The Kvarner region, with its unique blend of the blue sea and the green mountainous hinterland, is increasingly and decisively positioning itself on the gastronomic map of Europe as an unmissable destination for all true gourmets. At the heart of this culinary renaissance is a project that celebrates the authenticity and richness of local flavors, and its new, spectacular episode will be held on the upcoming Monday, September 15, 2025. This is an event called "Strengthening the image of the gastronomy of Rijeka and the Rijeka ring – A Mosaic of Tastes and Experiences", which will turn the historic walls of Trsat Castle into a vibrant stage where the scents and tastes of tradition and modernity will intertwine. Starting at 4 PM, this event will once again bring together the key players of the local gastro scene – from small family farms and passionate producers to renowned restaurateurs and tourist boards, offering visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the essence of Kvarner cuisine.

The initiative, implemented by the Rijeka Tourist Board in close cooperation with the Rijeka-based company Abisal, represents a synergistic effort of the entire area. The project has also been joined by the tourist boards that make up the so-called Rijeka ring: Kostrena, Bakar, Kraljevica, Čavle, Jelenje, Viškovo, and Kastav. The strength of this collaboration, further reinforced by the support of the umbrella Croatian National Tourist Board, lies in a common goal – to present the region as a complete and competitive eno-gastronomic destination. This is not just a food festival; this is a platform for preserving culinary heritage, encouraging innovation, and creating a recognizable brand that will attract visitors throughout the year.

Petar Škarpa, director of the Rijeka Tourist Board, emphasizes the strategic importance of such gatherings. "The 'Mosaic of Tastes and Experiences' event represents much more than a simple food presentation. It is the lifeblood that connects our producers, restaurateurs, and tourism professionals, creating a unique platform for the promotion of local specialties and customs. Right here, on Trsat, we will demonstrate the strength of the gastro identity of Rijeka and the entire Rijeka ring, showcasing the richness of our tradition and the inexhaustible creativity of modern gastronomy," emphasized Škarpa. He added that this event is also an excellent prelude to 2026, which has been declared the year of gastronomy, and extended a cordial invitation to everyone to visit Trsat Castle on Monday afternoon and become part of this exceptional story. Admission is free for all visitors, which further confirms the organizers' desire to bring the treasures of local cuisine closer to the widest possible audience.

A culinary journey through the Rijeka ring

A true feast for all the senses awaits visitors at Trsat Castle, a journey through the diversity of flavors that define every corner of this region. Each municipality and town from the Rijeka ring brings the best from its culinary treasury, creating a colorful mosaic that connects the seemingly incompatible. The Grobinšćina area, which includes the municipalities of Čavle and Jelenje, will proudly present its most famous indigenous product – Grobnik cheese. But this time, in addition to its classic form, this esteemed sheep's cheese will experience a modern transformation in the form of ice cream, proving that tradition can be the foundation for culinary innovations. In addition, visitors will be able to taste precious donkey's milk, known for its beneficial properties, and the traditional potato polenta.

From the direction of Kastavština, from the area of Kastav and Viškovo, come flavors that perfectly depict the blend of the coast and the wooded hinterland. Kastav will present dishes that skillfully combine seafood with the gifts of the forest, all rounded off with a drop of superb local wines, among which the indigenous Belica particularly stands out. Meanwhile, Viškovo will offer comfort in the form of traditional "spoon" dishes – Viškovo minestrone with corn and presnac, dishes that have warmed the soul and body for generations. Special attention is also drawn to the Halubajska strudel, a dessert of rich tradition, and the steak tartare named "Ritam zvončara" (Rhythm of the Bell Ringers), as a tribute to the intangible cultural heritage of the Halubajski zvončari, protected by UNESCO.

The coastal part of the ring brings the smells of salt and sea. Proud Bakar will present its symbols – Bakarska vodica, a sparkling wine with a long history, and the unavoidable Bakar rusks, a hard pastry that was once the staple food of sailors. In addition, visitors can expect the delicious Bakar cake. Neighboring Kostrena entices visitors with the smell of the sea through the specialty "Captain Ante's Kostrena squid," a dish that tells stories of local fishermen and their skill. Rijeka itself, as the center of the region, will offer urban bites like the "Rijeka cube" and refreshing drinks that combine the local and the global – Kvarner pelinkovac and the popular Laval Spritz cocktail. The offer will also include delicacies such as Cornelian cherries in liqueur, various desserts from this healthy fruit, dried figs, and craft beer from Frankopan Castle, which completes this impressive gastronomic offer.

A program that celebrates the story behind the taste

The "Mosaic of Tastes and Experiences" event is designed as a multi-hour interactive experience that goes beyond a classic tasting. The entire program, which runs from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, is divided into three thematic sections, each offering a unique experience.

Exhibition and sales area (4:00 PM – 9:00 PM)
From the very beginning, the courtyard of Trsat Castle will be transformed into a lively market of indigenous products. Each tourist board, in partnership with local restaurateurs and producers, will have its own exhibition space to promote the gastronomic offer of its area. Visitors will have the opportunity not only to taste the presented products and dishes but also to talk with the producers themselves, hear their stories, and, of course, buy the delicacies that captivate them the most, taking an authentic piece of Kvarner home with them.

Stage program: "Rijeka and the Rijeka Ring, a place of tastes and experiences – How our dishes are made" (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
The central part of the program is dedicated to the stories behind each dish. Through a dynamic stage performance, the emphasis will be on tradition, the process of creating certain ingredients and recipes, and on interesting anecdotes and customs related to the cuisine of this region. The goal of this segment is to demystify the preparation process and authentically convey the cultural and historical background of the flavors, providing the audience with a deeper insight into what they are tasting.

Music program and audience stories (6:30 PM – 9:00 PM)
As the evening approaches, the atmosphere will become even more relaxed with a rich music program. Members of KUD Lanterna, Klapa Baladura with their melodic performances, the powerful Grobnički dondolaši, and representatives of the Kuća halubajskega zvončara will provide an authentic soundscape. In this part of the program, under the guidance of host Neno Pavinčić, the audience will also get the chance to become active participants. Visitors will be invited to share memories of their favorite childhood dishes or to describe a local flavor that holds a special connection for them to the region they come from, thus creating a warm and communal atmosphere of celebrating food and memories.