August 4, 2018 - Thought there was not too much spice to Dalmatian cuisine? Think again.
Coming from Manchester and its wide Indian food offer, I have always loved spicy food. Chicken vindaloos were a regular occurrence for most of my adult years in the UK, and I used to be able to handle myself pretty well. The only time I was defeated when I took up the challenge after too many cold ones and ordered the Chef's Revenge - a legendary dish in a Rusholme curry house which was free if you managed to finish it. Upon serving it, the waiter returned two minutes later after I had taken just one mouthful. He offered me a big bowl of ice cream and probably saved my life.
Spicy food is one of the few things I truly missed living in Dalmatia. Yes, I know Croatia has the best food in the world, the best wines in the world, the best of everything, but sometimes it is nice to have a little variety.
My palate has adjusted over the years and I am not sure I could handle those vindaloos these days. But I do like a little spice, and Tabasco has been a faithful friend in recent times.
And so when the waiter at Restaurant Jelsa (next to Eis Caffe on the main square) brought my pizza over and asked if I wanted to check out to check out some hot sauces, I nodded as I ordered another cold one.
"They are from the island," he said. A tinge of disappointment registered in my face.
"Oh, don't worry, they are good and hot. Just don't try too much."
And blow me, the sauce was magnificent - Tabasco with attitude. Really impressive,and I am glad I took his advice and did not overdo it, as I could well have been ordering ice-cream again.
I will confess I know little about them, except that they are called HvarBaneSco from OPG Presecan, which is located in Svirce, and the owner is from Virovitica (and now it comes to me who the person is). There is no online presence that I can see, but a phone number on the back to order - 098-758611. There is more information, I am sure, from the team at Restaurant Jelsa, and my advice is to give them an initial try with their excellent menu.
Hot stuff!
