While the sun slowly descends towards the horizon, creating spectacular colors in the Istrian sky, in Banjole a special experience begins that celebrates summer with an authentic signature. The upcoming Hook & Cook festival, now recognized as an indispensable event on the Istrian scene, opens its doors on July 12, bringing with it the strongest local lineup to date. The fishing pier in Banjole will transform into an epicenter of creativity, flavors, and music, presenting the essence of Istria through the work of its passionate creators. It is a gathering of individuals and brands that do not wait for approval, but simply act, creating a scene that, with its vibrancy and originality, can rival even world metropolises. The ambiance of the small fishing village itself, with a view of the sea and untouched nature, provides the perfect backdrop for such an event, combining the charm of traditional Mediterranean lifestyle with modern expression. Visitors will immerse themselves in an atmosphere where a true passion for food, music, and community is felt in every corner.

The Philosophy of Hook & Cook: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

The Hook & Cook brand, conceived in 2016, is based on a unique philosophy that combines seafood gastronomy with the principles of sustainable fishing. Its goal is to encourage the improvement of the fishing industry and educate the public about the origin of seafood, fishing tools, and those involved in fishing. Inspired by a long-standing family tradition of fishing, dating back to 1994 with the fishing boat "Levan", Hook & Cook grew out of a love for the sea and a desire to immediately prepare and offer freshly caught fish to the public. This dedication to originality and quality is evident in every aspect of the festival. There are no compromises here: no sponsor tents, no plastic, no fake smiles. Only authentic food, honest music, and people who possess true "salt" in their hands and minds, literally and metaphorically. The festival is a manifestation of a shared way of life, a celebration of local culture and gastronomy, all permeated by a unique atmosphere and authenticity. The ambition is to build a platform for cooperation between regional food producers, fishermen, and chefs, thereby contributing to resistance against food industrialization and promoting a healthier, organic, and high-quality food experience. The concept "from sea to table" is not understood here merely as a slogan, but as a fundamental principle that encompasses the entire chain, from the catch itself to serving on the plate. This philosophy reflects a deep respect for nature and its resources, and a desire to provide visitors not only with a meal, but a complete experience of the tastes, smells, and stories of Istria. It is about creating a community that values sustainability, local production, and genuine interpersonal relationships. Every detail, from the choice of ingredients to the arrangement of the space, has been carefully thought out to convey a message of authenticity and quality, which sets Hook & Cook apart from other summer events.

Istrian Flavors and Stories in One Place

Hook & Cook is not just a mere event organizer; it creates unforgettable atmospheres. This year's festival gathers top Istrian brands, each with a recognizable story and character, reflecting the richness and diversity of the Istrian gastro scene. Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy fresh Hook & Cook fish that will perfectly pair with premium products from the Kumparička family farm. Their goat cheese, made from the milk of goats that freely graze on 200 hectares of ecological pastures full of aromatic herbs on the eastern coast of Istria, brings a unique touch of nature and tradition. It is a product that carries the flavors of the Istrian climate, carefully nurtured through generations. While hot Neapolitan pizza from Fakin Pizza is baked, prepared according to the strict rules of authentic Neapolitan pizza, known for its thin, airy dough and carefully selected fresh ingredients, every bite will be a true explosion of flavors. It is a perfect combination of simplicity and top quality, to which Fakin Pizza pays great attention, using only the highest quality flour, fresh tomatoes, and mozzarella. Glasses will be filled with natural wines from Sorsi bar. Sorsi is a Pula gem that connects wine lovers of all generations, offering a carefully selected list of natural wines and small bites from local quality products, such as Istrian cheeses, cold cuts, and fish delicacies like red mullet in oil or sardines branded with the Hook & Cook signature. Their selection of wines reflects the richness of the Istrian wine scene, with an emphasis on biodynamic and organic production. In addition, organic beer from the Kampanjola brewery from Savičenta will also be served, which prides itself on producing beer from its own organically grown barley. Their philosophy "local before global" is reflected in every bottle, and their ambition is to reach an annual production of 120 thousand liters, thereby contributing to the strengthening of the local economy and sustainability. Their beer, with the recognizable taste of Istrian land, perfectly fits into the festival offer. Special attention is also paid to RUKE Gin, a new project by Luka Žuljević, distilled with a unique combination of local plants such as juniper, eucalyptus, sage, licorice, and black pepper, which further emphasizes the dedication to domestic products and creative collaborations. This gin is more than a drink – it is a story of the Istrian land and its scents poured into liquid form, carrying the spirit of the Mediterranean and Istrian tradition. In this story, the focus is not only on the menu, but on the overall experience and the narrative behind each product. The goal is to bring traditional fishing feasts closer to younger generations in a modern and creative way, with pleasant vibrations, excellent seafood, and relaxed fun, providing a quality wine and gastro experience that elevates Pula and Istria to a higher level, confirming Istria's status as a top destination for authentic gastronomic experiences.

Musical Experience under the Istrian Sky

The Music After Dinner collective, an indispensable part of the Istrian electronic scene, is responsible for the festival's soundscape. Their sound combines appealing, accessible melodies with elements of house and techno, creating a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere that perfectly complements the gastronomic experience. The presence of this collective ensures that music is not just a background, but an integral part of the festival experience, contributing to the creation of unique vibrations that are remembered long after the last chord fades. Through their selections, Music After Dinner manages to create a sound that is both sophisticated and accessible, ideal for enjoying the sunset by the sea. As the highlight of the evening, Nemanja will perform with his DJ set, a project by Luka Šipetić, one of the most sought-after regional music names. His carefully chosen selections combine danceable Eastern and Anatolian funk with mystical tarot symbols, offering the audience energetic and danceable music inspired by mythology and film. Nemanja will ensure a great atmosphere throughout the day, thus perfectly rounding off the festival's music program, providing visitors with rhythms for dancing and relaxing under the starry Istrian sky. His unique style, which combines different musical genres and cultures, perfectly fits into the multicultural spirit of Istria and the Hook & Cook festival.

Hook & Cook Tour of Istria: From the Coast to the Hinterland

After a spectacular start in Banjole, the Hook & Cook team continues its tour throughout Istria, spreading the unique experience across the peninsula. Each location is carefully selected to integrate the festival into the natural environment and offer an authentic experience. On August 2nd, in Medulin, on its own pier, a big concert by the popular band Svemirko is being prepared. Their concerts are a sensation in themselves, and after a multi-year hiatus, the band returns with the announcement of new studio material, promising an unforgettable performance that will get the audience dancing. Medulin, with its picturesque pier and long fishing tradition, provides an ideal setting for a combination of music and sea. At this event, they will be joined by the collective Brze Guze, bringing their recognizable merch with Mr. T behind the DJ booth. Brze Guze are known for their unique artistic expression and humorous social commentary, and their merch will certainly be a reflection of that originality and rebellious spirit. The tour continues on August 16 in Cerovlje, in the heart of Istria, where the festival first moved in 2024. There, in cooperation with the Pazinčica Sports Fishing Society and the Central Istria Tourist Board, they prepared a menu inspired by freshwater and saltwater fish. These events also included culinary competitions and free tasting of fish stew, with music by Gustafi and DJ Nemanja, which showed the festival's ability to adapt to different environments and offer a diverse gastronomic experience. After Cerovlje, they move to the north of Istria, to the picturesque town of Karigador, where they will be guests on August 23. Karigador, a peaceful coastal town, is ideal for a relaxed summer getaway with good food and music, away from the summer crowds. To conclude the season, the story rounds off in Rovinj in mid-September, where another gastronomic and musical spectacle is expected in one of the most photogenic cities on the Adriatic. The festival thus becomes a movement, a story that spreads along the coast and hinterland, gathering audiences of all generations and promoting all the best that Istria has to offer. Each event on the tour is carefully designed to fit the specific character of the location, offering a unique blend of local tradition and contemporary festival spirit.

This festival is definitely not just another summer event, but a true manifestation of local strength and community. It is a sincere combination of excellent food, selected music and drinks, permeated by the energy of people who live a truly Mediterranean lifestyle. In a time when everything seems planned and generic, Hook & Cook offers something different: an experience with soul. Hook & Cook presents Istria in its most relaxed, most delicious, and most original edition. Everyone is warmly invited and welcome to experience summer with character and feel the pulse of Istria in the most authentic way possible. The festival celebrates not only food and music, but also the spirit of community, innovation, and love for local tradition, making it an indispensable stop on the summer map of every true lover of good vibes.