Tag Archives: Croatian Cuisine

Three Restaurants in Zagreb: dobar tek, bon appetit!

Posted on March 28, 2015 | Leave a comment

Zagreb Restaurants_Agava_4_Photo Mademoiselle Le K_copyright 2013

Dobar tek, bon appetit! 

Remember I stayed two nights and a day, barely enough time to discover these three restaurants in Zagreb. If you have any suggestions, some WOW spots, just drop me an email, or leave me a comment here or in my Twitter  (yes I am now, LOL!)! Thanks!

1. Agava

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Great location in picturesque pedestrian street: the trendy Tkalčića street! The restaurant terrace has a view of the design accessories shop Modus, where I liked canvas bags made ​​in Croatia. It is also just minutes from (my favourite) Bar Cica. For that matter I chose to taste Croatian dishes ; ) So as a starter, the Strukli (picture 2), with cottage cheese and dough. Typical dish of Zagreb. Followed by a specialty of Dalmatia (picture 1) with ink gnocchi and fish steak. And picture 3: excellent bread that reminded me of the Greek pita. Tkalčića 39, 10000, Zagreb. Tel +385 1 4829 826.

2. Le Bistro Esplanade

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A charming art deco place where I dined at my arrival (picture 4). On the map, dishes inspired by a mixture of French and Croatian I found it very light and very tasty cuisines. I chose a watercress soup as input (picture 5) and monkfish fillet with vegetables. I do not like complicated sauces or heavy dishes. I appreciate the simplicity and recognizing the taste of each food. Picture 6: great appetizer. More information about Le Bistro Esplanade, click HERE.

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3. Amphora

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I did not eat here, but when I asked Dora, my guide, where she likes to go for a lunch, she replied without hesitation: Amfora (picture 7). And I immediately understood why: the authenticity of the location, close to the market of Britanski Square. The iconic market in Zagreb, with its red striped umbrellas (pictures 8 & 9). On the daily menu: fresh fish coming directly from the fish market (the next door, lol). Dolac 2, 10000 Zagreb. Tel +385 (0)1 481 6455, +385 (0)98 480512.

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Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés 

Informations

www.visitcroatia.be, Zagreb Tourist Board, www.zagrebtalks.com 

Discover my whole trip in the CROATIA page. ENJOY! I was hosted by the Office National Croate du Tourisme and as always all my opinions are mine.  

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, HOTEL REVIEWS & INTERVIEWS 

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Croatia: Le Mandrac, The Gourmet Restaurant in Opatijia

Posted on March 12, 2015 | Leave a comment

Croatia-Opatija-Le Mandrac-8-Photo Mademoiselle Le K-copyright 2013

After my long visit of Opatija

with Zé under a blazing sun, we follow Lungumare (a paved path along the sea with a beautiful view) to Le Mandrac, a gourmet restaurant. We are in a small cove with a backdrop worthy of the golden age of the Italian cinema. It feels like home… and also reminded me of the Marseille’s Calanques and a distant dinner at Chez Fonfon (a famous restaurant in Marseille).

I love the scenery, I’m blown away! The view from our table is just WOW (picture 1)! Impeccable service. The black bread looks like the one I tasted in South Tyrol (picture 4). Excellent starters (pictures 2 & 3), followed by a perfectly grilled fish with olive oil (pictures 6 & 7) and a chocolate cake, with in the middle some hot chocolate and garnished with a lemon sorbet … OMG and beleive me, I am not at all a dessert person (pictures 8 & 9). After the second starter, I wasn’t hungry!

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The chef Denis Zembo

Honestly, I think it must be a nightmare to have lunch with me. Each dish is carefully photographed before and sometimes even after, as below, LOL! Here everything is so flavorful and tasty that between the main course and dessert, I improvise a quick meeting with the talented chef and owner of Le Mandrac, Denis Zembo (picture above): 

– How would you describe your cooking? – Mediterranean cuisine with a twist. Unpredictable and surprising. 

– What kind of ingredients inspire you? – Only some Mediterranean herbs and garlic found in the mountains. I like to use different techniques, such as caramelize. The presentation is half of the dish too. 

– What traditional Croatian dish would you recommend to someone who comes for the first time in Croatia? – The risotto, all made pasta, scampi. My avant-garde interpretation of traditional fritaja (fritaya), with scrambled eggs and local ingredients: wild asparagus, truffles and mushrooms. 

Thank you Denis Zembo.

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Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés. 

Informations 

Le Mandrac : Obala F. Supila 10, Volosko, 51410 Opatija – Tel +385 51 701 357. Opatija Tourist Board & www.visitcroatia.be  

Follow my whole trip in the CROATIA section. ENJOY! I was hosted by the Office National Croate du Tourisme and as usual all my opinions are mine.    

Related posts : DESTINATIONS, LIFESTYLE & HOTEL REVIEWS 

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