As summer slowly says goodbye, and the sun's rays take on a golden hue, the heart of the Kvarner Riviera is preparing for a culinary spectacle that celebrates a wealth of flavors and tradition. On Sunday, September 14th, starting at 10:00 AM, the historic Ivan Mažuranić Square in Novi Vinodolski will once again become the epicenter of gourmet delights. Another edition of the beloved event "Novljanski gušti" is taking place, an event that has, over the years, grown into an unmissable stop for all lovers of authentic gastronomy, attracting visitors from all over Croatia and beyond. This charming coastal town, known for its rich history and crystal-clear sea, will for one day be transformed into a vibrant open-air stage, where the irresistible aromas of the sea, fresh herbs, and expertly prepared dishes will float through the air, offering a unique experience for all the senses.

A rhapsody of flavors from the sea and the land

The central idea of "Novljanski gušti" lies in presenting the very best that Kvarner cuisine has to offer, which is a skillful fusion of Mediterranean and continental influences. Local caterers, true guardians of the culinary heritage, will invest all their knowledge and passion to prepare a range of dishes that will satisfy even the most discerning palates. This year, the prices have once again been set with the idea of accessibility, allowing everyone to enjoy top-quality delicacies without a care. The price of a portion is a symbolic 5.00 euros, desserts can be tasted for 3.00 euros, while a 1 dcl glass of fine wine will cost 2.00 euros, which is an excellent invitation to explore the entire offer.

Lovers of seafood specialties will find themselves in a true little paradise. The offer begins with light and refreshing dishes such as coastal-style squid salad, which combines the tenderness of the cephalopod with crispy vegetables and aromatic olive oil, or tuna pâté, a perfect introduction to the wealth of Adriatic flavors. The main courses tell a story of traditional fishermen's evenings – delicious Kvarner scampi and fresh mussels prepared "na buzaru," in a fragrant sauce of wine, garlic, and parsley, a dish that leaves no one indifferent. There is also a thick, aromatic anchovy brudet with chickpeas and creamy polenta, a dish that warms the soul, as well as "šufigane" squid with fava beans, an authentic dish that combines the flavors of the sea and the land. Cuttlefish in sauce with polenta and "iz teće" cuttlefish will evoke the old recipes of Novi Vinodolski's grandmothers, while Adriatic shrimp medallions in a refined sparkling wine sauce with orange risotto will show how tradition can be successfully combined with modern culinary techniques.

However, the cuisine of Novi Vinodolski is not only turned towards the sea. For those who prefer flavors from the land, dishes that reflect the richness of the hinterland have been prepared. Pljukanci, a traditional handmade pasta, will be paired with a rich and juicy beef goulash. Special attention will also be drawn to Ukrainian sarmice with buckwheat and beef, a dish that brings a touch of Eastern European cuisine and shows the hospitality of the hosts. For lovers of more intense flavors, there is also Hungarian perkelt, an aromatic goulash that is simmered long and slow to perfection.

Sweet kisses to end the gourmet journey

No true "gušt" is complete without a sweet ending, and the sweet offer of this event is a true tribute to desserts. Visitors will be able to enjoy an elegant mille-feuille dessert in a glass, with light creamy layers and crispy pastry. A Mediterranean classic, fresh ricotta with figs, will offer a simple yet irresistible combination of flavors. The unmissable tiramisu and the ever-popular pancakes will also be part of the offer. However, special emphasis is placed on homemade pies and strudels, among which the one made from figs, a fruit that symbolizes the Mediterranean summer, stands out. For those eager to discover new flavors, there is also the Medovik cake, a lavish Ukrainian dessert with rich layers of honey crusts and delicate cream, which has found its place at this Kvarner festival of flavors.

Fine wines and the sounds of the Mediterranean

The gastronomic experience in Novi Vinodolski would not be complete without a glass of good wine. The renowned Pavlomir Wine House will take care of the wine pairing. Their vineyards, located in the fertile Vinodol Valley, revive the centuries-old tradition of winemaking in this region. Their wines, especially the native Žlahtina, pair perfectly with the dishes on offer, rounding out every bite and emphasizing the aromas. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste drops that carry within them the essence of the sunny Kvarner climate.

To make the atmosphere complete, the sounds of klapa singing will echo through Ivan Mažuranić Square. The musical ambiance will be provided by the klapa Intriga, whose recognizable polyphonic chants will create an authentic Mediterranean backdrop. Their repertoire, which nurtures traditional Dalmatian and coastal songs, will fit perfectly into the relaxed atmosphere of socializing and enjoyment in the open air. Throughout the event, a professional host will guide visitors, presenting the talented chefs and their culinary creations, adding a personal touch and connecting the audience with the masters behind these delicious dishes.

A tradition that unites and celebrates the local community

"Novljanski gušti" is much more than a simple gastronomic event; it has become a tradition that celebrates the city's identity, promotes the richness of local flavors, and brings the community together. The event is the result of a successful collaboration of local caterers who proudly present their skills. Among the participants are the taverns Navigare, Pod Orajom, and Hata, the restaurant Admiral, the bistro Tomas, the bistro-pizzeria Đir, the buffet Adria, the Aminess hotel Lišanj, Ekskluziva d.o.o., and the caffe bar-bistro Marnie, along with the indispensable Vinska kuća Pavlomir. Their joint effort is a guarantee of the quality and diversity of the offer. The entire organization is signed by the Tourist Board of the City of Novi Vinodolski, with the wholehearted support of the City of Novi Vinodolski, the municipal company KTD Ivanj, and the Association 51+. It is precisely this synergy that is the key to the success of the event, which sets higher standards year after year and attracts an increasing number of visitors, confirming the status of Novi Vinodolski as a top gastro destination. This is the perfect opportunity to bid farewell to summer in the best possible style – with superb food, a drop of good wine, and unforgettable moments spent in the heart of the Adriatic.