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Chef Mike Moore’s Flavors of the Heartland Tour…The Blind Pig’s Culinary Expedition Through Continental CroatiaLovingly Curated by Chef Richard Gruica and Captivating Croatia Tours and The Gourmet Vacation
November 3rd to November 10th, 2024
Captivating Croatia Tours, in collaboration with The Gourmet Vacation, extends a warm invitation to join us on a week-long, gastronomic escapade in the enchanting Continental landscapes of Croatia. From November 3rd to November 20th, 2024, immerse yourself in an unparalleled culinary adventure curated by Chef Richard Gruica and our Chef-Host, the esteemed Chef Mike Moore, renowned for his culinary prowess as the mastermind behind The Blind Pig Supper Club.
Prepare to venture beyond the typical Croatian coastal experience, as we set our sights on Continental Croatia—an often-overlooked region filled with captivating history, legends, and age-old traditions. This is a land where myths and secrets are proudly woven into the fabric of daily life. Discover a fiercely preserved cultural heritage, marked by vibrant harvest festivals, traditional attire, and a culinary scene that boasts some of the most delectable offerings in Croatia.
While others fixate on the sea and islands, we'll guide you through the heartland, where you'll savor daily delights that showcase the region's diverse and flavorful cuisine. And let's not forget the wines—Continental Croatia offers a rich tapestry of wine options that we'll indulge in throughout our journey.
Join Chef Mike and Chef Richard for a holiday like no other, where every meal is an experience, every drink tells a story, and every sight is a new adventure. Get ready to Eat-Drink-Explore in the style you deserve.
For all the details, go here...
https://www.wetravel.com/trips/chef-mike-moore-s-flavors-of-the-heartland-tour-chef-richard-gruica-80073766
Please note- We kindly ask that all guests on Chef Mike’s tour arrive in Zagreb no later than Saturday, Oct 29th as we have an early start on Sunday, October 30th.
Saturday, November 2nd
Culinary Connections: Zagreb Meet & Greet
Get ready to immerse yourself in the culinary essence of Chef Mike's Tour as we kick off our gastronomic journey in Zagreb! With everyone arriving at different times throughout the day, we're excited to start our culinary adventure together on Sunday. To kick off this delectable journey, join us for a pre-tour Meet & Greet—an enchanting evening designed to break the ice and foster connections amongst your fellow tour guests. It's the perfect opportunity to meet Chef Mike Moore and Chef Richard Gruica, mingle, share stories, and embark on this delightful adventure together. Welcome to the world of savory delights and new friendships!
Overnight Stay-4+ Hotel in Zagreb
Day 1-Sunday, November 3rd
The Blind Pig and The Gypsy Table Strike Again…
Welcome to the ‘official” start of Chef Mike Moore’s Flavors of the Heartland Tour…The Blind Pig’s Culinary Expedition Through Continental Croatia. Our culinary adventure begins at our lovely host hotel in the heart of Zagreb, where we delve into the city's history during a guided walking tour through the enchanting Upper and Lower town districts. The tour unfolds with a visit to Zagreb's iconic Dolac Farmer's Market, a lively showcase of Croatian culture and a culinary treasure trove. Guests will indulge in the finest offerings directly from the source—savor cured meats, cheeses, baked goods, and the beloved burek. With free time to explore the vibrant city center, we regroup for a unique collaboration between Chef Mike Moore's The Blind Pig Supper Club and Chef Richard Gruica's The Gypsy Table. These culinary maestros, known for hosting top-tier secret culinary events, join forces with one of Croatia's premier event gurus to craft an exclusive trifecta, blending elements from their respective projects. It's a perfect kickoff to our tour, promising an extraordinary fusion of flavors and so much more. Get ready to savor the essence of these two exceptional projects as they converge for a one-of-a-kind gourmet experience.
Overnight Stay-4+ Hotel in Zagreb
Day 2-Monday, November 4th
Vineyard Tales and Castle Royalty: Our Kutjevo Gourmet Escape
We will begin our journey as our private transportation whisks you away to Kutjevo, a picturesque town in Eastern Croatia renowned for its centuries-old winemaking legacy. En route, we'll pause for a delightful lunch in the Golden Valley for an authentic Slavonian meal in a meticulously reconstructed traditional homestay.
Our home for the next two nights is the historic Kutjevo Castle, dating back to 1232 and recently renovated into a haven of luxury. The castle boasts opulent surroundings and lovely rooms. Take in the enchanting ambiance before a leisurely stroll to our next destination, the Galic Winery. At the Galic Winery, one of Croatia's cutting-edge wineries, we'll embark on an exclusive tour, exploring the state-of-the-art facilities, setting the stage for a private tasting dinner paired with the wines from the winery. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Kutjevo and the artistry of Galic Winery, savoring the beginning of our gourmet adventure in Eastern Croatia.
Overnight Stay-Kutjevo Castle
Day 3, Tuesday, November 5th
Croatia’s Titans of Wine and Tradition
Today we have an extraordinary day ahead of us as we delve into the world of Croatian wine legends. Our first stop takes us to Ivo Enjingi, a pioneer in Croatian winemaking, known for achieving the country's first Gold Medal at the Decanter wine awards. Prepare for an unparalleled wine-tasting experience in the depths of his extensive cellar, showcasing over 35 years of revered 100% organic wines.
Next, a short journey leads us to the Krauthaker Winery, where Vlaho Karuthaker, a prominent figure in Croatian winemaking, awaits. Enjoy a tour, tasting, and a lunch featuring local specialties from Vlaho's farm, perfectly paired with their award-winning wines.
Returning to the castle for a leisurely break, we'll shift gears in the evening with a visit to Castrum, a boutique distillery crafting gin infused with Slavonian botanicals. This unique experience sets the stage for another delightful Slavonian dinner with the wonderful overs of the distillery.
Overnight Stay-Kutjevo Castle
Day 4-Wednesday, November 5th
Wood, Fire, Water and Wine
Check-Out
Today we leave Kutjevo and head deep into Continental Croatia, where we will start the day by experiencing something truly special to Slavonia as we will visit a cooperage specializing in oak barrels for wineries. Slavonian oak is prized around the world and Auric Barrels also own their own forests and produces what they call “Tree to Barrel”. We will get a chance to walk through their production facility to see the barrel production firsthand. Just a short drive away, we will experience the Croatian version of a Fish Camp for lunch. The area is known for its freshwater fish and we will be savoring them family-style right from the source, as the fish are from the ponds right near the restaurant. We will then head to our home for the next two nights while in Slavonia, which is a beautifully renovated Habsburg Manor House with modern flourishes. After checking in, we will then head to explore Osijek, the 4th largest city in Croatia and the cultural/political center of Eastern Croatia for what we are calling “Burning Down Hedonistic Calories” to experience a tour of the city center, with one of the biggest fortresses in Croatia (Tvrđa), learn about the heritage of General von Beckers. We will discover Picasso along the most beautiful river promenade in Croatia, see the Bridge of Youth, find traces of Freemasonry, and tour the Cathedral. You will have free time for the rest of the night to explore or enjoy as you wish.
Overnight Stay-4+ Hotel
Day 5-Thursday, November 6th
Overnight Stay-4+ Hotel
Day 6-Friday, November 7th
Check-Out
With our Slavonian adventure coming to a close, it is time to take in one very special place along the way until we hit wine country. We will visit Đakovo (Jackovo) which is home to the cathedral of St. Peter, which Pope John XXIII said is the most beautiful cathedral between Venice and Constantinople due to its exceptional frescoes, which is the greatest treasure of the cathedral.
We will then head to the wine area of Plešivica, a true hidden gem in the eyes of many, even among the locals in Croatia. It stands as Croatia's smallest yet most prestigious wine region, distinguished by its array of exceptional wineries specializing in superb sparkling wines, delightful Pinot Noirs, and wines aged in amphorae, known as "orange wines.
Overnight Stay-4+ Hotel
Day 7-Saturday, November 8th
Today, we will start with a visit to the region's last remaining cooper, a master craftsman skilled in the art of barrel-making. This offers us a unique opportunity to juxtapose from Auric, the big barrel making company we saw earlier in the trip to witness firsthand the meticulous process of crafting wooden barrels by hand. You'll have the chance to observe the entire craftsmanship process up close. As we are in wine country, and given the exceptional nature of this region, a stop at a winery is a MUST and we will stop at one of our favorite wineries, which has earned acclaim not only for its exceptional wines but the great vibe of the place. This visit promises to be a treat for the senses.
As the day draws to a close, we gather for our final dinner, graced by a breathtaking view, at one of Chef Richard’s favorite places in Croatia. This establishment prides itself on showcasing a menu exclusively composed of local and organic products. It serves as the perfect setting for our farewell dinner, marking a most fitting end to our epic food and drink journey.
Overnight Stay-4+ Hotel
Day 8-Sunday, November 9th
Till the Next Time…
Check-Out
Guests will gather for breakfast at their leisure, before departing for the Zagreb Airport (ZAG) via private transfer to the airport.
Culinarily yours,
The Captivating Croatia Team and
Chef Richard Gruica
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Zagreb, Croatia
