Thursday, 26 September 2019

Your 2019 Guide to Best Breakfast and Brunch in Split

September 26, 2019 - Split's breakfast and brunch scene are thriving in 2019. A guide to the best places to begin your morning. 

The way our mornings begin usually depict precisely how the rest of our day will look. For example, if we ‘wake up on the wrong side of the bed’, we’re grumpy, irritable, and usually, have no reason for being so. But it always doesn’t have to be that way. 

Today, we’re bringing you a list of reasons good enough to make you jump out of bed buzzing in the morning - and they come in the form of the best breakfast and brunch spots in Split this year. 

Fig

New to Split this year, Fig quickly became one of the hottest locations in the city center. Popular for their California toast, vegetarian breakfast burrito, and spicy eggs, Fig also offers breakfast cocktails like Bloody Marys, and prides themselves on their baked goods made in-house, from fig scones to New York-style cheesecake. Did we mention they’re located just around the corner from Peristyle inside the ancient Augubio Palace?

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Chops Grill 

Split’s favorite steakhouse has so much more to offer than beef - and breakfast is one of them. Blended smoothies boasting almond butter and berries or super greens is a foolproof way to kick off your morning at Chops, that is, before you dive into the rest of the menu. Veggie omelets, poached eggs served with avocado or Caprese-style, breakfast tortillas, American pancakes and the classic Chops Breakfast served up with grilled sausages, scrambled eggs, pancetta, and mini tomatoes - how could one go wrong?

Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar

A wine bar that also serves brunch? Sign us up! Known for their extensive selection of Croatian wine and stellar charcuterie platters, Zindanfel is king at brunch, too. If you had one glass too many the night before, make the morning right with their eggs Benedict on an English muffin or brunch baguette with eggs, ham, rocket, and aioli. And you only need to get there before 2 pm!

Ciri Biri Bela 

Farmer’s omelets? Check.  Eggs Benedict? Check. And a world of fixings for you to choose? Double-check! Ciri Biri Bela is another showstopper this summer, and it’s not hard to see why. Not only is it guaranteed organic, but you can choose from the best of everything - like NY bagels to muesli, Croatian pancakes to donuts, French toast, banana bread or apple strudel, and, of course, a plethora of egg dishes, smoked meat and cheese platters, fruit salads, and fresh juices and smoothies. And this is just breakfast. Check out their brunch menu here

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Kat’s Kitchen (and Kat’s Grab ’n’ Go)

Riding the health kick wave, Kat’s opened last year to ensure the people of Split had the most colorful and clean creations at their disposal. Oven-baked organic omelets, an egg white omelet with smoked salmon, warm oatmeal cooked in coconut milk, homemade granola, and sweet and savory croissants are just some of what’s on offer at Kat’s. And if you need a healthy fix quick, try Kat’s central Grab ’n’ Go!

Zeru Cafe & Wine Bar

Because all wine bars should serve breakfast, right? Zeru’s breakfast menu consists of banana and almond French toast, quiche, omelets, ham and eggs, homemade smoothies, and fluffy croissants. Not only are they one of the most affordable breakfast spots in town, but you can also take your breakfast to go!

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Bepa!

Located super central in Split’s Pjaca, Bepa believes that the best things in life are sweet, which is exhibited in their homemade waffles that can be prepared in three different ways. But if you don’t have much of a sweet tooth, Bepa boasts a classic English breakfast, poached eggs with avocado, an omelet with cream cheese, baby spinach and leek, and a potato egg hash. 

Brasserie on 7

One of the breakfast and brunch pioneers in Split is Brasserie on 7, and if you’ve walked down the Split Riva, chances are, you know it well. From their Big Breakfast which boasts poached eggs, hollandaise, ham, sausage and sourdough bread, to cinnamon ricotta French toast, egg white omelettes, classic eggs Benedict to a superfood favorites chia pudding and açai bowls, B7 goes one step above by offering a range of 100% fresh juices (and you could add bubbles, too). 

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Corto Maltese Freestyle Food

This funky and fun foodie favorite serves breakfast until noon, and we hear the cinnamon rolls are divine. You can also try scrambled eggs served with smoked salmon or sirloin, açai bowls, scrambled eggs on toast, chia pots, and fresh juices. We promise you’ll enjoy the quirky names for menu items, too. 

Perpetuum

If you’re in the Varos area and need a quick breakfast fix - this is where you’ll want to go. While Perpetuum offers nothing too fancy, you’ll be more than satisfied by hearty egg dishes, usually served with crusty bread and cured meat and cheese. We hear the prices are friendly, too. 

Superfood Healthy Food Factory 

Yet another health food sanctuary to add to the list, Superfood has it all. From smoothies to açai bowls, a healthier version of pancakes, eggs served every way and protein-packed ways to start your day - you can’t go wrong. It’s also important to note that Superfood is super friendly to vegans and vegetarians!

Bistro Roots

Another Split establishment that focuses on healthy, clean, and fresh food, Roots serves up eggs Benedict, açai bowls, fried eggs, smoothies, omelets, and some seriously tempting baked goods. They also honor their plant-based, vegan, or vegetarian guests with prices that don’t break the bank!

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Bistro Roots Facebook

Terminal F

If you’re trying to kill time before boarding your catamaran or ferry to your next island destination, Terminal F is conveniently located by the port to ensure you’ll get there on time with full bellies. A basic breakfast menu with omelets, yogurt and granola, and French toast, your breakfast with a view could come at a bigger price tag than some others in Split. 

Pandora Greenbox

This plant-based, vegetarian restaurant opened in Split just in time to catch the summer season - and we are not complaining. Their focus is on serving clean, hearty, and healthy dishes, so full of flavor you won’t miss the meat - and they’ve succeeded. Pandora’s breakfast options range from fresh and fruity açai bowls to American pancakes and scrambled eggs. They have matcha lattes, too! 

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Pandora Facebook

Bokeria 

One of Split’s hottest restaurants is also known to serve up breakfast and brunch options. While there aren’t too many menu items to choose from, Bokeria offers truffle eggs, yogurt with fresh fruit and granola, prosciutto and cheese on toast and fresh-squeezed OJ. 

Sexy Cow

Everyone’s favorite wrap place in Split also serves breakfast! Whether you want the English Cow (like an English Breakfast), Red Cow (like shakshuka), your eggs scrambled, or a variety of smoothie bowls, Sexy Cow serves breakfast until 11 am!

Maka Maka

Acai bowls, smoothies, and fresh cold-pressed juices - if you’re into something light, Maka Maka will do you right. 

What are your favorite breakfast spots in Split? 

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

Thursday, 26 September 2019

From Split Airport to Ferry Port in 35 Minutes: Promet Director Talks Integrated Public Transport

September 26, 2019 - Miroslav Delic, director of Promet Split, talks about the integrated transport between Split Airport and Ferry Port. 

The number of passengers on Split's integrated public transport line in the first month indicates the desire of the people to ride this type of transport. It is already known that this project will start next year from May 1st.

Miroslav Delic, director of Promet Split, went into further detail for Dalmacija Danas

“We're still driving this weekend until October 1st. We started in mid-July, so in the middle of summer. At first, it was a new line, unknown to people, but within ten days the interest was very good. We also had full buses from Split Airport to Kastel Stari. According to the reactions, passengers were happy to avoid the crowds. As mentioned, we brought passengers from the airport to the ferry within 40 minutes. It takes about 10 minutes to drive to the station in Kastel Stari, and by the timetable up to 25 minutes by train from the ferry port. In a month, we had sold about 2,000 tickets. Of course, we started late, and the results could have been much better if we had started on time. However, we are already preparing for next year in the sense that we have an agreement on what needs to be arranged at the railway station in Kastel Stari by HŽ to disembark passengers from the bus to the train even faster.

They should arrange access to the Kastel Stari, and for the next year, we will strive to intensify and start at the beginning of the tourist season. I think this is a select line that really speeds up travel time for passengers. In the biggest crowds, the airport bus from Trogir to Split sometimes takes two hours. This is a perspective line that will only show all its benefits in the years to come.”

Delic then commented on the new buses that arrived on city and suburban roads in September.

“Of course, everyone is satisfied, both citizens and drivers. So far, there are no problems as far as passengers' attitude to new buses is concerned, and I hope we will all realize that these are not Promet buses but our common buses. Most buses are in operation at the moment, but there are four more buses left. We'll release them next week.

As is well known, before putting the new buses into operation, we have to write off the old buses and this is a process that must be done carefully. Putting several buses out of use for a certain period creates problems for us. We don't have too many buses, but just as many as we need. Some days the old buses need to be put out of service and the new ones put into use. Other buses are operational, rotating on various lines. After riding on buses over 20 years old, this is a big change for the better,” Delic concluded.

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

Thursday, 26 September 2019

Jadran Split Joins Jug and Mladost as Croatian Clubs in LEN Champions League

September 26, 2019 - Jadran Split will compete in the LEN Champions League for the second consecutive season after defeating French club Strasbourg 12:29 overall in the third round of the qualifiers.

HRT reports that the Jadran Split water polo team have booked another Champions League appearance with one more convincing victory against French club Strasbourg, who they defeated away 16:7 (3:2, 5:2, 3:2, 5:1) in the return match of the 3rd qualification round. Recall, in the first match in Split, Jadran won 13:5. Thus, Jadran joins Dubrovnik's Jug and Zagreb's Mladost in the group stage of elite club competition. This is also the second consecutive season Jadran Split is among the top 16 teams in Europe.

Zvonimir Butic was the most efficient player for the Split team with three goals, while Rino Buric, Marin Vrdoljak, Marin Delic and Antonio Duzević scored twice. Strasbourg was led by Dubrovnik native Pavo Markovic who scored three goals.

Jadran Split will play in Group A of the Champions League alongside Jug AO from Dubrovnik, Sintez Kazan from Russia, Szolnoki from Hungary, Jug Herceg Novi from Montenegro, Barceloneta from Spain, Spandau 04 from Germany and Olympiacos from Greece.

Split will host Olympiacos, which is the current Champions League finalist, in the first round on October 8th, while Jug will host Herceg Novi.

In Group B, Mladost will compete against European champions Ferencvaros from Hungary, Hanover from Germany, Pro Recco from Italy, Dinamo Tbilisi from Georgia, Marseille from France, OSC Budapest from Hungary and Terrassa from Spain. 

Mladost will open their competition on October 9th with a visit to OSC in Budapest.

LEN Champions League qualifications - 3rd round

Strasbourg - Jadran ST 7-16 (total 12-29)

Sintez Kazan - Brescia 10-7  (22-20)

Digi Oradea - Terrassa 5-6   (12-16)        

Vouliagmeni - OSC Budapest 6-7  (9-18)

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

 

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Poljud Sells Out in Day and a Half for Croatia's Euro Qualifier Against Hungary

September 25, 2019 - The Croatia national team will return to Split next month for the first time since 2015 - and based on the number of tickets sold in just over 24 hours, it's not hard to see just how eager Croatian football fans are to see the 2018 World Cup finalists in action at Poljud stadium. 

Croatia and Hungary will play one of the decisive matches for the 2020 European Championships on 10 October at Poljud stadium in Split, which will be played in front fo 34,000 fans.

Namely, more than 30,000 tickets were sold on Tuesday after they went on sale at noon, while the remaining 3,977 tickets were snagged by Wednesday afternoon. Index.hr reports that the famous Split stadium is now officially sold out. 

The first sections to sell out at Poljud were the East and West, and on the second day of ticket sales, the only section with tickets available was the North. 

The last time Croatia played a match at a Poljud stadium in front of fans was in a friendly against Switzerland in 2012.

After four and a half years and the infamous swastika incident against Italy, the Croatia national team finally returns to Poljud. Split will host Croatia and Hungary in one of the key European Championship qualifying matches of Group E.

Tickets were initially available for a lower presale price until October 6, costing 250 kuna for the West, 200 for the East, and 125 for the North. 

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

Wednesday, 25 September 2019

Made in Dalmatia: Smart Communications Presents Smart and Solar Bus Stop Solution

September 25, 2019 - An exciting new product is on the Croatian market, which is especially interesting since it is made entirely in Dalmatia. Meet Smart Communications, the brains behind the MM-19 smart and solar bus stop.

Smart Communications presents a new generation of bus stops. However, this is not just any kind of bus stop, but a modern and smart bus stop equipped with solar panels that power the entire structure and multimedia. 

Dalmacija Danas toured the Smart Communications facility and uncovered more about the young team behind this project.

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Smart Communications

Namely, Smart Communications is a young company that is engaged in the sales and service of electric scooters and everything related to new green technologies - and in Dalmatia, they cooperate with Ericsson Nikola Tesla in the field of optical infrastructure.

“We have always strived for new solutions and projects, and this solar smart bus stop project has been prepared for half a year, from organizing production at the Dicmo plant to assembling and testing in Split in the Koncar building next to TC Joker. From the very beginning, the product has attracted the attention of cities and municipalities, especially from Omis, Brela, Baska Voda, and Gradac to Ploce,” revealed Smart Communications.

The specifications of the smart bus stop are impressive.

“The MM-19 solar smart stop is a Croatian product that has launched the technological modernization of municipalities, cities, and local governments. We have implemented several smart multimedia solutions into the stop, which the locals will be able to use year-round, and, of course, tourists. With this product, we are creating new values in Croatia!

The product is characterized by the specificity of machining of a steel structure according to the standard EN 10027, which is processed in three separate phases (electroplating-cleaning, galvanizing and plastification). With our partners, companies Adria-Zinc Split and Metallux Vrgorac, after finishing the construction, we assemble and do the final work (installing solar panels, regulators, batteries, USB sockets, glass, benches ...) at Put Brodarice 2, in the Koncar plant. The FN modules we incorporate are 650W, smart MPPT 100/50 voltage regulators and Victron AGM batteries from 160Ah to 220Ah give us the power and security so that a smart solar cell can operate for up to 5 days without solar power. We have even transformed our bench seat into a unique material - cumaru wood, which is used for quality, color, and specificity in the most luxurious yachts as finishing wood for decks and benches.

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Smart Communications

All of the above gives us safety and quality, and we can provide a lifetime warranty on the construction of the station. From the beginning, we were guided by the vision of modernizing each of our municipalities and cities in Croatia, especially in tourist resorts by the sea and the coast, where tourism is the main branch of survival for the locals. We want to raise the level of service because many guests use buses as a means of transport from city to city. That means they spend a lot of time on the road waiting at bus stops. Why not make that wait more enjoyable and fun with the cozy night LED lighting, charging stations for their cell phones and tablets, free Wi-Fi, and light background music? On the LED screens, you can find out bus timetables, various information, and events happening where the smart bus stations are located. 

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Smart Communications

Due to its modern and quality design, it fits in with every exterior and does not disturb your view of the sea. These are several of the main features of a solar smart bus stop.

We can also offer annual maintenance for the station. This includes a free 4G signal for Hotspot Internet, a yearly security policy and monthly control, inspection and window washing. We are at your disposal for any additional information and arrangements regarding the appointment and presentation of the smart bus stop,” Smart Communications concluded.

You can see the smart bus stops at Put Brodarice 2 in Split and Garma 14 in Omis!

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

Tuesday, 24 September 2019

Ticket Sales Begin for Croatia's Euro Qualifier Against Hungary at Poljud

September 24, 2019 - Croatia and Hungary will meet for their next Euro 2020 qualifier at Poljud stadium in Split.

24 Sata reports that ticket sales for Croatia's long-awaited match against Hungary at Poljud begin on Tuesday at the Spaladium Arena and online, and interest is high. Recall, the Croatia national team hasn’t played in Split since 2015. 

A few hours before tickets went on sale for the crucial Euro 2020 qualifier between the national teams of Croatia and Hungary on October 10,a line in front of the box office at Spaladium Arena was formed, which was monitored by police.

After four and a half years, the Croatia national team returns to Split after lengthy negotiations between the City of Split, Hajduk and the Croatian Football Federation (HNS). Hajduk tacitly approved the arrival of the national team, but withdrew from partaking in the organization of the match.

Ticket presales begin on Tuesday at 12 pm at the Spaladium Arena box office (weekdays 12 pm to 6 pm) and online. The presale runs until October 6.

Tickets for the north stands cost 100 kuna, while it is 150 kuna to sit in the east and 200 kuna for the west. After the presale ends, prices go up to 125, 200 and 250 kuna. Tickets for the game against Wales in Cardiff are also on sale for 260 kuna each.

The national team schedule for their week in Split is also known. Namely, the national team will gather on Monday, October 7, at the Le Meridien Lav Hotel. The team will hold their training before the match in Omis. The only activity at Poljud will be a training and press conference the day before the match.

The day after the game, the national team will hold their usual stretch at the hotel gym, and takeoff for Cardiff on a charter flight on Saturday, the day before the match against Wales.

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

Tuesday, 24 September 2019

Amphora: Largest Hotel in Split Days Away from Opening Doors?

September 24, 2019 - The Amphora will be Split's largest hotel.

The peak season is long gone, which has been confirmed by the comfortable drop in temperature and September showers. However, the summer came and went without one of the biggest hotel projects in Dalmatia - the Amphora hotel on Znjan, owned by Split entrepreneur Zvonko Kotarac. 

This top-category hotel has been announced as the largest hotel in Split, which means it is one of the largest hotels in Dalmatia. Although it was originally planned to open this Easter, its doors are still closed. 

Slobodna Dalmacija writes that anyone who has walked past the hotel in recent days would say that it is in the final stages of completion, meaning it should fully open in a matter of days. There is still a fence in front of the entrance, but some of the windows on the terraces have been cleared. Slobodna Dalmacija called Zvonko Kotarac to see if the hotel was nearly ready to receive its first guests, though he neither confirmed nor denied the question.

The first project for this accommodation dates back to 2004, and according to the plans back then, the facility should have been much smaller. Three buildings were planned, each with a basement, ground floor, semi-basement, two floors, and a superstructure, and the construction line would coincide with the slope of the terrain. In this way, it would unobtrusively blend in with the view of the coast, in the area of Znjan, which has been devastated by inadequate construction. The designer then was Ante Kuzmanic, but as the architect once said to Slobodna, there was a dispute with the investor and he left the project. 

The plans for the hotel were then changed at the request of the investors. The architects then created a new draft and the detailed plan for the area was changed, that is, the city councilors raised their hands three times - in 2008, 2011 and 2016. From the initial 7,100 square meters, the hotel has grown to 17,500 square meters. So, in just over ten years, while we awaited its construction, the hotel grew 10,000 square meters and became the largest in Split!

The project was also changed to be more cost-effective to build. It was once accepted as two six-story buildings by the City, and in 2016, at the request of Kotarac's Dal-Koning Company, the City Council changed it to an eight-story building. Some city councilors have warned, such as architect Danira Matosic, that such a large object would disrupt the city's view from the sea, but that did not stop the required number of hands to adopt another DPU change.

Recall, a construction inspection in April this year found that, above all, excavators were digging more than was approved in the building permit, so the City approved its modification under the Emil Sverka project, and the works were completed.

Furthermore, the project envisaged that the Amphora's 11 floors would be heated and cooled by the sea, for which pipes would be installed 200 meters from the beach for the disabled, located next to the hotel. Design engineer Davor Lucin said that only near the pipe will the temperature be warmer or colder by three to five degrees. Senka Mrkonjic, president of the Association of Persons with Disabilities, commented that it was extremely inappropriate that no one had discussed this with them.

TCN wrote back in February that with 600 beds available, the Amphora will significantly improve the tourist image of the city - and it will also change the image of Žnjan.

The building will consist of two parts; the Amphora Resort is the main facility on nine floors with 207 accommodation units, 30 to 70 square meters in size, while the Amphora Residence will include 30 high-class apartments between 40 to 100 square meters. The buildings will be connected by a walkway.

Unlike the latest trends in buildings with fully enclosed facades, as many as three-quarters of all rooms will have a balcony overlooking the coast, the sea, and the central Dalmatian islands. The total investment is more than 26 million euro.

The main building and public spaces were designed by Emil Sverko, rooms by designer Patricia Sabljic, and the restaurants and Sky bar by architect Ante Vrban. Neno Kezic authored the residential part.

The hotel is called "Amphora" because Zvonko Kotarac owns a family collection of amphorae, one of the most complete in the area, which is substantially preserved and aged between 1800 and 2500 years. Thirty listed and conservation-protected amphorae will be permanently exhibited at the hotel. As a national cultural asset, it will be accessible to the public in the lobby of the hotel.

The Amphora will offer a congress hall with 500 seats, a wellness center of 2000 square meters, four types of saunas with an open view, three swimming pools, two of which will have a sea view and one that will be a winter pool with a glass wall, and two restaurants and three bars next to the spectacular Sky Bar, in an area of 800 square meters for 500 guests at the top of the building.

The Amphora said they would accommodate a very diverse clientele, from business people to families, mainly from the UK and Scandinavian countries. The hotel also said they'd hire 80 permanent staff and 40 seasonal workers back in February. 

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

Monday, 23 September 2019

My Dalmatian Cookbook: Take the Tastes of Dalmatia Home

My Dalmatian Cookbook is the perfect souvenir to take the tastes of your Dalmatian holiday home with you; relive the incredible food scene of Dalmatia or wow guests with traditional Dalmatian recipes.

Slowly, ever so slowly, the world is beginning to learn about the incredible food and wine scene in Croatia. You would think that a rave review by Anthony Bourdain in 2012 on his show ‘No Reservations’ would have done it but every year people arrive to Croatia and still have no idea what to expect from the food and wine scene.

I work on a yacht with my husband, sailing up and down the Dalmatian coast all summer long; we cook nothing but fresh seafood and traditional dishes aboard, like – crni rižot (black risotto), brujet (tomato-based fish stew), octopus salad, grilled sardines, marinated anchovies and so much more. We send them wine tasting, olive oil tasting and provide or point them in the direction of some of Croatia's award-winning cheeses.

Every week our guests are absolutely blown away by the quality of the wine and food; many are world travellers and have dined in some of the best restaurants around the world and yet they still exclaim that the gastronomy scene in Croatia tops some of their best experiences.

When it comes time to buy souvenirs to remind them of their holiday, we always recommend buying wine, olive oil or anything that is locally crafted in Croatia (versus the cheap souvenirs in the markets). And, without fail, every week our guests ask us to write down some of our recipes for them. I have been on the lookout for a great cookbook that they could buy with some traditional recipes in English (to save me from writing our own mini cookbook), but couldn't find anything, until I stumbled upon 'My Dalmatian Cook Book' in the incredible artisanal shop – ‘Za Pod Zub’ in Stari Grad on Hvar.

The cute illustrated cover immediately jumped out at me and upon turning the pages, I was sold. My Dalmatian Cook Book is written in English and full of traditional dalmatian recipes and gorgeous illustrations to go alongside. It was exactly what I had been looking for and I have since bought several copies to give to our guests as a parting gift so they might take the flavours of their holiday home with them.

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When I found out that the chef and author lives in Split, I had to meet her to learn a little more. Jolanda Vitaljić is the creative genius behind the book and also a full-time chef at Pikulece and Uje restaurants; so, we met for a coffee (because nothing in Croatia without coffee) to chat.

I learned that the concept of the book was inspired by her mother, when Jolanda went to University, her mother made her a book filled with handwritten recipes –

“In Croatia (if you haven’t already realised), the most important thing is food. Everything happens around food and whole discussions (even arguments) can be had around recipes and the ‘right’ way to cook something.

Working in restaurants and especially in the open kitchen of Pikulece, I was always asked for my recipes, so it just made sense to write a cookbook.

I wanted the book to be illustrated but met Boris Matešić by chance while I was in search of somewhere to publish the book – as having every part of the process be local, even if it was more expensive, was really important to me. Boris heard about my project and asked to do the illustrations because he’d always wanted to do a project like this, so it worked out perfectly.”

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Inside you will find simple recipes (read: comfort food) such as ‘salsa di pomodoro’ – a staple of every Croatian home, asparagus and eggs, grilled sardines and roasted red peppers… to traditional dishes like gregada, pašticada and stuffed peppers. And, there are also a few sweet recipes – like homemade marmalade, paradižot, stuffed figs and candied orange peel. It is such a sweet and homely collection of recipes and really feels as though it was made by your mother with love.

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Speaking of things made by your mother, Jolanda’s creativity doesn’t stop there, she has several creative outlets and projects on the go, one being a gorgeous shop called Nered with her partner Đenko Ivanišević. Nered sells authentic Croatian products – including t-shirts made be her mother, aptly named ‘mamafaktura’! Again, this was inspired by everyone asking her where she buys her t-shirts (they are made by her mum), so she put her mum to work!

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“My mother is extremely creative, I guess that’s where I get it from! I can never do just one thing, we are always working on other projects, all inspired by love and passion.”

Nered has a beautifully curated array of local and authentic products including her cookbook and designs by Đenko and her mother. A perfect stop to pick up some wonderful souvenirs. As well as 'My Dalmatian Cookbook', Jolanda has also created a vegetarian notebook with a few recipes and space to write your own notes, also beautifully illustrated.

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My Dalmatian Cookbook is an absolute delight both because of the recipes and the illustrations, making it more than a souvenir but rather something to inspire, remind you of your time in Croatia and even proudly display on a coffee table. After years sailing in Croatia, it was a real joy to come across this cookbook and Jolanda and Đenko's shop – another local gem to recommend to our guests.

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Jolanda has a genuine (and infectious) passion for sharing the story of Croatian food, as well as highlighting and supporting other local creatives and designers; this kind of thinking and attitude it exactly what Croatia needs more of.

At the beginning of the cookbook, there are 10 questions for the author, the last asks – what is your philosophy of cooking?

“Simple and tasty. Cooking should be a pleasure, life is already complicated enough.”

And, I couldn’t agree more.

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Do yourself a favour, if you are travelling Croatia or in search of a gift for a friend, buy My Dalmatian Cookbook and relive the tastes of Dalmatia.

You can find My Dalmatian Cookbook stocked in Split (Nered), Vis (NEred), Zagreb (Galerija Link), Dubrovnik (Life according to Kawa), Rijeka (Croatia in a box), Hvar (Divino), Stari Grad (Za pod zub), Korčula (Galerija Vapor), Čakovec (Nu shu concept store).

Or, if you want to try Jolanda’s cooking in-person, you can find her in Uje or Pikulece most days!

 

All photos courtesy of and copyright to Jolanda Vitaljic

For more stories like this, follow our dedicated Lifestyle page.

Monday, 23 September 2019

Zlatko Dalic Announces Lineup for October Qualifiers, Rakitic Returns

September 23, 2019 - Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic has announced the list of players for the October qualifying matches against Hungary and Wales.

HNS reports that the 2018 World Cup finalists will gather on Monday, October 7 in Split to begin preparations for the games against Hungary and Wales as part of their qualifiers for the 2020 European Championship.

The meeting against Hungary is scheduled for Thursday, October 10 at Poljud stadium, after which the team will travel to Cardiff on Saturday for the game against Wales on Sunday, October 13.

Recall, Hungary defeated Croatia 2:1 in Budapest, while Croatia beat Wales in Osijek with the same result. Dalic’s squad welcomes the October qualifiers as the first-placed team in Group E, with one point ahead of Slovakia and Hungary and four ahead of Wales.

Zlatko Dalic opted for the following players in this national team action:

Goalkeepers: Dominik Livaković (Dinamo), Lovre Kalinić (Aston Villa), Simon Sluga (Luton Town)

Defenders: Domagoj Vida (Bešiktaš), Dejan Lovren (Liverpool), Tin Jedvaj (Augsburg), Borna Barišić (Rangers), Matej Mitrović (Club Brugge), Dario Melnjak (Rizespor), Mile Škorić (Osijek), Karlo Bartolec (Kobenhavn)

Midfielders: Luka Modrić (Real Madrid), Ivan Rakitić (Barcelona), Mateo Kovačić (Chelsea), Milan Badelj (Fiorentina), Marcelo Brozović (Inter), Mario Pašalić (Atalanta), Nikola Vlašić (CSKA Moskva)

Attackers: Ivan Perišić (Bayern), Ante Rebić (Milan), Bruno Petković (Dinamo), Josip Brekalo (Wolfsburg), Mislav Oršić (Dinamo)

Call-ups: Marko Rog (Cagliari), Dino Perić (Dinamo), Filip Bradarić (Hajduk), Mijo Caktaš (Hajduk)

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

Monday, 23 September 2019

HNL Round 9 Recap: Varazdin Defeats Dinamo, Hajduk Stays in First Place

September 23, 2019 - The 9th round of the Croatian First League was held from September 20 to 22, 2019. The 9th round brought a big upset to Dinamo, saw the coaches of Rijeka and Osijek leave their posts, and Hajduk now sits clear in first place by 3 points. 

Lokomotiva v. Osijek (2:1)

Lokomotiva and Osijek opened the 9th round on Friday, September 20, 2019, at Kranjčevićeva Street Stadium. 

While Osijek’s Maric scored in the 7th minute for 0:1, Halilovic equalized for Lokomotiva in the 37th minute for 1:1 at the half. 

Tolic increased Lokomotiva’s lead for 2:1 in the 88th minute, giving Lokomotiva the win in the end. 

Lokomotiva is currently in 4th place with 14 points, while Osijek is in 5th with 13. 

Slaven Belupo v. Gorica (2:0)

Belupo and Gorica met in Koprivnica on Saturday, September 21, 2019. 

Steenvoorden put Belupo in the lead with an own goal in the 29th minute for 1:0 at the half. After Cabraja was shown a red card in the 85th minute, Belupo’s Krstanovic scored a penalty to increase the lead to 2:0, which was how the game ended. Gorica ended the game with nine men after Lovric was shown a second yellow in the 91st. 

 

Belupo is currently in 7th place with 10 points, while Gorica is in 6th with 10. 

Varazdin v. Dinamo Zagreb (1:0)

Varazdin and Dinamo met in Varazdin on Saturday, September 21, 2019. 

After a shocking 4:0 win against Atalanta to open their Champions League season, Dinamo suffered a defeat in the Croatian League to a team that was promoted from the second division this season. 

While the first half went without goals, Guera scored for Varazdin in the 62nd minute, which was the final score of the game. 

 

Varazdin has moved from the last place to 9th place with 7 points,  while Dinamo is in second with 16. 

Hajduk v. Inter Zapresic

Hajduk and Inter met at Poljud on Sunday, September 22, 2019. 

In addition to celebrating 40 years of Poljud, Hajduk celebrated another win. 

Caktas put Hajduk in the lead with a penalty in the 41st minute for 1:0 at the half. The second half saw two goals in three minutes - Stanko Juric scored for 2:0 Hajduk just moments after he entered the game, which was followed by Serderov’s goal for Inter. 

In the 86th minute, Jairo scored for 3:1 Hajduk, which was the final score of the game. 

Hajduk currently sits in first place with 19 points, while Inter is in the last place with 6. 

Istra v. Rijeka

Istria and Rijeka closed out the 9th round on Sunday, September 22, 2019, in Pula. 

Franko Andrijasevic scored for Rijeka already in the 6th. Minute, which was followed by a Loncar goal in the 45th for 0:2 at the half. Ivancic saw two yellow cards in the first half, forcing Istria to play a man down for the remainder of the game. 

Muric increased Rijeka’s lead to 0:3 in the 77th minute, which was the final score of the game. 

 

Istria is currently in 8th place with 8 points, while Rijeka moved into third place with 15 points. 

You can see the full HNL table here.

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

 

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