Here’s a scenario: it’s the weekend, you’re in Split, and you need something to do. Lucky for you, there are (almost) too many options for you to choose from this weekend. 

One of the most anticipated events of the weekend is the ‘A DI SI TI?’ humanitarian action by the MoSt association, which will take place to for the 18th consecutive year. This year’s event has even more significance, however, as the association registered on December 15th 20 years ago, reports Dalmacija Danas on December 14, 2018. 

With stalls in front of HNK Split, visitors can expect 48 different organizations, institutions, associations, schools, clubs, parties and entrepreneurs who will exhibit handicrafts, services and new and used items. From 9am, visitors can also enjoy an entertainment program, presentation of sports clubs, games for prizes, and other accompanying events.

Like all previous years, all money collected is intended exclusively for the needs of the beneficiaries at the Center for Homelessness and to decorate and equip the Center itself.

Though MoSt’s event is the highlight of our weekend, here’s a list of everything else you can enjoy in Split on Friday and Saturday, thanks to InfoZona. 

Friday

Olive Tree: Samo vinyl baby! w/ A. Jakir 

Restoran Rusulica: XXS Band 

Galway Pub: La Grange 

Adriatic Social Club: Filio b2b Kibo 

Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar: Little Sister 

Ghetto club: DJ Azid 

Caffe bar Mythos: Acoustic Night 

Rock-O Bar: ByeBye Band 

Caffe bar Dreamers: Magic Wish 

Quasimodo: Partibrejkers 

Moon bar: Warm Up Friday 

Caffe bar Versi: Jukebox Live Band 

Bounty: Visoki Napon 

Kocka: Taman w/ Eduardo de la Calle 

Zenta Club: Rasta 

Judino Drvo: Sana Garić 

Jazzbina: Okitimo Bor 

Vanilla: Viva 

Klub Toxic: Seka Aleksić 

Velvet Club: Let’s Go Out 

Kauri: Friday Smash 

Central: Circle 

Saturday 

Restoran Rusulica: XXS Band 

Roof 68: Roof-Mich-An 

Crkva sv. Dominika: Oštrokondže & gosti 

Adriatic Social Club: Petar Đ b2b Stefan B. 

Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar: Saša Jakelić 

Metal klub Eks: Eks Batcave 

Kavana HOK: Vlado Unplugged 

Galway Pub: Harpoon Blues Band 

Pivarij Burger & Beer: Souler Akustično 

Teatar Bar Split 3: Salsa Party 

Split Circus (Monty Python): Čuvari Svirala 

Moon bar: Moondance Party 

Antique Bar: Diktatori acoustic 

Caffe bar Versi: Smile Band 

Kauri: Showtime by Gallardo 

Kocka: Piknik Park 

Quasimodo: Dobra šema 

Zenta Club: Underwater w/ Lawrence Klein 

Judino Drvo: All Night drive w/ Eddy Ramich 

Jazzbina: Okitimo Bor 

Velvet Club: Let’s Go Out 

Central: Mash Up Or Shut Up 

You can also find all the Advent events here.  

Because the current weather forecast of rain, rain, and more rain might interrupt the weekend’s planned DJ performances and concerts for Split Advent, be sure to check the Facebook pages of Spalatum DMC, OLOLO in front of the Art Gallery, Perivoj and Đardin for updates. 

To learn more about Split, follow TCN's dedicated page. 

Will Split really have a new metro from next summer?

After the low-cost Hungarian carrier Wizz Air announced their difficulties in expanding operations in Croatia due to seasonality and high costs, Israel’s second-largest airline isn't intimidated by traveling to Split. 

For the fifth year in a row, portal najdoktor.com has published a list of the best male and female doctors by choice of patients. The criteria for the best doctors of the year includes the total number of comments, the number of positive and negative comments, and the quality of the commentary, reports Dalmatinski Portal on December 11, 2018. If you’re in Split and looking for a new doctor, don’t fret - today we bring you a list of the best. 

Zenon Pogorelić is named the best pediatric surgeon, Ivana Hlevnjak is the best in dermato-venerology, Zoran Vučinović is the best endocrinologist, and Mirjana Jukica is the best physicist. 

The list gets even longer when it comes to gynecology, but the best are  Dubravka Branica, Zdeslav Benzon, Vedran Hrboka, Tihomir Bušić, Hrvoje Vlašić, Teo Budimir, Tatjana Postrak-Jukić, Tanja Vukušić-Pušić, Sandra Benzon, Robert Vulić, Nives Luetić, Marko Mimica, Jelena Marušić, Jakov Viđak, Dino Markovina, Baldo Obad, Ante Radić, Ante Pecotić, and Ante Mršić  are the favorites in Split. 

The best internists were named as Robert Matutinović and Milan Marković, while Kanito Bilan and Ognjen Barčot are the best surgeons.

The best microbiologist for this year is Javorka Leko-Grbić, the best neurologists are Darijo Sucevic and Mario Mihalj, while Vlatko Ledenko is the best neurosurgeon. 

Dusanka Kaliterna-Martinović is the best rheumatologist, and the best ophthalmologists are Darko Batistić and Dobrila Karlica.

In the category of family medicine, patients selected Silvana Milovac, Jadranka Bandalo-Žebčević, and Doris Pallaoro-Šarotić, and the best otolaryngologists are Zlatko Kljajić, Draško Cikojević, Zaviša Čolović, Robert Tafra and Ivan-Anđelko Lisec. Dario Bojčić is named the best periodontist.

Dea Jurić-Perković, Ante Kovačić, and Mia Roglić are the best dentists, while the best psychiatrists are Damir Mrass and Anđelko Beg.

The best pediatricians are Luka Stričević, Tamara Bošnjak, Vitomir Metličić, Snježana Kapor-Jeričević, Meira Kraus, Dubravko Matić, Denis Mladinić-Vulić and Blanka Labur.

You can find the full list of Croatia's best doctors on najdoktor. 

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

December the 11th, 2018 - Continuing our look at some of Croatia's female entrepreneurs, Meet Jelena Bikić from Split and get better acquainted with her all natural, handcrafted cosmetics - Silvan Cosmetics.

For our international readers who perhaps don't know you, can you Introduce yourself?

My name is Jelena Bikić, and I'm from Split. I finished college in Split six years ago and I hold a Master’s degree in English Language and Art History. After graduating from college, I found it very difficult to find a job in my sector, so I decided to start my own business and while doing it, to combine my hobby with my love of art and heritage.

Silvan Cosmetics stands for natural, handcrafted cosmetic products packed in growing packages with plant seeds in them.

The design of the packaging was inspired by Croatian historical motifs, so everyone who buys a product gets a touch of Croatian history along with it. The brand name ''Silvan'' has a profound historical significance. The God Silvan was very important in the religion of the ancient Illyrians – especially for those Illyrians who lived in the region of Central Dalmatia. These tribes were known as Delmats. Silvan was their God of wild nature, forests and pastures.

As such, Silvan had the role of the protector of the herds, so, he was often shown with horns - which we decided to promote as the distinctive feature in our logo.

Our wish was to establish a connection with the legacy of our country's early inhabitants. From geometric motifs of the prehistoric art, to the God of wild nature - a story that fits perfectly with Silvan - natural beauty handicrafts: simplicity and nature.

Silvan Cosmetics' portfolio consists of three natural handmade products, and they are as follows:

1. Milk and Honey of Mount Mosor

The soap is made with ingredients typical of the Dalmatian hinterland region (goat's milk, honey, and lavender) in order to create a lasting memory of your visit to our beautiful country. The soap also has a very special package design which was inspired by the motives of the traditional folk costumes of the Dalmatian hinterland.

2. Sea Nymph

The soap is made of coconut oil, sea salt, and jojoba oil. The soap creates a smooth and creamy foam that leaves your skin feeling very soft and silky.

3. Black & Pure

This soft and refreshing soap is made of an active charcoal and tea tree oil which is a perfect combination for face cleansing. Silvan Cosmetics' line currently consists of three products because Silvan’s team places strong emphasis on quality. Each piece is carefully designed, produced by hand, cut, and then packed.

2. How did the business start and were there any major obstacles along the way?

As I mentioned, after obtaining my Master’s degree I found it very difficult to find a job in my sector in Croatia. So, I immediately thought about starting my own business. It took some time: I did market research; immersed myself in the related scientific literature; and obtained the necessary degree to start such a production.

I needed to get certificates and take courses to get a license to work since I graduated in a completely different field. It took me a year to get all the necessary licenses to start this business, and during this year I was engaged in Croatian bureaucracy and paperwork while at the same time working on product design.

Finally, I knew that there were many natural handmade cosmetic producers on the market, so I needed to find something that would make me differ from the others. What makes Silvan Cosmetics different from other natural cosmetic brands and products and so unique is its packaging: a growing package. The packaging is made from biodegradable paper embedded with a colourful variety of wildflower seeds.

The entire package can easily be planted underneath the soil and must be regularly watered. After a while, the plant from the packaging grows. You never know which plant will grow - you will get a flower of surprise.

3. People claim that the perfect combination is to live in Croatia and make money abroad. Do you agree?

I think our country is one of the most beautiful places on earth for life. We have beautiful nature and incredible historical and cultural heritage. The economic situation, however, is a completely different story, and Croatian entrepreneurs must be very creative and unique in developing their market strategy.

4. Can you give us some positive and negative sides of business climate in Croatia?

The bureaucracy is the huge downside of doing business in Croatia. As far as the positive sides are concerned, there are several organisations doing some amazing work and you can feel the positive impact of their work – “a wind of change”. They are primarily focused on networking and they are a great source of information for entrepreneurs.

5. If there were three things you could change to improve things dramatically, what they would be?

I would start by focusing on one thing: make it easier for honest and hardworking people to do their business! Without an overwhelming amount of paperwork and without overwhelming tax!

6. Do you have any advice for foreign entrepreneurs who want to invest in Croatia and for young enthusiasts who want to start local business?

Croatia is a beautiful country with many opportunities and of course, many obstacles.

People usually have great and creative ideas, but as soon as they realise that Croatian bureaucracy and paperwork can be complicated, they usually give up on their ideas. It took me almost two years to launch my idea and my product on the market. So, it takes time but it's important not to give up. I think you must be patient and persistent. There will be many obstacles along the way, but also many good people who want to help you, and when you see your idea or product on the market, you realise that everything has paid off.

7. How do you think business climate will look in ten years in Croatia?

I'm keeping my fingers crossed! I hope will be more positive for young people with great and creative ideas. I also hope that the government will support more enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, because I hope they have understood the importance of creating new products, developing new ideas, investing and supporting entrepreneurs.

8. How has EU entry changed the business climate in Croatia?

Well, I've only been an entrepreneur since fairly recently, but I do believe it was harder to get your product on the EU market before. Now, things are rather easy when we want to cooperate with foreign countries. I took part in several EU fairs and my experiences were very pleasant.

9. What are some additional challenges experienced by female entrepreneurs in Croatia?

I wouldn’t make any distinction – I think both male and female entrepreneurs face the same amount of challenges in our country.

10. If you knew now what you knew then, would you have decided to go ahead? What was good, what was bad, and what would you do differently next time?

I believe I would have started with this endeavor anyway – because I like the challenge and above all I like the endless possibilities of creating something on your own. It's liberating and rewarding. I have had some negative experiences – my patience and nerves were tested on more than one occasion. It's very important to have a clear goal in front of you and to give your very best every day. I have met some wonderful people and I had the chance to do business with them – to work on some very interesting projects.

Make sure to follow our dedicated lifestyle page to meet Croatia's female entrepreneurs, get better acquainted with the culture and lifestyle in Croatia and much more.

Hotels in Dalmatia have received confirmation that 2018 was their best year in business yet, thanks to the results of Hotel Benchmarking, which examines Croatia’s hotel industry. 

December 9, 2018 — The famous Split cake is undoubtedly the pinnacle of Dalmatian pastry making, though today it is prepared all along the Adriatic coast. Splitska torta is made with layers of nut-fruit meringue and a simple egg yolk buttercream. With dried figs, almonds and raisins as key ingredients, this traditional recipe perfectly reflects the essence of the Mediterranean.

A true Dalmatian favorite, Splitska torta is prepared for all kinds of festive occasions, and in our family, it is also an essential part of a traditional Christmas spread.

You can find hundreds of different recipe variations online, but once you nail down the basic technique, you'll discover that Splitska torta is really simple to make, and the ingredient list can easily be tailored to anyone's liking.

For example, instead of using just almonds, I like to use a mix of almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews, but also macadamia and pine nuts, if available. And if you want to add some extra chewiness to the meringue layers, along with dried figs, try using dried apricots. My last recipe rendition included a mix of dried pineapple, papaya, and mango — nothing to do with Split nor the original recipe, but it was delicious nonetheless!

Here is the basic recipe for Splitska torta:

Meringue
9 egg whites
pinch of salt
9 tbsp crystal sugar
150g almonds
150g dried figs
150g raisins
3 tbsp all purpose flour

Cream
9 egg yolks
9 tbsp powdered sugar
250g unsalted butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
lemon or orange zest, if desired

1) Beat the egg whites until frothy and forming soft peaks. Then add a pinch of salt and start gradually adding sugar while mixing them until stiff, glossy peaks form.

Tips: Make sure you separate the eggs without leaving any trace of yolk in the whites as the fat in the yolk can prevent the whites from developing the desired volume. For a foolproof meringue, after the sugar, add a splash of acid like apple vinegar or lemon juice to the mixture, as this helps to form a stable foam and it also makes meringue crisp on the outside but soft and sticky on the inside.

2) Heat the oven to 180°C/356F. If available, use a food processor to coarsely chop almonds (and/or other nuts), dried figs and raisins. Add flour and mix well. Lastly, combine the nut, fruit and flour mixture with meringue. Spread in a finger-thick layer over a pan lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.

3) To make the cream, combine the egg yolks with powdered sugar and mix over a bain-marie until thick and frothy. Add a splash of vanilla extract and lemon or orange zest, if desired. Leave to chill. Meanwhile, soften the butter at room temperature, and then cream it until smooth and foamy. Combine creamed butter and chilled egg yolks; mix well.

4) Once the meringue is baked, allow it to cool completely before cutting and/or transferring it. When ready, cut the meringue in 3 equally sized strips. To assemble the cake, spread about 1/4 of cream on top of each strip and gently stack them on top of each other. Use the remaining cream to cover the sides. Put in the fridge and leave to set. Decorate as desired.

Tips: Soften the butter just enough that your finger easily leaves a dent when you press it. Adding 1-2 tablespoons of granulated sugar will help cream the butter faster and form a uniform texture.

For more delicious recipes, make sure you follow TCN's dedicated gourmet page.

After traveling 40,000 kilometers from his hometown Taiwan, Jacky Chen made it to the Split Riva. 

After the release of Brasserie on 7’s new winter menu, we have yet another culinary treasure ready to wake you up this winter - Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar. 

Yes, we know it’s cold outside, and yes, we’re aware its hard to jump out of the comfort of your warm bed to get anywhere this winter, but trust us, Zinfandel will have you jumping for joy. 

The famous Split establishment known for its extensive selection of Croatian wines and fab foodie delights has rolled out a hearty new menu perfect for the chilly months ahead. 

For starters, grab your friends and enjoy their platter to share - complete with a selection of local cheeses and charcuterie, marinated roasted peppers, artichokes, pickled cucumbers, marinated olives, and house-made grissini and bread. 

Next up is Zinfandel’s tasting menu paired with Croatian wines. Care for the tartare steak with Crljenak Štafileo? Or Pag cheese with Postup? And better yet, why not try the house-made spinach angliotti or ’skuta’ ravioli with raisins, burnt fig puree, sage butter, and pine nuts? 

The bar menu is even better - and we think the beef burger or marinated pork ribs will do you just right. 

But now, the menu items to steal the show are Zinfandel’s feel-good hearty favorites. Seafood lovers will love the warm octopus salad and sea bass filet, and meat connoisseurs will gawk at the filet mignon or pork tenderloin with carrot, ginger, oyster mushrooms, caramelized onions, and dehydrated apples. The Jerusalem artichoke risotto boasts a cow cheese emulsion and smoked mussels, and the house-made spaghetti glows with caramelized butter, semi-dried tomatoes, truffles, and grand padano. 

And it’s not over yet. 

Those with a sweet tooth won’t be able to fight the urge of their sticky date pudding, warm pumpkin sponge cake, or lemon tart with walnuts, vanilla ice cream, meringue. 

Yes, Zinfandel has completely outdone themselves this winter, but what else did you expect? Book your next dinner at Zinfandel now! 

You can find the full Zinfandel menu here. 

To read more about Zinfandel Food & Wine Bar, follow TCN's dedicated page here. 

After the draw for the Euro 2020 qualifiers was held last week, the Croatian Football Federation (HNS) sent a letter to Hajduk asking if they wanted to organize one qualifying match of the Croatia national football team, reports Gol.hr on December 7, 2018. 

Hajduk confirmed their interest and expressed their desire to host the national team at Poljud in October or November next year in the games against Hungary or Slovakia. Though the Split club has four requests for HNS.

Hajduk’s statement reads:

"Simultaneously, HNS requested a meeting in Split, where HNK Hajduk presented their proposals with the aim of improving the work of the Federation, and what should be in the interest of all stakeholders. 

In the memo, among other things, it is stated that for the active entry of HNK Hajduk to create other activities, it is necessary to accept the following four points:

1. Implementing all provisions of the Sports Act in the work of HNS (at the county and national level) immediately and without delay

2. Professional engagement of a foreign trial commissioner (for at least 3 years, due to the need for independent reform of the judicial organization and re-evaluation of judges at all levels of competition)

3. Returning the Association of Clubs 1. HNL as the leader of the competition 1. HNL (or at least a meeting of the clubs with independent decision-making)

4. Transparent financial statements

Further requirements of HNK Hajduk are as follows:

5. Transparently defining the selection criteria for all HNS governing functions and operational bodies with the inclusion of regional representation criteria in the independent selection of regional level representatives (through the cooperation of county federations within a particular region)

6. Creating a football strategy by 31 December 2019

7. Implementing new elections for HNS governing bodies after drafting the strategy and implementation of all provisions of the Sports Act"

Schedule of all Croatia national team games in the Euro 2020 qualifiers:

March 21, 20:45 (Thursday): Croatia - Azerbaijan

March 24, 18:00 (Sunday): Hungary - Croatia

June 8, 15:00 (Saturday): Croatia - Wales

September 6, 20:45 (Friday): Slovakia - Croatia

September 9, 18:00 (Monday): Azerbaijan - Croatia

October 10, 20:45 (Thursday): Croatia - Hungary

October 13, 20:45 (Sunday): Wales - Croatia

November 16, 20:45 (Saturday): Croatia - Slovakia

To read more about Hajduk, follow TCN's dedicated page here.