July 10, 2019 - There is a 'village' in Istria with only three registered inhabitants. It (Donji Mužolini)is in the 'middle of nowhere', actually not far from Buje and Motovun, but interestingly enough – it is soon to be an exquisite place for all the fine dining lovers who also want a secluded post to relax surrounded by nature. It is called San Canzian and although seemingly a modest stone village like many in Istria's hinterland, it will soon accommodate guests with the full luxury of five stars and offer a restaurant that is already famous in Croatia, Noel.
Behind the project is Leopold Botteri from Dalmatia, who is specifically from the island of Brač and lives in Split, and his business partner Siniša Šare from Zagreb, owner of a marketing agency. Botteri's background is in journalism, but for years he is in business with extra virgin olive oil and his Bracchia premium EEVO is famous and popular just as his 12 Uje stores all over Croatia are.
"Siniša and I have long dreamt of a big house in Istria where we could relax and party, cook and enjoy with our families. When we finally found a property we actually liked, it was much larger than we have previously thought. Thus, we decided to turn our sincere love for good and healthy food, natural and organic products and fine wines into this project. And it had to be high class, like a place where we would like to stay and eat," says Botteri.
Seven hundred fifty square meters of the first house they have initially purchased grew into 25 little villas that have perfectly merged into the surrounding nature, thanks to the vision of Botteri, Šare but also of the Istrian visionary in architecture and design – Boris Ružić.
The young architect Nika Serdar has also contributed to the overall picture. It is an idyllic place, calm and secluded and at the same time easily accessible and close to other interesting places in Istria like Roxanich Wine and Heritage hotel or Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Winery. So, the idea is to keep the guests in San Canzian – where they will have pools, spa, views, extreme peace and calm, beautifully arranged villas and last but not least - top quality food in Noel2, “the brother restaurant” of the one in Zagreb that has recently been awarded with a Michelin star.
Fine dining will be offered in the evening by the chef Daniel Tschachler who has ten Michelin stars in his working biography, while the head sommelier will be Filip Savić, a renowned Istrian sommelier. Special evenings with special wine pairing of the wine from different years will be paired with the dishes with the wine producer himself present. During the day a bistro food will be served on the first floor and terrace with a breathtaking view of the sea.
The opening is scheduled for the end of July and if you are a foodie, love nature and fine wines - this is definitely a must see and a place to put on your bucket list.
To read more about travel in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.
