Zagreb County Aims for Top Eno-Gastronomic Status with New Project

Zagreb County aims to become a top eno-gastronomic destination in continental Croatia through a new project by its Tourist Board and the JRE-Croatia association. The initiative seeks to build a distinct gastronomic identity by educating and connecting local restaurants, winemakers, and producers.

Ivana Alilović, director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board, stated the goal is to position the region as a leader in continental Croatian gastronomy. The project will feature expert training, workshops, and practical activities. Emphasis will be placed on service quality, developing food and wine menus, utilizing local ingredients, and crafting authentic culinary experiences.

The project involves a professional team including chefs Bernard Korak and Tibor Valinčić, sommeliers Dinko Lozica and Branimir Vukšić, JRE country manager Lucija Bilandžić Matić, and Alilović herself. During the launch event, chefs prepared a tasting of traditional dishes from the Plešivica and Jastrebarsko regions, paired with Litterarii winery wines, showcasing the area's rich culinary heritage.

Traditional dishes like "copanjek," a vegetable and cheese bake, and "bučnica," a pumpkin and cheese strudel, were highlighted. The project also emphasizes the importance of local dairy products like cheese, cream, and butter, which have historically been staples of the region's cuisine. By preserving traditional recipes and using local ingredients, the project aims to enhance Zagreb County's appeal as a gastronomic destination.

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Our goal is to position Zagreb County among the leading eno-gastronomic destinations in continental Croatia in the long term.