August 14, 2021 - Meet Bots&Pots - the first restaurant in which the food will be prepared by robotic chefs is set to open in Zagreb soon. 

At a yet undisclosed location in Zagreb, GammaChef, a robotic chef capable of preparing one-pot meals such as Dalmatian gregada, stews, risottos, or seafood pasta.

The bot is continually learning new recipes with the help of a (human) professional chef. As Netokracija writes, every time a chef prepares a new dish for the first time using GammaChef, the robot creates a digital recipe with all the necessary data. The automated and patented process in the software then, using sensors, reproduces all the steps of the recipe, following the instructions of a professional chef. There will be five robots in the Bots&Pots restaurant, which means they will be able to serve up to 60 servings per hour. 

The operation of the restaurant will be fully digitized and monitored via a mobile application, and will rely heavily on just-in-time procurement thanks to close monitoring of inventory. Guests will be able to choose food via a screen and be able to watch the robot prepare food. Bots&Pots restaurant is a result of the collaboration between GammaChef's Dražen Drnas, entrepreneur Hrvoje Bujas, and Giuliano Nolo.

As Netokracija quoted Drnas: ''We have designed a restaurant that will best suit the younger population and that makes the most of the possibilities and qualities of robots. The goal is for guests to come first for the robot and the second and every next time for food.'' 

The restaurant has already attracted much attention. Most recently, Bots&Pots shared on their Facebook page that they received a visit from the new British ambassador to Croatia, Simon Thomas, in their showroom, where GammaChef is diligently learning to prepare new dishes.

As the authors of the project GammaChef wrote on their website: ''We don’t believe in 3D printing of food and we don’t believe in magic pills that will replace eating. Yes, we believe in digital recipes but in digital recipes of our grandmas, your friends, or the best chefs that put their love, passion, and knowledge to prepare tasty meals. We believe there are no shortcuts in cooking, therefore, GammaChef prepares food just like real people do.''

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November 17, 2020 – Croatia receives another gastro recognition as the gastro portal Chef's Pencil has declared it as one of the best undiscovered gastronomic destinations in the world.

As Večernji list reports, it is a competition named "The Most Underrated Foodie Destination in the World" conducted among 250 renowned chefs and culinary experts, who singled out under-exposed gastro destinations that can stand alongside popular gastro destinations such as France and Italy.

They selected the top 10 countries that can boast of their gastronomic offer and wealth but are not widely-known as gastro destinations. Croatia took a high fourth place on this list, behind the Philippines, Vietnam, and Mexico. It is followed by Thailand, Peru, Australia, Jamaica, Portugal, and Norway.

Screenshot Chef's Pencil

"Croatia has become a really popular place to holiday over the last few years. And who can blame all those holidaymakers for reaching for pristine Adriatic waters, spectacular beaches, sublime Mediterranean climate, atmospheric Roman ruins, incredible national parks, and soaring mountains… Have I mentioned the food yet? And maybe that’s why it’s an underrated foodie destination – the country has so much going for it, the food has to fight for attention," they say from Chef's Pencil about the Croatian cuisine, noting that it's hard to pinpoint it as it varies from region to region.

"Dalmatian food is typically Mediterranean with lots of fish, veggies, and olive oil. Istrian cuisine is similar although they have their own special approach to beans and pasta here. In Zagreb there’s more of a European vibe with meat and a special attachment to cabbage, while in Slavonia its pork and more pork and lots of paprika," they explain, naming some of the best Croatian food such as sheep's cheese, cured ham, black risotto, octopus salad, brudet, sarma, and more.

Octopus salad / Copyright Romulić and Stojčić

Although Croatia is already recognized for its gastronomic excellence, offering unforgettable gastronomic experiences for all food lovers, chefs, and experts who participated in the survey believed that our country deserves additional international recognition.

"Recognitions like this give us an additional incentive to continue the development of our gastronomic scene and to continue to promote ourselves as an attractive and quality gastronomic destination, which we really are," said Croatia National Tourist Board director Kristjan Staničić.

Recall, in 2020, the Croatian National Tourist Board presented Croatian gastronomy on this renowned portal, as well as Croatian chefs and regional gastronomic specialties.

Kvarner was presented by the youngest Croatian chef with a MICHELIN star, Deni Srdoč, who shared with readers a recipe for a lamb dish "Heritage lamb". Marko Gajski, the chef of LD Terrace in Korčula, who was also awarded a MICHELIN star this year, presented the Dalmatian region through his original recipe for Komiža bread, while chef Bruno Vokal from Noel, Zagreb's first MICHELIN star restaurant, shared his original recipe for "Deconstructed štruklji". Marina Gaši, chef and owner of the family restaurant Marina in Novigrad, presented the flavors of Istria via sardine tartare. The story of Croatian gastronomy was concluded by Tomica Đukić, chef of the Osijek Hotel and official chef of the Croatian national football team, who presented the rich flavors of Slavonia with a flavored fillet of a black Slavonian pig with pumpkin and beetroot.

Rich gastronomic offer from Slavonia / Copyright Romulić and Stojčić

Praise from a talented British chef as he spends time in Dalmatia.

Croatian Master Chefs Association team scores big at the international culinary cup in Bjelovar