Croatia's rising reputation as a gourmet destination receives another international endorsement.
Ever since Anthony Bourdain's discovery of Croatia's high quality and diverse gourmet scene was highlightes on his No Reservations travel show in 2014, Croatian cuisine has continued to attract international interest and attention. Known for its excellent regional variety and insistence on the freshest produce, Croatia is emerging as one of Europe's most exciting gourmet destinations.
The latest endorsement of the quality on offer comes from the Caucasus Business Week, which ranked Croatia seventh out of 48 European countries for food and drink, behind only Italy, France, Spain, Georgia, Germany and Belgium. Here is what they had to say about Croatian cuisine:
"7. Croatia
The mix of influences here — be they Italian, Mediterranean, French on the coasts, and slavic in the interior of the country — helps set up a delicious mish-mash of foods. They have fantastic olive oil, and the oysters in the small town of Ston are considered some of the best in the Adriatic. Their Babić, Malvasia, prosek, and Vrbnička žlahtina wines used to be underrated, but are getting more international cred each year. And, perhaps their most famous dish — roasted lamb “under the bell” — is worth the hype, considering the meat cooks from both sides (with a domed clay bell covered in hot charcoal on top, and a coal BBQ below) slowly in its own juices."
Spare a thought for diners in the Vatican, which came last in the list:
48. Vatican City
"The one restaurant in Vatican City quickly puts an end to the rumor that you can only eat at Communion, and Rome is sitting there, right outside, waiting with fresh cacio e pepe, but, still… the country has one restaurant. Give Pope Francis some options!"
For the full list, click here.
