New Year's Eve dinner: top recipes from a fairytale valley

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At the heart of the kitchen is young chef Tom Čopar, who honed his culinary skills in renowned Slovenian and international restaurants led by top chefs. Among others, he was trained by the Slovenia's pioneer of fine dining, chef Janez Bratovž from Ljubljana's JB Restaurant, who also lends his vast experience and expertise to Hotel Plesnik. This partnership, combined with the foundations of the Upper Savinja Valley's culinary tradition and ingredients sourced from local producers, is an absolute winning formula. Every view from the restaurant across snow-covered Alpine peaks, forests and pastures reinforces a sense of responsibility towards the valley and its heritage.

In a postcard-perfect setting, love and respect for the Slovenian Alps, especially the Logar Valley, are reflected in countless ideas.

Chef Tom Čopar

At the restaurant, ingredients take centre stage, and every dish reflects a deep connection to the land and the people who have lived here for generations. In creating their dishes, the chefs rely on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

“In our kitchen, there is no such thing as four seasons – there are months, even individual weeks, when a particular ingredient is at its very best.”

Chef Janez Bratovž

A New Year's Eve dinner for true gourmets

Bring a touch of inspiration from the idyllic Logar Valley into your own kitchen. It's time to roll up your sleeves, put on an apron and get cooking. The Plesnik restaurant's culinary team has prepared recipes for a three-course menu for four people, guaranteed to delight every single guest at your festive table. Prepare a starter, main course and dessert – and ring in the New Year with true gourmet pleasure.

Plesnik steak tartare

Ingredients:

• 300g beef tenderloin
• 500g white bread
• butter
• mayonnaise
• 2 eggs
• 40g mustard
• small onion
• 20g capers
• 8 anchovy fillets
• 4 pickled gherkins
• 50ml cognac
• 100ml olive oil
• 300ml sunflower oil
• salt
• pepper

Preparation:

Finely chop the meat. Place all the ingredients for the mayonnaise except the oil into a tall, narrow container, and blend using a hand blender. Slowly drizzle in the oil until a smooth mayonnaise forms. Gradually add the mayonnaise to the meat, tasting as you go to achieve your preferred balance of flavours. Serve on toasted bread spread with butter.

Fish Wellington

Ingredients:

• 1000g trout fillet
• 1 pack puff pastry
• 200g fresh spinach
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 egg
• olive oil
• salt
• pepper

Preparation:

Remove the skin from the trout fillet with a sharp knife and season lightly with salt. Finely chop the garlic and briefly sauté in olive oil before adding the spinach. Cook on low heat for 4 minutes, then remove from the heat and allow to cool. Roll out the pastry and spread the spinach over the pastry evenly. Then place the trout on top of the spinach and roll into a log. Brush the top of the pastry roll with beaten egg and bake in the oven at 180°C for 15 minutes. Serve with mashed potatoes.

Cinnamon Crème Brûlée

Ingredients:

• 400g double cream
• 150g milk
• 100g sugar
• 1 vanilla pod
• 10 egg yolks
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 30g cinnamon

Preparation:

Heat the milk, cream and the vanilla pod. Slowly whisk in the mixture of sugar and egg yolks. Add the cinnamon and skim off any foam. Fill ceramic ramekins to three-quarters full. Place them in a deep baking tray filled with water that reaches halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Bake in the oven at 100°C for one hour. Allow to cool slightly, then refrigerate for 3 hours. Before serving, sprinkle with sugar and caramelise using a blowtorch.

Enjoy!

When the scent of the holidays fills the air

December is a lively time of year in Slovenian kitchens. The air is filled with festive aromas as families prepare traditional dishes for Christmas and the New Year. No festive table is complete without meat, Christmas fruit bread and, of course, the queen of Slovenian holiday baking – potica.

Discover traditional Slovenian festive dishes

Exceptional dishes begin with outstanding local ingredients

Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are the key to flavourful dishes – whatever you choose to prepare. Slovenia's top chefs swear by them and frequently collaborate with local producers. Let your kitchen fill with the aromas of mouth-watering dishes made from the finest ingredients Slovenia has to offer. Check where.

The best Slovenia has to offer, according to Michelin

Slovenia's diversity is also reflected in its gastronomy. An increasing number of restaurants are now incorporating traditional flavours and local ingredients into their menus, which top chefs and their teams skilfully transform into contemporary culinary masterpieces. The enticing aromas of Slovenian kitchens drew the renowned Michelin Guide to Slovenia several years ago, and each year it continues to expand its selection of outstanding restaurants. These include venues awarded the prestigious Michelin stars as well as those recognised with the Green Star for their sustainable approach. 

Explore the current Michelin selection of restaurants in Slovenia

Festive Slovenia

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere that fills Slovenian towns and villages. Visit Christmas markets and events, and count down to the New Year with us either outdoors or in cosy wellness retreats. Indulge in gourmet delights and breathe in the crisp winter air through a range of outdoor activities.