Istrian Culinary Adventure with Chef Amanda Cohen

Curated by Terroir Hospitality and The Gourmet Vacation

October 13th to October 19th, 2024

Join renowned Chef/Owner Amanda Cohen of Michelin-starred Dirt Candy in New York City on an unforgettable journey through the heart of beautiful Istria, Croatia. This adventure blends cultural and culinary excellence with plenty of fun. Discover rolling vineyards, meet charming local producers, and witness historic wonders at every turn. Indulge in the region's exquisite wines, savor award-winning locally-produced olive oils, and immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Istrian cuisine. Hosted by Arlene Stein, Renee Lalonde of Terroir Hospitality, and Richard Gruica of The Gourmet Vacation, this incredible 6-day sojourn promises an experience you will never forget.

Sunday, Oct 13th 

Arrival Elegance: A Luxurious Start in Rovinj, Croatia

Welcome to Chef Amanda's Istrian Culinary Adventure! Your journey begins with a touch of elegance at the prestigious Hotel Lone in Rovinj, Croatia. 

Informal Meet & Greet:

Join us for a warm and informal meet & greet at the hotel, where you'll have the opportunity to break the ice and connect with Chef Amanda, Renee, Arlene, and Richard. This evening is all about getting to know each other and setting the stage for the culinary delights that await us. 

Sunset Stroll:

For those who wish to unwind after our gathering, we invite you to join us for a sunset stroll. We'll walk together and watch the sun set behind the charming town of Rovinj, a perfect way to end our first evening together.

Evening at Leisure:

Feel free to enjoy the remainder of the night as you wish, exploring Rovinj's enchanting streets or relaxing in the luxurious surroundings of Hotel Lone, which will be our home for the remainder of the trip.

Travel Advisory:

To ensure a smooth start to our culinary adventure, we advise guests to arrive in Pula, Croatia, no later than early Sunday afternoon. This will help mitigate any potential issues arising from flight delays or cancellations. For a truly seamless experience, we highly recommend arriving a day or two earlier to acclimate and relax. If you choose to arrive early, please let us know, and we can arrange an earlier check-in at Hotel Lone. Please note that any additional dates will be the responsibility of the guest.

We look forward to embarking on this extraordinary culinary journey with you!

  Overnight Stay: The 5-Star Hotel Lone in Rovinj 

Monday, October 14th: Istrian Delights

Market Exploration:

Start your day by immersing yourself in the heart of Istria as we explore the vibrant farmers' and fish markets in Rovinj. Discover fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and the daily rhythms of Croatian market life.

City Center Charm:

After our market adventure, enjoy free time to wander and shop in the charming city center and old town of Rovinj. Stroll through cobblestone streets, browse local boutiques, and soak in the picturesque ambiance of this coastal gem.

Scenic Journey:

In the afternoon, board our luxury bus for a scenic drive to Grožnjan, an artistic haven perched atop Istria’s hills. Explore its unique art galleries and charming streets as we set the stage for a one-of-a-kind gastronomic experience.

Food for Thought:

Our culinary journey continues at Stara Škola, a historic building beautifully transformed into a delightful winery restaurant. Here, join renowned Chef Priska Thuring for a spectacular culinary celebration in this breathtaking setting. Savor an exquisite meal crafted with local ingredients, paired with the finest Istrian wines.

Overnight Stay: 

After a day filled with delightful experiences, return to the luxurious 5-star Hotel Lone in Rovinj, where you can relax and unwind in comfort and style.

Tuesday, October 15th: Truffle Treasures, Distillery Delights, and Hilltop Sights

Truffle Hunt:

Begin your day with a drive to the heart of Truffle Country! Our adventure starts at Prodan Tartufi, where we embark on a thrilling truffle hunt led by a local expert guide and their skilled dogs. Experience the excitement of unearthing these coveted culinary gems.

Truffle Treasures:

After our trek through the woods, we will be rewarded with a sumptuous feast featuring truffle-infused delights. Enjoy succulent meats, artisanal cheeses, and other gourmet treats, all enhanced by the rich flavors of freshly harvested truffles. Chef Amanda will elevate the experience with a signature dish that epitomizes the essence of truffles.

Spirits Tasting:

With our appetites sated, we will visit one of Croatia’s most charming distilleries. Here, you'll enjoy a guided tour, learning about the intricate process of crafting fine spirits, followed by tastings of their exquisite creations.

Winery Visit:

Next, we journey to a renowned winery nestled high in the hills of Istria. Take a tour of the vineyards and cellars, and indulge in tastings of award-winning wines that showcase the region's rich viticultural heritage.

Afternoon Delight:

Our exploration continues with a visit to Motovun, a picturesque hilltop town offering breathtaking scenic beauty. Wander through its charming streets, soak in the stunning views, and immerse yourself in the historical ambiance of this enchanting village.

Pizza Perfection:

Conclude the day with a delightful pizza meal set against an amazing backdrop. Enjoy authentic Croatian pizza paired with fine wine, savoring each bite as you relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

This day promises an unforgettable blend of culinary delights, scenic wonders, and cultural immersion, leaving you with cherished memories and a deep appreciation for the treasures of Istria.

Overnight Stay: 

After a day filled with delightful experiences, return to the luxurious 5-star Hotel Lone in Rovinj, where you can relax and unwind in comfort and style.

Wednesday, October 16th: To the Sea and the Plate

Jewels of the Sea:

Our day begins with a true Croatian seafood delight—the flat oyster. We’ll visit one of the last places where these oysters grow wild, learning about their production from the experts. At a rustic floating dock, savor some of the most exquisite oysters and clams straight from the source, relishing their fresh, briny flavors.

In the Wild:

Our adventure continues as we head to one of Croatia’s natural treasures, Kamenjak National Park, a protected nature preserve on the Premantura Peninsula. Here, we’ll join Croatia’s top chef, David Skoko, who will share his childhood fishing grounds and guide us in foraging for local ingredients.

Safari Bar Experience:

Next, we venture to the untamed ambiance of the Safari Bar—an effortlessly cool and hip hideaway. Indulge in delightful dining, refreshing drinks, and perhaps a dip in the sea, unwinding in this unique and relaxed setting.

Indulgent Dinner: 

The culinary crescendo of the day awaits at Konoba Batelina, a Michelin-recommended gem and one of Croatia’s top seafood restaurants, headed by Chef David Skoko. We’ll start with a seafood butchery demonstration, learning the intricacies of preparing fresh catch. 

Gourmet Seafood Feast: 

Experience a family-style seafood meal that’s nothing short of extraordinary, paired with wines from one of Croatia’s top wineries. Chef David Skoko’s expertise ensures a dining experience that celebrates the ocean’s bounty with impeccable flavors and presentations.

Evening Delight: 

The evening promises to be unforgettable as you savor the perfect pairing of Chef David’s culinary creations and exquisite wines, leaving you with cherished memories of a day spent embracing the essence of Croatian coastal cuisine.

Overnight Stay: 

After a day filled with delightful experiences, return to the luxurious 5-star Hotel Lone in Rovinj, where you can relax and unwind in comfort and style.

Thursday, October 17th: The Essence of Istria

Golden Elixir: 

Our day begins in Vodnjan, a city renowned for its vibrant street art scene and for producing some of the finest olive oils in the world. We will visit Chiavalon, honored as the best olive oil producer globally. Here, we’ll partake in an enlightening educational class and tasting, delving into their exceptional oils' rich flavors and health benefits.

An Island State of Mind:

Next, we embark on a serene boat journey to the enchanting Brijuni Islands, a Croatian archipelago celebrated for its pristine nature and breathtaking landscapes. Amidst the captivating beauty of these islands, we’ll enjoy a delightful picnic lunch, surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of the sea.

Gelato Delights: 

After returning to the mainland, we’ll indulge in the finest gelato, a sweet treat to refresh and delight our taste buds.

Rich History:

Our journey through history begins with a guided tour of Pula, highlighting the magnificent Roman Amphitheatre. This well-preserved structure offers a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Roman architecture and the vibrant history that once thrived here.

Roaming Rovinj: 

As the day winds down, we embrace the freedom to explore Rovinj at our own pace. Wander through charming cobblestone streets, discover hidden gems, and savor the local flavors at your leisure. This evening, Rovinj is yours to explore, whether you choose to enjoy a quiet dinner at a cozy restaurant or simply soak in the enchanting ambiance of this coastal town.

Overnight Stay: 

After a day filled with delightful experiences, return to the luxurious 5-star Hotel Lone in Rovinj, where you can relax and unwind in comfort and style.

Friday, October 18th: From Spa Bliss and the Art of Croatian Fjaka to a Farewell Farm-to-Table Feast

Morning Indulgence: 

Begin your day embracing the Croatian concept of "Fjaka" – a "psychophysical state of mind with aspiration for nothing", just relaxation and leisure. Begin your day exactly how you like. Whether you prefer a rejuvenating spa treatment, a relaxing trip to the saunas and baths, or an energizing workout at our state-of-the-art gym, the choice is yours. For those who love the sea, a leisurely seaside stroll or a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea is just steps away. Alternatively, if you’re eager to explore more of the local flavors, join Chef Amanda on an excursion to the market to gather fresh supplies for our evening feast.

Evening Delights: 

Our day of relaxation and exploration culminates in an unforgettable visit to a 14th-century goat cheese farm, where time-honored traditions come to life. Here, you’ll witness the artisanal process of cheese-making, gaining insight into the craftsmanship and care that goes into each product. But the experience doesn’t end there. We’ll roll up our sleeves for a group cooking effort, transforming the fresh market supplies and farm produce into a sumptuous meal. This farm-to-table feast, set against the rustic backdrop of the farm, promises to be a delightful conclusion to our Culinary Adventure Tour in Istria. Savor the flavors of our shared efforts and the camaraderie built over the week as we enjoy this final meal together, celebrating the end of an extraordinary journey through Croatia’s culinary and cultural landscapes.

Overnight Stay: 

 After a day filled with delightful experiences, return to the luxurious 5-star Hotel Lone in Rovinj, where you can relax and unwind in comfort and style.

Saturday, October 19th: Fond Farewell…Till We Meet Again 

Check-Out and Departure:

As our culinary adventure draws to a close, we invite you to savor one last leisurely breakfast at our boutique hotel. Take this final opportunity to enjoy the serene surroundings, reflect on the unforgettable moments, and exchange contact information with your new friends.

After breakfast, our luxury private transfer will be ready to take you to the Pula airport, ensuring a comfortable and seamless departure. 

A Note on Flexibility:

As with any journey that embraces the wonders of nature, our schedule may be subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen variables. Rest assured, our priority is to provide you with the best possible experience, and our team is adept at adapting to ensure your journey remains exceptional.

Culinarily yours,

Terroir and The Gourmet Vacation

We look forward to hosting you alongside Chef Amanda Cohen on future adventures. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey through the heart of Istria. Safe travels and until we meet again!