All you needed to know about the European Food Summit

The story behind

Slovenia has made strides in the recent years and is gaining both allure and visibility when it comes to fine dining and excellent wines. Gastronomy is also one of the key tourist products in the general tourism strategy and contributes greatly to the main objective – creating increased added value.

The most important food event in the region, the European Food Summit, previously known as the Gourmet Cup Ljubljana, has been expanded. Today, it is bound to a specific mission – to become the most important European culinary event and a unique platform that contributes to the shaping of a sustainable European future.Through a distinct gastronomic identity, it helps promote Slovenia as an important gastronomic region and Ljubljana as its culinary capital.

Between 16 and 19 March 2019, Slovenia, which lies at the junction of European geographies and cultures will feature the European Food Summit, which brings together inspiring stories from the culinary world.

“I am thrilled that Slovenia is hosting such renowned professionals from the fields of gastronomy, since this clearly shows that the country has already been recognised and noticed in the region as a culinary hub. Alongside international culinary experts and chefs, the European Food Summit will also feature top Slovenian chefs, including Ana Roš. This event is one of the milestones for Slovenia to establish its position as a destination offering genuine and remarkable five-star culinary experiences. Hence, the Slovenian Tourist Board together with Visit Ljubljana and other key partners is once again taking part in thisprojects which aims to becoming Europe’s most important food event and at the same time realises its sustainable commitment to tourism in Slovenia. Accomplishments such as the ranking of our chefs in different lists, offers to participate in various associations and the most important media outlets, the introduction of Gault&Millau, the restaurant guide, the nomination for the European Region of Gastronomy 2021 and, last but not least, events such as the European Food Summit all contribute to the development and promotion of Slovenia as a land of unique experiences suitable for even the most demanding guests. Gastronomy is a vital element that complements every tourist offer which we want to make as authentic, special and as exclusive as possible. And it is gastronomy that offers a myriad of opportunities and also challenges for innovative, personalised products that set us apart from other destinations,” pointed out Maja Pak, Msc, Director of the Slovenian Tourist Board.

Petra Stušek, Msc, Director of Visit Ljubljana, adds, “Gastronomy is becoming one of the main motivation factors for visitor arrivals, and here, Ljubljana and the whole of Slovenia certainly have plenty to offer. With the European Food Summit, we want to intertwine gastronomy with unforgettable and exclusive experiences in combination with a technical conference and the opportunity to exchange knowledge at the highest level. Based on the awareness that gastronomy is a cultural element, the culinary crawl of Ljubljana will combine top cuisine and culture. In Ljubljana, we support events which are attractive both to the local and foreign public and take place in months characterised by lower tourist visit rates.”

Why is the European Food Summit worth visiting and who will it feature?

On Saturday, 16 March, the European Food Summit in cooperation with Visit Ljubljana and the Gourmet Ljubljana brand will kick off the pre-premiere of the Open Kitchen, the most popular food market on the sunny side of the Alps. Just a week before its official opening at Pogačarjev trg (Pogačar Square), Open Kitchen will take place at the lobby of the beautiful Križanke at Trg francoske revolucije (French Revolution Square), where visitors will be treated to select dishes with an emphasis on Slovenian eateries and restaurants,complemented by Slovenian wines, gins and craft beers.

Gourmet Ljubljana Crawl featuring top chefs from Ljubljana

Connoisseurs of food and wine will be invited to participate in Gourmet Ljubljana Crawl and treat themselves to inspiring dishes by Ljubljana’s top chefs, including Igor Jagodic(Restavracija Strelec), Janez Bratovž (JB Restavracija), Jakob Pintar (TaBar), Jorg Zupan(Atelje), Mojmir Šiftar(Evergreen) and Peter Kovač (Maxim). Their creations will be unveiled at Ljubljana’s cultural sights and landmarks that will be transformed into true pop-up eateries. 

Experience the unique I FEEL SLOVENIA Cable Car Dinner

On Sunday, 17 March, the principal portion of activities will be held at Krvavec ski resort, where attendees of Gourmet on Snow will get the opportunity to taste dishes by top Slovenian and foreign chefs. Excellent food will be accompanied by select sparkling and other wines by top Slovenian winemakers and entertainment programme. 

Without a doubt, the five-star I FEEL SLOVENIA Cable Car Dinner will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, where diners will be treated to a delicious adventure high among the mountain tops of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. Renowned chefs under the watchful eyes of Jezeršek Catering and Gostilna Krištof Restaurant will pamper their guests with their culinary masterpieces.

The conference and the experience dinner at Ljubljana Castle

The pinnacles of the European Food Summit will take place on Monday, 18 March, when the conference and experience dinner will be held.

Ana Roš, who is once again the driving force behind the event, explains, “Travels and journeys always start and end at a table, and people always return to where the food is great. And that is what our food is like – delicious and “green”, so it is high time to reveal our rich gastronomic heritage to the world. The conference, nine-course dinner and other culinary happenings taking place in scope of the European Food Summit are the best possible tool driving networking and exchange of opinion. Slovenia, located in the heart of Europe, has been presented a unique opportunity to bring together and blend the diversities of Europe.”

The main topic of this year’s conference, “Food – The bridge toward the sustainable identities of European cultures and nations”, sponsored by the STB, will be conducted together with Ana Rošand conference director, Andrea Petrini, who is considered one of the key players in numerous culinary projects and one of the most influential personalities in gastronomy.

Ljubljana Castle to host world-renowned speakers

At a single location and for the first time in Slovenia, we will be bringing together the greatest minds in culinary, art and media sectors. The event will see short inspirational appearances by illustrious speakers:

• Afton Halloran, Nordic Food Policy Lab, and Roberto Flore, DTU Skylab – Technical University of Denmark, Denmark.
• Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz, Mugaritz, two Michelin Stars, ranked 9thon the World‘s 50 Best Restaurants, Spain.
• Chef Andreas Caminada, Schloss Schauenstein, three Michelin Stars, ranked 47thon the World‘s 50 Best Restaurants, Switzerland.
• Chef Christopher Pelé, Le Clarence, two Michelin Stars,
• Chef Esben Holmboe Bang, Maaemo, three Michelin Stars, ranked 35thon the World‘s 50 Best Restaurants, Norway.
• Georges Desrues, reporter, writer and editor.
• Ivan Brincat, writer and author, Food and Wine Gazette, Belgium.
• Joe Warwick, critic and best-selling author of Where Chefs Eat, co-founder of the World Restaurant Awards, UK.
• Chef Jordan Khan, Destroyer and Vespertine, named Best New Chef 2017, USA.
• Chef Leonor Espinosa, Leo Restaurant, recipient of Best Female Chef Latin America 2017 and Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants, Columbia.
• Chef Ricardo Camanini, Lido 84, named Chef of 2017 by Identità Golose, Italy.

Plus surprise appearances by other inspiring individuals who have made a gastronomic impact in Slovenia.

Experience dinner in all its glory

Without a doubt, this year’s highlights will be the once again sold-out experience dinner hosted by the best Slovenian Chef Ana Roš(Hiša Franko), Italian culinary virtuoso Riccardo Camanini (Lido 84, Italy) and Luka Košir (Gostišče Grič), one of Slovenia’s most creative chefs and the European Region of Gastronomy 2021 ambassador. In the magical ambient of Ljubljana Castle, the nine-course menu will be accompanied with an exquisite selection of top wines by Slovenian winemakers.

And we're back on the snow again

The final from the series of events will be held on Tuesday, 19 March, at Krvavec ski resort. The day will start with Argeta Exclusive gourmet breakfast hosted by top chef Luka Košir. Skiers, snowboarders, winemakers and foodies will take the slopes and compete for gold in the Audi Gourmet Cup while Krvavec Terrace will host Gourmet on Snowwhere visitors will get the opportunity to try creations by top chefs accompanied by exquisite wines. The day will conclude with an après-ski party.

Join us between 16 and 19 March for an unforgettable European Food Summit!

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