Slovenian Cuisine set to Boom in 2017
 
Slovenia's culinary industry continues to gain worldwide recognition, with Ana Roš receiving the coveted award for World's Best Female Chef 2017, positioning Slovenian food as some of the most innovative in Europe.
 
Self-taught chef Ana Roš is leading the way, voted World's Best Female Chef in 2017 and star judge on the Netflix series Chef's Table. Roš runs Hiša Franko with her sommelier husband, just metres away from the Italian border. Located in the Soča Valley the crossroads of Southern Europe, and a melting pot of Italian, Austrian and Croatian culture, Roš' food takes unique inspiration from the neighboring counties. The resulting cuisine blends the biological diversity and rich culinary heritage of Slovenia with strong European influences taking traditional dishes and adding surprising twists. 
 
Slovenia, a destination with sustainability running at its core, is renowned for stunning landscapes and the architecture of Jože Plečnik who left his mark on the city like Gaudi did for Barcelona. The country is also home to an emerging generation of innovative chefs and restaurateurs who are redefining traditional Slovenian cuisine, which is set to boom in 2017.
 
There are over 24 gastronomic areas from the thriving vineyards of Vipava Valley and the world's oldest vine in Maribor to fresh Alpine herbs in the Julian Alps. The diversity of Slovenia's natural landscapes are reflected in the distinctive dishes that champion seasonal produce.
 
Slovenian cooks are making their mark on cookery, in Ljubljana renowned chef Janez Bratovž showcases his culinary artistry at JB Restaurant, listed in the world's 100 best restaurants, with a menu based around the fresh ingredients Bratovž selects from the farmers market every morning. Bratovž's food follows a 'from the garden to the plate' philosophy with famous dishes including pumpkin gnocchi and porridge with Kobarid curb.
 
In 2017 Slovenian food is on course to become some of Europe's best emerging cuisine, putting the country on the map as a must visit foodie destination.
 
Further Information
 
Traditional Slovenian dishes include Potica, known as Slovenia's most festive dish, a sweet pastry commonly filled with walnut. To sample this sweet treat head to Potičnica in the middle of Bled Island or for a savory option try Carniolan sausage, (Kranjska klobasa) a product recognised with Protected Geographical Indication (PGI). The preparation of Carniolan sausage originates from the traditional winter pig hunt, which is the largest non-religious holiday in Slovenia. Other delicacies include Štruklji rolled dumplings, Kras prosciutto from the coastal Kras region and Frtalja an omelette cooked with wild asparagus found in the Soča Valley.
 
Slovenia has a number of acclaimed restaurants; at Postojna Cave admire the magical natural rock formations whilst dining at Proteus Restaurant featuring a menu of local cuisine. Head to Lake Bled to sample regional dishes at Bled Castle Restaurant, with chefs Luka Jezeršek and Ana Šušteršič seeking to preserve Slovenia's rich gastronomical heritage. Zemono Manor House has been the home of restaurant Pri Lojzetu for over a decade; with head chef Tomaž Kavčič aiming to keep the traditions of his mother and grandmother alive with modern variations on classic cuisine. In Slovenia's second largest ski resort Krvavec, the nearby Skarucna serves hearty potions of organic wines and local meats and for a chance to sample some of the Slovenian inventive spirit head to Brdo pri Kranju situated in the impressive Brdo Castle.
 
https://www.slovenia.info/en/things-to-do/food-and-wine