! Slovenia is also well known for its wines, so if you would like to get a genuine experience with local food and wine, check out Wine Tours Slovenia.
You may also enjoy a variety of foods by visiting the many food-themed events that take place around the country throughout the year. We wish you bon appétit, or ‘dober tek’ as we say in Slovenia!
]]>But with a bit of common sense and some careful planning, travelling can be an extremely safe and rewarding experience. Here are five basic tips that will make it more difficult for those with ill intent to target you when travelling:
Prepare for your trip
Travel guidebooks, forums and other online resources offer plenty of information on threats to look out for at most destinations. It’s a good idea to look up neighborhoods to avoid, common scams and dangers, as well as how to get from the airport to your hotel, office and other important destinations.
Stay aware and alert
Situational awareness is key to safety no matter where you are. You can’t defend yourself against a danger you didn’t see coming. Paying attention to what is happening around you might help you spot someone following you, potential pick pockets or simply help you avoid getting run over by a car. So leave your earphones at home and your phone in your (inside) pocket and enjoy your surroundings while staying alert!
Don’t look like easy prey
The more you stand out, the more likely you will be spotted as potential prey. Leave your jewelry and expensive designer bag at home and favor practical, comfortable clothes when walking around. Also, when you need to check the map for directions, try to go into a store so as not to attract too much attention. Remember that individuals with ill intent might look for what they perceive to be an easy target, so look confident and blend in with the crowd!
Understand your environment
As soon as you arrive at an unfamiliar destination, sit down and observe the streets to establish what is known as a “baseline” which allows you to understand the typical scene in the streets, such as the sounds and behaviors. This practice helps you to blend in better and detect anomalies or potential threats.
Cultural awareness–knowing what is ok and what is not in a specific environment–will also help you get respect from locals and keep you from coming across as rude or disrespectful.
Know how to defend yourself
Learning basics of personal safety, such as how to stay away from danger, how to defend yourself when necessary and how to get away when possible will make you familiar with potential situations you might face. And it will also make you more confident and therefore less of a potential target.
Effective self-defense shouldn’t be complicated and builds on your natural reflexes. But some key concepts are important to know, especially if you are travelling with your family, and running away might not be an option. Remember though that the #1 tip in a dangerous situation is always to try to get away from danger, even if it means parting with some personal belongings.
Tool for personal safety
One of the tools often used for personal safety is a tactical flashlight. It is a practical, compact tool that can be carried everywhere, will help you check your surroundings, blind your opponent and attract attention if you need help. Or, failing everything else, it will be incredibly painful when used properly as a weapon.
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Prepared by The Wise Traveller
The Wise Traveller offers a unique travel subscription full of exclusive products & services! Created for travellers we have curated a unique and customised catalogue of travel perks. From great annual travel insurance to discounts & exclusive products.
]]>We are Maction Planet Tokyo and Japan Tours, and our goal is to help you make delicious memories during your travels to Tokyo and beyond! We will show you places locals cherish for an off-the-beaten-path, foodie experience of daily life in Japan that you won’t soon forget.
Maction Planet started as a one-man show in February 2017, but quickly expanded. Out of our founder’s passion for helping visitors to Japan have a unique, exceptional experience blossomed a team of people completely aligned with the mission to showcase Japan’s history, culture, and of course, food! We now have over 270 5-star testimonials on TripAdvisor, and we are honoured to be go-to partners for Tokyo’s top hotels, the world’s most discerning travel agents and more.
Japan is an incredible country bursting with local delights and unique culinary exploits you won’t find anywhere else. In fact, in December 2013 Japanese cuisine was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Exploring this fascinating place doesn’t just involve visiting its most famous sites and natural wonders. It also includes tasting its culture, and the best place to start is in the capital city of Tokyo, a melting pot of Japanese and global gastronomy.
Through partnering with us on your food adventure, you’ll maximize your time and experience and treat your taste buds to boot. Our tours take you through the most authentic joints in town where you can taste the best of Japan. No prior research needed – all you have to do is show up hungry and curious. Along the way, you’ll learn more about the food, manners, culture, and insider’s info of the unique places that we visit. Not only will you taste inspiring food, but you’ll also get to hear inspiring stories from professional foodies.
Mac, Founder and Lead Guide of Maction Planet, with guests on a Private Tokyo Food Tour
Your food tour guides are avid foodies and proper culinary connoisseurs. All of our guides speak English, and they are also either natives or long-term residents who are happy to answer your questions. They’ll share their knowledge of the place and throw in some juicy facts about what’s on your plate or in your glass. We are dedicated to giving you an experience that will be a fun and unforgettable part of your trip to Japan. In addition to an overview of the extensive dining scene and amusing tales, your guide will gladly recommend other interesting venues that would otherwise go unseen, undrunk, and untasted.
At the end of the day, the main ingredients of any great gastronomical adventure are people and culture. Japan is home to an amazing blend of both. Join us and experience why Tokyo is the World’s Greatest Foodopolis.
Food tours: Maction Planet’s Tokyo Food Tours are a genuinely unique experience. We are constantly reinventing ourselves as more and more groups go to the same department stores and tourist stomping grounds. Instead, we take you off the beaten path to explore untouched areas of this great city. Unlike others, we are not formally affiliated with any establishments. We do not take commissions from any bars or restaurants that you will visit on any Maction Planet Tokyo Tour. We visit places based on your requests and desires, and we welcome the chance to open up the city’s historic food culture to you. In addition to English and Japanese, we can also run food tours in Russian and Chinese.
Cooking Classes: Maction Planet offers private, intimate cooking classes in Tokyo and Kyoto. Learn how to chop, cook, and serve like a master chef. Not only are our classes a fun, unique experience during your holiday, but learning from our professional instructors allows you to grasp the key culinary skills in Japanese cooking so you can make easy, healthy, delicious food.
Craft Beer: Tokyo has seen a huge explosion in craft beer over the last 10 years. In addition to an increase in imports from overseas, the number of Japanese breweries has boomed. The country’s beer is finally fulfilling the potential that has been brewing (pun intended) since the beer laws were relaxed here in 1994. With so many choices, we have curated a selection of the finest breweries and bars for our Tokyo Craft Beer Tours.
Enjoy unique access to some of Tokyo’s most local bars with Maction Planet
Whisky: Japanese whisky is regularly voted as some of the best in the world. On our Tokyo Whisky Tours, you combine the flavours of Japanese whisky with a guided adventure through local backstreets, historic traditions, and soaring sights – giving a real feel for the life and history of the city and beyond.
Sake: Sake is one of the true signature products from the Land of the Rising Sun. Experience this most Japanese of drinks with our Tokyo Sake Tastings, Tour and Experiences. Come with us on a journey through Japanese culture as you experience the diverse and surprising world of sake here on its home turf. If you want to try a number of sakes and learn about the diversity of styles and taste, you’ve come to the right place. We have intimate knowledge of the bars, izakayas, and specialist sake-ya that have the best sake selections in the city. For those wishing to dig deeper into the craft, we can arrange evenings with licensed sake sommeliers.
Shochu: Shochu is Japan’s indigenous spirit. Shochu consumption in Japan comes second only to beer in the battle for the title of “Most Popular Alcoholic Drink.” That’s right – it outsells sake (“nihonshu.” as it is known here). Maction Planet works with Christopher Pelligrini, author of The Shochu Handbook and one the world’s foremost authorities on the drink, to introduce one of Japan’s best kept secrets to the world.
For those who want to cast their net wider, we have worked with Christopher Pellegrini, to develop a specially-curated program of sake, shochu, and craft beer to allow you to sample the full spectrum of Japan’s alcoholic bounty.
… and of course we should mention Japan’s growing wine industry!
Unlike other more compartmentalised food tours, we can seamlessly integrate visits to Tokyo’s most interesting eateries around your fully customised itinerary. Enjoy great food around a Japanese baseball game or an FC Tokyo football match. Take your tribe to the best family-friendly restaurants. Sample shochu and food pairings with the world’s only dual-certified shochu sommelier. With Maction Planet, everything is bespoke so all of the above can be intermixed and tailored to your own personal preferences alongside history, culture, photography, art, karaoke and more!
Head over to our website now and email us at [email protected] to book your own foodie adventure. Itadakimasu!
]]>A bit about Spanish cuisine
Spanish cuisine is so diverse from region to region, as each part of the country has its own dishes that mark the uniqueness of its history and heritage. The Spanish utilize the best of the local ingredients at hand, whether they be fresh, seasonal produce, seafood from the Mediterranean and Atlantic, or meat from the interior of the country. However, there are many dishes and tapas that every Spaniard can agree upon that make up the heart of the country’s cuisine, some of which are selected here.
Paella
Without a doubt, the first dish that you need to try is Spain’s national dish, paella. This savory rice dish is full of flavor and features some of the best local ingredients around. While there are many varieties, the original recipe, paella valenciana, is by far the most popular. This version includes chicken, rabbit, and vegetables, and is quite hearty. However, there are paella recipes for all tastes, as this dish can also contain any number of vegetables, seafood, or meats.
Spanish ham
There’s no way we can talk about Spanish cuisine and not mention Spanish ham! Jamón ibérico is the king of Spanish hams, with a buttery texture that almost seems to melt in your mouth. It’s best eaten as is, in paper-thin slices straight from the ham leg. However, Spanish ham also tastes delicious when paired with Spanish cheese, Spanish tomato bread, or on a baguette to fill in a sandwich.
Croquetas
Croquetas are one of the most popular tapas in Spain since they are easy to share, can be eaten in just a few bites, and are absolutely delicious. These little bites are filled with ingredients like Spanish ham, chicken, or vegetables, mixed with bechamel sauce, and then fried until golden and crispy. They are one of the ultimate comfort foods since they are crunchy, salty, and definitely hit the spot when you’re craving something fried. Want to try some of the best? Join Food Lover Tour on an amazing food adventure and you can sample some of our favorites!
Gazpacho
A healthier alternative, but still amazingly flavorful, is gazpacho. Mostly a summertime specialty, this chilled tomato soup is light, refreshing, and quite delicious for how simple it is. Spain is known to have intensely hot summers, so cooling down with a cold bowl of gazpacho is one surefire way to beat the heat. It’s also a tasty way to get in a couple servings of veggies, since this soup is packed with tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers!
Tortilla de patatas
Tortilla de patatas, or Spanish omelet, is a dish that every Spaniard says that their mother prepares the best. This omelet is filled with fried potatoes and cooked until golden on the outside, resulting in the most delicious, comforting egg dish you will ever try. It’s another tapas bar favorite since it’s simple, easy to eat and share, and really fills you up.
If you want to really see what Spanish cuisine is all about, come join Food Lover Tour on a food tour you’ll never forget! Our culinary adventures will show you where the locals themselves love to eat, drink, and shop in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Granada, and Malaga in Spain, and in Porto and Lisbon in Portugal!
]]>A journey of trust, self-discovery, taste, texture, wine and a lot of fun! This is what you will experience if you go to a dark dinner, whether in Sofia or in Ljubljana. “Tenebris” and “Dinner In The Dark” go shoulder to shoulder to present to you their own notions of the dark.
Imagine completely eliminating the visual input and relying solely on your other senses. If you have already been a guest of a dark restaurant, then you know that human behaviour and interactions completely change.
Tenebris opened its doors on November 16th, 2018 in the heart of the Sofia – the capital of Bulgaria. Since then, more than 3500 people have been our guests, hosted by a team of 10 enthusiastic professionals.
The concept of Tenebris is to immerse you in a world, where vision is not present and your other senses take over. We are a social experiment, in which people with impaired vision will introduce you to their intriguing world – one full of sense, touch, emotion, sound and flavour, often richer than the visual world. We believe the key to understanding people with sight problems is not within statistics, endless data and faceless stories, but in the personal experience and face-to-face contact. Although briefly, you will have the opportunity to put yourself in their shoes and “see” a different perspective. Our goal is to create job opportunities for people with impaired vision, without the feeling of a pittance. We truly believe that they are not less valuable than anybody else, having their strengths and weaknesses. By the unusual work environment at Tenebris, vision becomes needless, maybe even a flaw. Tenebris is not a place for donation, but a workplace where the visually impaired are stronger and more capable than the rest.
When creating Tenebris, we wanted to put an accent on her Majesty the Food! Each guest experiences a 5-course, state-of-the-art menu, that takes them on a sensory journey. Carefully designed dishes tell the story of Bulgarian cuisine, infused with amazing recipes from around the world. Our team of Chefs constantly develop new set-menus, so that seasonal products are used and no semi-processed goods. In Tenebris you can choose between 4 types of menus, designed to intensify the experience by playing with your senses: “Meat”, “Fish”, “Vegetarian” and “Bulgarian”.
You can check out our past set-menus here: https://www.tenebris.bg/en/
A little-known fact is that more than 40% of the food produced worldwide is thrown away. As environmental and economic issues come into light globally, we have tried to implement a simple, but very effective strategy to minimize our food waste. We work only with pre-reservation, therefore we know exactly what and how many products we need for each day. Zero food is going to the garbage!
Specially selected fine wine, craft beer, and homemade lemonades will accompany you on this culinary adventure.
Bring a pinch of courage, some adventurous spirit and an empty stomach, and let us present you a different perspective to food, people and even yourself!
If you want to read more visit our website: https://www.tenebris.bg/media/
]]>In fact, Cincinnati is a big city with a small-town feel. We’re located in the middle of the United States and easily accessible from most major air hubs. We have a beautiful riverfront with fantastic parks, amazing art and architecture, professional sports of all sorts, unparalleled dining experiences, and the friendliest people in the Midwest.
But what if you’re traveling with someone who is a little uncomfortable leaving the Continent? Rest assured, you’ll be amazed at how much of Cincinnati will remind you of home. You’ll sense a European influence, much of it brought by German, French, and Irish immigrants who settled in Cincinnati in the 19th century. And you’ll find restaurants with menu items that often reflect those early roots.
To get you started with your planning, we’ve put together a few suggestions of what not to miss when you visit Cincinnati:
- Visit Findlay Market. Cincinnati’s public market was recently named by Newsweek as one of the top ten public markets in the world. You’ll discover a market experience very much like those in Europe, but with an American twist.
- Eat at French Crust Bistro & Cafe. From the artwork on the walls to the croissants in the pastry case, French Crust has everything you’ll find in a Parisian cafe.
- Dine at one of Taste of Belgium‘s four Cincinnati restaurants. You can enjoy crepes, frites, baguettes, and (of course) true Liege-style Belgian waffles. The selection of Belgian beers is the largest in the region, too!
Pick up some Italian-style charcuterie from Panino. Butcher Nino Loreta cures and ages his meats the same way they do in the “Old Country.” The pastrami, coppa, soppressata, and salumi are top-notch and great for sandwiches and snacks. But don’t miss an opportunity to share a bottle of wine over a dinner of spaghetti and meatballs either. Delizioso!
Take a self-guided walking tour along the Brewing Heritage Trail. Learn how the Germans put Cincinnati on the map in the 19th century. Top off your tour with a stein of local beer and a Bavarian pretzel at an Over-the-Rhine beer hall or brewery.
And for the best way to experience the food, culture, and history of Cincinnati all in one afternoon, reserve a space with Cincinnati Food Tours. We love sharing our little piece of the world with travelers from near and far.
Tags: #cincinnati • Cincinnati restaurants • Cincinnati vacation
]]>We usually search for nearby restaurants that offer top-tiered dishes, which we can taste right away. Some of us spend our time traveling in different areas of the country, where we can experience excellent food and wine pairing activities.
Carlsbad is one of the best cities to visit when you are looking for a fantastic food and wine pairing tour. It is a famous city found in San Diego, California. It is a city full of amazing natural beaches and blooming flower fields. They offer lots of tourist destination activities that can satisfy the needs of every traveler.
Carlsbad, California, is called “The Village by the Sea.” It is a small, affluent seaside resort community about half way between San Diego and Orange County. Carlsbad has the charm of an old European city and the atmosphere of a typical Californian coastal community. With seven miles of fine white sandy beaches and the near-perfect climate, the village is a popular weekend destination and a great place to live. Best things to do in Carlsbad, California include Carlsbad Flower Fields, Legoland California, Sea Life Aquarium, Carlsbad State Beach and for foodie lovers we have Carlsbad Food Tours.
Carlsbad Village Food and Wine Tasting Tour is considered as one of Carlsbad’s classic food and wine tours you can experience. It offers a three-hour walking and food tour showing off the various distinctive dishes and wine flavors that Carlsbad has to offer. The tour takes place in Carlsbad “The Village by the Sea” which is a seaside gem where you get the chance to see the beautiful seaside nature while you are toasting a glass of wine.
The food and wine tour include different dishes from eight gourmet tasting locations. You also have the chance to taste several California red wines similar to one of the most sought after wines in the world. The time you were touring and enjoying the different dishes, you also have the chance to learn the rich historical culture of Carlsbad.Carlsbad Food Tours is a 3 hour guided walking tour that provides unique and specially-selected food tastings served from locally-owned and operated specialty food shops and ethnic or local eateries.
Stops include one of Carlsbad’s most romantic restaurant, tasty deserts from local eateries that have been made from recipes pasted on from generation to generation award-winning wines that are grown in California, will be a delight for your taste buds. California wines are some of the best wines in the world. Enjoy wine tasting at one of Carlsbad’s Urban Wineries. Included in the guided walking tour is also our popular Tasting Guide, which features valuable maps, exclusive guest coupons and discounts.
Carlsbad Food Tours
WHEN: Tours offered daily
TIME: 11:30-3:00 pm
RETAIL COST: $62
WHATS INCLUDED: All Tastings food & wine are included.
WHO: Perfect for both local San Diego residents and visitors interested in indulging their inner foodie! Family Friendly! Custom Private Group Tours are available upon request.
Visit Our Website For more information, please call 760 215-9433 or email [email protected]
]]>A feast by the lake
This guided food tour promised to explore Slovenian cuisine with an experienced and fun-to-be-with guide in a breathtaking setting and they did just that. I was joined by other global travellers, eager to see what this charming idyllic place has to offer. The best thing was having a local show you around, making sure I didn’t miss the main attractions along the way.
On this tasty tour of Bled, I discovered traditional Slovenian cuisine while wining and dining in some of the best local restaurants. I learned a lot about Slovenian traditions and rich cultural heritage of Bled. What impressed me most was that I could do it in the most magnificent surroundings.
The famous cream cake
The afternoon finished with the “icing on the cake” (quite literally) – Kremšnita, the famous Bled cream cake. This perfect square of light vanilla cream and custard with a delicate puff pastry on top, generously topped with icing sugar, makes your mouth water. It’s no wonder more than 14 million cakes were sold since they started making it more than 60 years ago and that’s a lot for a country of barely 2 million people.
And if you’re feeling a tad guilty afterwards, there’s always a scenic hike up the Ojstrica hill for some unforgettable bird’s eye view of Lake Bled. But if you’re like me, then order a cup of coffee instead with the cake and enjoy the splendid lake views.
Food Tour Bled was a top-notch experience, being a part of culinary experience with other foodies while having to taste all the delicious food this region has to offer. By the time the sun sets on the peaceful lake horizon, I’ll be dreaming of that fine Bled cake.
]]>Bled Castle Restaurant
Dining at the Bled Castle comes with spectacular views of Lake Bled and its island. The restaurant offers local and regional dishes made in a contemporary and sophisticated way, which aims to preserve the gastronomical heritage of Slovenia. Make sure you have a reservation and a fully charged phone battery for some amazing bird’s eye pictures. This place is also famous as a venue for weddings in Slovenia – weddinglakebled.com.
Restaurant 1906 Bled
This restaurant is situated at the Triglav Hotel and is overlooking crystal clear lake waters and the charming Bled Island. The restaurant serves traditional Slovenian dishes with a modern twist while using fresh, local and seasonal ingredients. Private wine cellar with a wide variety of wines means you also get to enjoy a glass of high-quality wine along with the view.
Julijana Restaurant
This boutique seasonal restaurant with a view is situated in the Grand Hotel Toplice on the most beautiful part of the lake. It offers an intimate and romantic setting with fresh local food that reflects the season. And if you’re after something unforgettable, then book The Chef’s Table which is set in the very kitchen of The Grand Hotel Toplice.
Wine bar and Restaurant Sova
Nestled by the shores of Lake Bled, near the traditional Pletna boat docks, this wine bar, and restaurant offers local and European “cooking from the heart”. The chef promises a cuisine full of intuition, magic, and creativity. Along with the view of Lake Bled, the island, and surrounding hills and mountains, this should guarantee a fine dining experience.
Now it’s up to you to choose the food and the view that goes with it, whether it’s by the lake or above it, just make sure you don’t forget your camera for some envy-inducing Instagram feed.
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