For the first time, two Croatian chef’s risotto dishes’ have won over an Italian jury and have been entered into the prestigious Gallo Guide this year.
To celebrate “risotto” as a symbol of refined Italian cuisine, the Italians behind Riso Gallo have published the book Gallo Guide for two decades now. The Gallo Guide showcases a collection of “risotto masterpieces” created by the finest chefs in the world.
In the new edition of the book that has become a valuable tool for anyone who wants to enjoy the creativity of Italian cuisine, Stjepan Bistrički created a caramelized cauliflower and duck confit risotto.
“When I got the opportunity to apply my own recipe into the contest, I was not holding back. I knew that restaurant Zinfandel's in Esplanade hotel already had their own recipe in this release, so I thought it would not be possible for the both of us to be two of the Croatians in the release. Spontaneously and with speed I created a new recipe that was a great surprise and it is an honor to be included in the new edition of the book. I'm faithful to local ingredients and regional flavors and that is the direction I went with my recipe including cauliflower and duck,” says a proud Bistrički.
This is not the first recognition of Croatian cuisine when it comes to one of the oldest producers of rice in the world. For three years, Ana Grgić from Zinfandel's has had her recipe listed among the 101 best in the world. Her creamy risotto with asparagus and white truffles was even tried by Prince Charles and his wife Camilla during their stay in Croatia in March of this year.
As a reward for their successes, Stjepan and Ana recently traveled to Milan for a gala dinner hosted by organizers Riso Gallo where they had an opportunity to meet and socialize with esteemed colleagues in the culinary world.
“This time we did not need to do anything, we just enjoyed. At the gala evening in Milan, we were served several courses, and we hung out with more than 250 colleagues from around the world. Of course, an unavoidable topic was cooking and the little secrets of our craft,” adds Bistrički.
The latest edition of this book has gained international recognition, has been published in Italian and English, and includes recipes from some of the most exclusive restaurants in the world, of the world, and in which risotto is the main star of the show.
