Last weekend we attended the Gastro Get event at Mazzgoon Food and this weekend, the 15th – 16th December 2017, you can look forward to the tastes of Istria at restaurants Uje and O’Zlata.
Let’s face it, as well as family, friends and goodwill, Christmas has always stood for eating and drinking WAY too much. I am afraid that is exactly what this month is going to mean for me, thanks to all of the amazing events happening around Split this Advent.
I know, I know, Zagreb just won the Best Christmas Market in Europe, again! And, I won’t even say that Split’s Advent programme or decorations come anywhere near close, BUT…
What are the reasons we really love Split? Well, I for one am thrilled that it is not freezing here but what I love most about Split, is the setting (hello – City in a Roman Emperor’s Palace) and the fact that once you get to know the city, there is so much hiding down every alleyway…
The Gastro Get Festival is one great example of this; this year, for the first time, it has the support of the Tourist Board and the City of Split – and rightly so, as it is out to highlight the cuisine of Croatia through various gourmet journeys over the month of December.
Don’t get me wrong, I am a sucker for kobasice (sausages) and kuhano vino (mulled wine) on the Riva, it is cheerful and cheap – which is just what we want sometimes. But, being the foodie that I am, I was thrilled to see some more unique, gourmet events going on.
Gastro Get had their opening at O'Zlata restaurant last Friday, kicking off with a charity dinner, where all money raised went to Maestral children's home - but I will talk more in detail about this separately.
The following night, a few friends and I attended the Gastro Get event at Mazzgoon restaurant, which turned out to be a great call. The theme last week was “Otoci” (islands), so there was an emphasis on highlighting food from the islands. Rather than going it alone, Mazzgoon took the initiative to collaborate with Konoba Kopačina from island Brač.
Konoba Kopačina is a well-known and well-loved traditional restaurant from Brač which was established in the year 2000 by the Jugović family in Donji Humac. Konoba Kopačina has a particular focus on original Brač cuisine, especially Brač lamb – skuta cheese, Brač vitalac, lamb on the spit and ispod peke (under the bell) are all some of their specialties.
The menu that was presented on Saturday night was based around lamb and served with a Mazzgoon flair. The entrée was a selection of pršut (prosciutto) and domestic cheeses and produce and I have to say, it is hands-down the best pršut I have ever tried! The sentiment was acknowledged by my dinner companions who are all yacht owners, so have sailed up and down the coast, eating some of the best cuisines Croatia has to offer.
Following this was a lamb gulaš (goulash) with handmade gnocchi, by this stage we were already full and hadn’t even reached the main course yet. The main was a sous vide (slow cooked) lamb shank, which was cooked to perfection and melted off the bone…
Dessert was a gorgeous škuta and marmalade tart, which lay somewhere in between a tart and cheesecake; a really unique and wonderful way to round off the meal. All of this was for a very fair price of 180 kuna per person (4-courses). Oh, and I have to mention, in keeping with the theme, we also opted for Plavac Mali by the Senjković winery from island Brač, a boutique winery and another must-try when visiting the island.
The evening was perfectly hosted by owners Toni, Sara and their team and honestly, this, to me, is what Christmas is all about – gathering at a table with friends or family, around excellent food and wine, in a cosy atmosphere.
Bravo to Konoba Kopačina and Mazzgoon for putting on an excellent evening. This week the Gastro Get theme is Istria...
Friday night Uje will host an event, 3-courses with matching Vina Laguna wine for 150 kn per person. After-party to follow at O'Zlata.
On Saturday, O'Zlata has a 5-course degustation menu with wines from Deklić Winery – all for 250 kn, call 0915304260 for reservations. Then, the night will continue into Galerija Bar for an After Party!
So, get on with yo' bad selves and indulge in some amazing food and wine events this season!
All photos by Antea Mrcela Photography
