October. 14, 2019 - Split Gourmet Expo, an exhibition of Split restaurants, taverns, and hotels, was held for the third time Saturday, October 12, on the city’s famous waterfront promenade - the Riva. 

Namely, Split Gourmet Expo is a manifestation that brings together an exhibition of dishes and gastronomy from Split's catering establishments, a competition, promotion through the media, and a special bilingual publication on the participants and dishes themselves.

Exhibition tables were set up on the waterfront, where chefs put forth three items (cold appetizer, main course, and dessert), which were judged by a jury of eminent chefs and experts in gastronomy by their taste, appearance, and originality. 

The jury, which was composed of Hrvoje Zirojević, Marija Lulić, Antun Nišević and Goran Staničić, chose Brasserie on 7 as the winner of this year’s competition, who trilled the panel with terrine goose liver (foie gras), tuna with quinoa and salsa verde for the main, and a lemon tart as dessert.

Brasserie on 7 won based on the total number of points, and in addition to being named the winner, they will also be called the ambassador of the Split gastro scene for the coming year.

Hotel Park, Da Mar Health at Marvie Hotel, Diocletian's Wine House, Portofino, Bajamont trattoria, and Konoba Dujkin Dvor also participated in the competition. 

Just behind Brasserie on 7 was Portofino, a restaurant run by Marko Djurasevic, one of the most innovative chefs in Split with years of experience in Spain, where he also gained experience in Michelin starred restaurants. Djurasevic and his team won gold for the best dish, which was a pašticada of Adriatic Kali tuna. The dish included tuna belly with fermented garlic emulsion, crispy kale, almonds and hazelnuts, beef sauce and extra virgin olive oil.

The best dessert at the Split Gourmet Expo was awarded to Diocletian's Wine House,  who crafted a Split fig cannelloni stuffed with cream and lemon.

"I was fascinated by the fact that everything was better than last year. It is amazing how much effort the teams put in to advance their offer, and today they get to present what sets them apart from others on the Riva. The return of our chefs from abroad or from the kitchens of ships, where they have gained new experiences that they have transferred today, contributed a lot to that,” said Trogir chef and jury member Antun Nišević, a specialist and lecturer at cooking academies.

You can watch a video form the Split Gourmet Expo below. 

Source: Slobodna Dalmacija

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

October 12, 2019 - The imperfect beach body is in the spotlight thanks to popular Dalmatian soft drink Pipi.

You might know Pipi as one of the most famous soft drinks in Dalmatia, where it is not just any ordinary beverage. Namely, Pipi is synonymous with the sea, Dalmatia, and the summertime - and upon entering Split, it’s hard to miss their clever billboard. 

Known for their canny marketing and the wildly popular slogan ‘boli mi Pipi’, which those of you in Dalmatia know well, Pipi is a staple of Split and the Dalmatian region. And they are especially remembered for their catchy songs and timeless TV adverts. 

Thus, the legendary Croatian brand has shown its brilliance once again, this time paying tribute to those who feel good, confident, and relaxed in their imperfect bodies. Along with the famous slogan “boli mi Pipi’, the first-ever monument to the anti-beach body has been erected at Bacvice beach in Split, located right next to the popular Žbirac cafe.

“It's summer, and where are you? You're not at the gym. Well, who cares, because this year, you’re wearing a relaxed look. The time has come that all the unfit, untoned, and heavy-boned true kings of relaxation get their place under the sun.” 

“And I can only say #bolimepipi,” Pipi posted on Facebook.

Dalmatinski Portal writes that Pipi did not choose Bacvice beach by chance - after all, the legendary commercial featuring Ana Sasso was filmed here, and more recently, the ‘Limunada’ commercial with football club Hajduk.

Introduced in the 1970s, the non-alcoholic orange drink by Dalmacijavino was the answer to Badel's then-popular orange drink, "Nara".

Fun fact: Legend has it that the new Pipi drink was supposed to attract a younger crowd and was named after the heroine of the same children’s book - Pippi Longstocking. The author of the famous children’s tale, Astrid Lindgren, is said to have given her blessing to use the name and renounced all rights.

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

October 12, 2019 - Croatia national team coach Zlatko Dalic addressed the press after defeating Hungary in Split. On Saturday, Croatia set off to Wales, and Dalic will not settle for less than 3 points. 

“It would be nice to win and that's our goal. We have no right to enter any match calculated. In terms of quality, I cannot tell this team that we are going to play for a point, but rather try to secure a spot in the European Championships and have a peaceful November. In Wales, more challenging conditions await us, as there has been a lot of rain, and we are playing on a Sunday. No wonder players are often injured. I hope we didn't spend too much against Hungary, especially because not everyone played until the end. Still, I expect the players to say if they are not in top condition, Dalic said for HRT and commented on the convincing victory at Poljud.

“We acted well as a team; in arranging the lineup, the experience was taken into account, and everyone gave their best. I do not need to point out anyone. We managed to save ourselves a little bit and I'm thrilled we are continuing this series of good games. I received many congratulations, and in the end, we all have to be happy and proud, it was a great night for Croatian football.”

For Sunday's match in Cardiff, Dalic called on Hajduk midfielder Filip Bradaric instead of Marcelo Brozovic. We still do not know who will replace Brozovic. 

“We will miss Brozovic because of cards. We will miss his stamina and aggressiveness, but we will analyze Wales and find a solution, a replacement,” Dalic added.

Wales coach and Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs commented on the match against Croatia after drawing to Slovakia 1:1 two days ago.

"Croatia is one of the best national teams, has fantastic players, and is a favorite in tomorrow's game," Giggs began on Index.hr.

"However, we are playing in front of our fans, and our chance of a positive result is even greater. We need to be as focused as possible throughout the game, be aggressive on the ball, and defend against their counterattacks. We have a plan for how to counter them and play against them. We will see if this brings us the victory we want,” Giggs emphasized.

Ethan Ampadu and Jonathan Williams are scheduled to start the match, as will striker Kieffer Moore who scored two days ago in Slovakia. Giggs hopes Aaron Ramsey will recover from his injury.

"We did not write him off. Aaron did not play in these qualifications, but every good player is necessary if we want to get to the Euro. We still have time and we will know more on matchday if he can help against Croatia. But we have players who can do a good job,” Giggs said.

Wales and Croatia have played five matches so far, with four Croatia wins and one draw. During the World Cup qualifications on March 26, 2013, Wales led in Cardiff thanks to a Bale goal, then lost 1:2 thanks to a Lovren goal in the 77th and Eduardo da Silva in the 87th minute. In this series of qualifications, Croatia celebrated 2:1 in Osijek with an own goal by Lawrence in the 17th minute and a Perisic goal in the 48th. Brooks scored for Wales in the 77th minute.

Wales have not lost their last nine home games in the Euro qualifications, with seven wins and two draws. They lost to England (0:2) in March 2011 in the fight for the Euros. On the other hand, Croatia has only won twice in the last seven European qualifying appearances played away, with three draws and two losses.

Croatia and Wales will meet in Cardiff on Sunday at 8:45 pm for the 8th round of Group E in the Euro 2020 qualifiers. Croatia is first in Group E with 13 points, which is three more than Slovakia, four more than Hungary, and six more than Wales, who has one game less. Azerbaijan is in the last place with one point.

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

October 11, 2019 - The latest news from around Croatia’s airports for new flights to Croatia with updates from Split and Pula.

Following Thursday’s announcement that Air Transat is looking to increase their Croatian operations to Split and Dubrovnik, Avio Radar revealed on Friday that Spanish low-cost airline Volotea will run a seasonal service between Athens and Split as part of their 2020 summer flight schedule. 

Thus, Volotea will operate two flights per week between the two cities, on Wednesdays and Sundays, beginning April 19. This seasonal service will compete against Aegean Airlines and Croatia Airlines, both Star Alliance members, who already operate this line. 

Recall, the Dubrovnik-Athens service began operating this year, too. However, next year, the service will begin two weeks earlier, from April 11. The airline will run two flights per week in the preseason, on Wednesdays and Saturdays as they did this year, and from June, they’ll increase frequencies to three flights per week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. This year, Volotea only ran three flights per week in August. 

A Boeing 717-200 aircraft will operate on both lines. 

Avio Radar also reports that low-cost carrier Transavia has announced a new flight for Croatia in their 2020 summer flight schedule. Namely, the airline will connect Paris (Orly Airport) and Pula. The new route will begin on April 4, 2020, and run once a week - on Saturdays. The airline will increase frequencies to two flights a week from May until the end of September on Tuesdays and Saturdays. During the heart of the season, in July and August, Transavia will boost operations to three flights per week, with the additional trip on Thursdays. 

A Boeing 737-800 aircraft will fly on this line.

Furthermore, Split Airport handled its three-millionth passenger on Friday, October 4, which is the second time in the 53-year-history of the airport. The lucky passenger arrived on a Croatia Airlines flight from Frankfurt. Split Airport achieved this milestone 21 days earlier than last year. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

October 10, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary met at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday for the first time since 2015. The stadium was nearly a sellout, and the national team was reunited with 32,110 of their Dalmatian fans.

The 2018 World Cup finalists and Hungary met in the 7th round of Group E in the 2020 Euro qualifications on Thursday in Split. Coach Zlatko Dalić was lucky to have his full squad, except for Andrej Kramarić, who is recovering from an injury. 

Thus, Croatia’s starting eleven included Dominik Livaković in goal, Tin Jedvaj, Dejan Lovren, Domagoj Vida, and Borna Barišić in the defense, Marcelo Brozović, Luka Modrić, Ivan Rakitić, Ante Rebić, and Ivan Perišić across the midfield, and Bruno Petković up top. 

Slobodan Kadic

Recall, Croatia lost to Hungary 2:1 in their second Euro 2020 qualifier earlier this year. 

The game kicked off at 8:45 pm, and Croatia had their first chance two minutes in when Modrić’s volley went over the goal. Perišić shot at the keeper moments later, though it didn’t take long for them to score, after all. Captain Luka Modrić found himself one-on-one with the keeper to put Croatia in the lead five minutes into the game! 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia continued to press in the minutes that followed and maintained possession. Ivan Perišić had another chance in the 16th minute, though a deflection forced a corner for Croatia. A foul on Modrić resulted in a free-kick for Croatia just outside the penalty area, though Jedvaj couldn’t quite get to the ball. 

Hungary had its first corner in the 20th minute, which was followed by another in the 21st. Croatia’s defense cleared it out for yet another corner, though Hungary was unable to capitalize on their chances.

Croatia increased their lead in the 24th minute. Ante Rebić found himself on a counter-attack with Bruno Petković unmarked on the penalty spot. A Bruno back heel around the keeper made it 2:0 for Croatia. 

Slobodan Kadic

Croatia had another dangerous attack in the 39th minute. Rebić once again carried the ball up the left-wing, with no Hungarian defender in sight. Rebić crossed into the box, though Petković was unable to get another goal. Though his second goal came just moments later - and Croatia was leading 3:0 at the half. 

Hungary came out hungry at the start of the second half and tried to push an attacking game, though the defense remained solid. Croatia was given a penalty in the 53rd minute, though Ivan Perišic shot at the keeper, which gave Croatia a corner in the end. Amidst the chaos, Hungary's Kleinheisler was given his second yellow card, and Croatia was up a player for the rest of the game. 

In the 59th minute, Dalić used his first substitution - young Brekalo went in for Perišić in the 60th minute. Luka Modrić was subbed out in the 66th minute for Mateo Kovačić. In the 67th minute, Hungary had a shot on goal, though it was an easy save for Dominik Livaković. 

Slobodan Kadic

In the 73rd minute, Nikola Vlašić came on for Ivan Rakitić. 

With 10 minutes to go, Croatia continued their attacking game, and a goal by Vlašić was correctly called offside. Ante Rebić hit a rocket from the right in the 85th minute, which just missed the far post. Croatia was getting chances, though they couldn't get their fourth goal. 

After three minutes of injury time, the game ended 3:0 for Croatia, and the atmosphere at Poljud could not be matched.  

With this win, Croatia remains at the top of Group E. Their next match is against Wales in Cardiff on Sunday, October 13. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

October 10, 2019 - Split has recorded the best nine months in tourist traffic ever. A look at the successful year so far thanks to the Split Tourist Board. 

Slobodna Dalmacija writes that Alijana Vukšić, director of the Split Tourist Board, revealed that 837,125 guests visited Split during that period, with almost 2.5 million tourist overnights achieved.

Namely, with this result, Split surpassed last year's best tourist year by as much as 8 percent in the number of visits, while the number of overnight stays is up 9 percent from last year.

According to the Split Tourist Board,  in the first nine months of this year, 67,000 more guests chose Split for their holiday than last year. Such a successful result could not be achieved without the contribution of an excellent September, in which 120,584 guests visited the Dalmatian capital and recorded 337,868 overnight stays. Thus, September saw a 4 percent increase in the number of guests and 5 percent more overnight stays.

“The tourist traffic in Split in the first nine months of this year differs from everyone else in Croatia in that Split is the only city where Americans take first place throughout the year in terms of the number of visits,” said the proud Split Tourist Board director.

In September alone, almost 18,000 Americans visited Split, while this year in total, Split hosted just under 100,000 tourists from the United States, who believe Split is a requirement on their Croatian holiday. 

“These are the consumers who, according to the latest research, spend about 160 euros a day traveling here, staying in more expensive accommodation, and staying longer in Split than elsewhere.

It is well known that Americans spend only one night on their travels in Europe, while in Split so far, they have spent 2.4 nights on average,” Vukšić points out.

Guests from the United Kingdom stay in Split for more than three days and are the second biggest market for Split. So far, there have been about 90,000 tourists from the U.K. in Split, who managed about 300,000 overnights. The U.S. and U.K. tourists are followed by the French, Germans, and Australians, as well as the Spaniards and Italians

“At the beginning of October, arrivals and still full flights to the Split Airport from more than 100 European destinations confirm that Split is equally interesting in all seasons, and guests arriving in the coming days will be able to enjoy several entertainment, cultural and sporting events,” adds Vukšić.

Vukšić notes that tourists are especially interested in the Split Gourmet Expo - a gastronomic exhibition of Split restaurants, taverns, and hotels on the Riva, though some other manifestations are being prepared. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

October 10, 2019 - Air Transat is looking to strengthen operations in Croatia. Are trips to Dubrovnik and Split in its plans?

Ex Yu Aviation reports that the theme of Air Transat’s annual meeting last week was Croatia - and we are not surprised. In 2018, 172,712 Canadian tourists visited Croatia, which was an increase of 26.5% compared to 2017. 

While Canada’s third-largest airline has operated a seasonal summer service to Zagreb since 2016, it has put Croatia’s popularity in focus and previously expressed interested in expanding to Dubrovnik and Split. They’ve even made contact with both airports. 

“Croatia remains a key destination for Transat in view of the interest shown by Canadian travelers in the summer and its potential for tourism development. We are continuously looking at all opportunities, including Croatia. Like all airlines, there are a number of considerations involved when we are selecting a destination, including customer demand, airport infrastructure and competition from other carriers," Air Transat said.

So, is a connection to Dubrovnik and Split on the horizon? Air Transat said they are always analyzing and re-evaluating the market and their roads, based on a variety of factors, to optimize their operations. 

Recall, Air Transat announced a new service between Toronto and Split back in September 2018, though they canceled it in January 2019 and instead increased frequencies to Zagreb. 

Air Transat's Marketing Director, Debbie Cabana, confirmed the news then. 

"For commercial reasons, we have decided to cancel our summer 2019 program for Split, Croatia. Nevertheless, Croatia remains a key destination for Transat and, given the interest shown by Canadians in the summer of 2018 and its potential for tourism development, we will be adding a third weekly departure from Toronto to Zagreb. Flights will be on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays during peak season. Passengers from Montreal and Vancouver will also benefit from a connecting flight to Toronto to take advantage of this added flight to Croatia. This third flight will make Zagreb accessible from Calgary as well, via return connecting flights to Toronto". 

The carrier was to fly between Toronto and Split once a week from June 20 to September 12.

However, Air Transat isn’t the only airline helping Canadian tourists to Croatia - we have Canada Rouge to thank for that, too. 

"Further growth in travel is expected from Canada to Croatia at around 20% per year. Estimates are based on the recovery of the Canadian economy, the strong contribution of nonstop flights linking Toronto with Zagreb, and general growth in interest for travel to Croatia,” Ina Rodin from the Croatian National Tourist Board concluded. 

Air Transat announced they’ll release the 2020 summer flight schedule soon. 

To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.

October 9, 2019 - As most everyone in Croatia is already well aware, Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud stadium in Split on Thursday for a crucial Euro 2020 qualifier. This is the first time the national team has played in Split since 2015, and sold-out stadium awaits. Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic and captain Luka Modric spoke to the media on Wednesday at Poljud ahead of the game. 

The Croatia national team moved to Split this week to prepare for their Euro 2020 qualifier against Hungary. The team is staying at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel and trained in Omis before moving to Poljud for a night training on Wednesday evening. Before the team trained on Wednesday, coach Zlatko Dalic and captain Luka Modric met the press. 

The press conference started congratulating Luka for his goal against Granada. 

“Thank you. But the biggest thing is for us to win tomorrow in front of our fans.”

How does Luka feel about being back in Split?

“Everything is good so far haha. We are happy to be back at Poljud after such a long time. I expect a lot of support tomorrow and that the fans will carry us to a win. We can’t wait to be back here.”

What is the biggest factor in Croatia achieving a positive result on Thursday? 

“It’s most important how we enter the game. We must all play together on the same level. Hungary showed their quality already and that they’re dangerous. It’s a big game, and we must win to get through these qualifications and qualify for Euro peacefully.” 

How much psychological pressure is Luka feeling as captain, being back at Poljud, and playing in front of Dalmatia again?

“There is no pressure; we are only thinking positively. It’s been a long time since we have been here, and the atmosphere will be excellent.” 

It was Dalic’s turn to take the mic.

“We respect Hungary. It doesn’t matter that they’re missing a few players. We need to give everything we have tomorrow. We can't enter the game nervously. We must play with our heads and our hearts."

Kickoff is on Thursday at 8:45 pm. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page. 

October 9, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary will meet at Poljud on Thursday for the first time since 2015. To date, the national team only has one win there in the last eight years. A look at Croatia's Split record by TCN contributor Valentino Komusar. 

After four long years, the Croatian national football team is coming back to Split. Poljud Stadium, one of the city’s most famous landmarks and the home of football club Hajduk Split, will host a Euro 2020 qualifying match between Croatia and Hungary, which is set to kick off at 8.45 pm on Thursday. This will be the 13th time Croatia plays in Split; however, they won only once, drew seven times, and lost four. The first time Poljud hosted Croatia was in 1995, but the first victory came 16 years later!

In July 2011, Croatia were victorious 2:1 against Georgia in a Euro 2012 qualifying match. The guests even took the lead in the 17th minute through Jaba Kankava, but in quick succession, late in the second half Nikola Kalinić and Mario Mandžukić secured all three points for the home team. 

Numerous sports and other events have taken place at Poljud, which are still held today. From the games of Hajduk to music festivals like Ultra, and concerts of Croatian singers, this stadium has seen it all, but no-one likes to talk about the last time Croatia visited Poljud. In 2015, Italy were the visitors and the match was played behind closed doors after Croatian fans twice disrupted their team’s 1:1 draw with the same team at San Siro the year before. This Euro 2016 qualifier played in Split also ended in a 1:1 draw, but was overshadowed by a massive incident when a large swastika appeared to have been mowed into the turf before the game. That incident only created a bigger rift between the Croatian Football Federation and Hajduk/Torcida. The Split club has not participated in the organization of the match on Thursday, and according to Croatian media, neither the Hajduk president Marin Brbić nor the vice-president Lukša Jakobušić will attend the game. 

In November 2014, there was even an anti-FA protest held in Split on the Riva, the city's main seaside promenade. More than 20.000 people showed up to show their disapproval of the FA’s leaders who are considered to be the source of all problems in Croatian football. Hajduk's fans group Torcida also requested the resignation of all key figures in the CFA because they believe that the organization is completely controlled by Hajduk's archrival Dinamo Zagreb. Much bigger are suspicions about criminal conduct and corruption. 

While the hatchet between Hajduk/Torcida and the CFA hasn’t been buried yet, it seems like the Croatian national football team is more than welcome in Split since it took only 24 hours to sell out the whole stadium last month. 

To read more about sport in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

October 9, 2019 - Locals in Split love the offseason for many reasons. And while the thinned crowds, cooler temps (but sunny skies) and the first breaths after an exhausting summer are among the best, we’d like to argue that Restaurant Week is in the top 5. 

Namely, Restaurant week returns to Croatia for its 19th edition, ensuring all locals, tourists, and foodies alike can reward themselves on a season well done with promotional, three-course lunch and dinner menus! This time, Restaurant Week will be held from October 11 to 20, 2019. 

“Restaurant Week is a promotional action to promote the gastronomic scene of Croatia in cooperation with catering establishments. Restaurants participating in the event welcome guests through special promotional offers. The concept of this action was made in line with the world's metropolises and has been adapted to the Croatian market. It is held twice a year,” explains Restaurant Week on their official website. 

This time around, Split gourmands can enjoy special menus from Bajamonti, Brasserie on 7, Median Briig Boutique Hotel, Da’Mar hotel Marvie, L’Aroma in Podstrana, Mala Kavana, Tusculum Hotel Salona Palace in Solin, and Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar. 

So, what can you expect?

For example, Riva institution Brasserie on 7 will offer:

MENU I

Appetizer: Cheeses & charcuterie - selection of local & French cheeses & “charcuterie”, served with chicken liver parfait, fig jam & homemade grissini

Main course: Slow cooked beef rib burger (12 hours) - Sriracha aioli, salad, carrot & pickled purple onion

Dessert: Choose from their cake selection

MENU II

Appetizer: White tomato essence soup - profiteroles, black truffle & parmesan Foam

Main course: Duck breast - creamy corn, praline rillette, mushrooms & dark sauce

Dessert: Choose from their cake selection

MENU III

Appetizer: Seafood risotto - shrimp, prawns, razor clams, dried tomatoes

Main course: Octopus - quinoa, “pico de gallo” salsa, citrus & salsa verde 

Dessert: Choose from their cake selection

But that’s not all. 

Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar will take you on a culinary ride with their menu creations, including:

MENU I

Appetizer: Homemade ravioli - cow and goat skuta, raisins, pine nuts, sage, baked dried fig jam

Main course: Hama fillet - sage beurre blanc, couscous, asparagus

Dessert: Warm pear biscuit - white chocolate, caramelized popcorn, almonds, butterscotch, creme fraiche, cinnamon

MENU II

Appetizer: Homemade spaghetti - caramelized butter, dried tomatoes, truffle, grana padano, pine nuts

Main course: Pork file „saltimbocca“ wrapped in pancetta - mousseline polenta, caramelized pears, broad beans & demiglace

Dessert: Lemon tart - walnuts, vanilla ice cream, meringue

MENU III

Appetizer: Burrata - mesclun greens, basil pesto, olives, cherry tomatoes, pickled peppers

Main course: Duck breast - bulgur, sweet potato puree, cherry demiglace, beetroot chips

Dessert: Miss berry chantilly cream, raspberry puree, forest fruit, white chocolate

You can check out the rest of the Split's Restaurant Week menus here. And if you’re not in Split? See if Restaurant Week is happening in your Croatian city!

To read more about lifestyle in Croatia, follow TCN’s dedicated page.