Rovinj is once again preparing to become the epicenter of top gastronomy, hosting another edition of the prestigious Weekend Food Festival. This event, which year after year confirms its status as a key gathering for professionals and enthusiasts from the world of food and drink, will once again open its doors in the recognizable ambiance of the Old Tobacco Factory. The slogan that will mark the upcoming days full of flavors and aromas is ''Eat Local, Think Global'', clearly emphasizing the festival's philosophy – celebrating local ingredients and indigenous recipes while simultaneously following and implementing global culinary trends.

The festival has become synonymous with excellence, a place where new ideas are born, deals are made, and the entire regional gourmet scene is enhanced. Its importance transcends the borders of Croatia, attracting experts and visitors from all over Europe and beyond. It is expected that this year too, thousands of visitors will pass through the festival grounds, eager for new knowledge, experiences, and, of course, unforgettable gastronomic delights.

A blend of local richness and world trends

The philosophy ''Eat Local, Think Global'' is not just a mere phrase, but the very core of the festival. It reflects the growing awareness of the importance of preserving culinary heritage and using locally grown, seasonal ingredients. Istria, as the host region, abounds in top-quality products – from olive oil and wine to truffles, fresh fish and seafood, and traditional pasta. The festival strives precisely for this: to present the richness of the Istrian peninsula in an innovative way, connecting it with contemporary techniques and global gastronomic movements. The goal is to empower local producers, encourage chefs to be creative in using domestic resources, and educate the public about the value of authentic cuisine.

At the same time, the ''Think Global'' component ensures that the festival remains relevant on the international scene. By bringing in world-renowned chefs, sommeliers, mixologists, and other experts, the festival provides insight into the latest trends, techniques, and concepts shaping global gastronomy. This blend of local and global creates a unique synergy that enriches both participants and visitors.

A platform for knowledge, inspiration, and networking

The Weekend Food Festival is much more than just food tasting. It is a dynamic platform designed for learning, exchanging ideas, and professional networking. The program is traditionally rich and diverse, including expert lectures, interactive panel discussions, exclusive masterclass workshops, and informal gatherings. Leading domestic and international chefs share their experiences and trade secrets, sommeliers reveal the magic of pairing wine and food, while restaurateurs discuss the challenges and opportunities in the industry.

Here, experienced professionals and young talents meet, restaurant and family farm owners, journalists and bloggers specializing in food, and passionate foodies. It is precisely this exchange of knowledge and experience that makes the festival an invaluable resource for anyone looking to improve their skills, broaden their horizons, or find inspiration for new business ventures. The atmosphere is always stimulating, imbued with enthusiasm and passion for food and drink, creating an ideal environment for networking and building long-term business relationships.

Weekend Food Market: Flavors of Istria accessible to everyone

One particularly attractive part of the festival, making it more accessible to a wider audience, is the Weekend Food Market. Located in the specially arranged Rengitel zone, created in collaboration with the tourism company Maistra, this market offers the best of local specialties and indigenous dishes. What makes it special is the fact that entry to this zone is free for all visitors, regardless of whether they have a festival ticket. This is an opportunity for those not directly involved in the professional part of the program to get acquainted with the richness of Istrian cuisine.

The concept RANGITE! - Istrian Food Market, carefully developed by Maistra under the motto ''How grandpa did it, how grandson does it'', fits perfectly with the festival's philosophy. The goal is to revive authentic Rovinj and Mediterranean cuisine, present traditional dishes prepared in a modern way, while respecting the heritage and quality of original ingredients. Visitors here can taste and buy top-quality products from local family farms, enjoy freshly prepared dishes, and experience the true spirit of Istria.

Exclusive gastronomic experiences

For those seeking special experiences, the Weekend Food Festival also offers a series of exclusive events. Every evening during the festival, selected Rovinj restaurants become stages for unique gastronomic performances. Renowned chefs, often in collaboration with top sommeliers, create special menus that push the boundaries of culinary art. These dinners are an opportunity to enjoy sophisticated flavors and perfectly paired wines in a more intimate setting.

Particularly noteworthy is the Maistra Collection Gourmet Weekend offer, which includes the possibility of booking dinners in restaurants awarded with Michelin stars or recommendations, such as the Cap Aureo restaurant located in the Grand Park Hotel Rovinj or the Agli Amici Rovinj restaurant. These experiences represent the pinnacle of the offer, providing guests with an unforgettable insight into high gastronomy.

Star-studded lineup of chefs and experts

Over the years, the festival has hosted an impressive array of world-famous culinary names. The participation of chefs like the legendary Marco Pierre White, known for his uncompromising approach and as a mentor to many of today's stars, or innovative masters like Matteo Metulli, one of the youngest Italian chefs with two Michelin stars, and Hubert Wallner, an Austrian chef known for his Alpine-Adriatic cuisine, testifies to the international prestige of the event. Also worth mentioning are names like Giulio Gigli, a young Italian talent exploring the heritage of Roman cuisine, and JP McMahon, an Irish chef and advocate of the Nordic culinary philosophy applied to Irish ingredients. Their presence, along with numerous other domestic and foreign experts, guarantees a program filled with knowledge, passion, and inspiration, offering the audience a unique opportunity to learn from the best.

Rovinj: The perfect backdrop for a gastro spectacle

The choice of Rovinj as the host city is not accidental. This picturesque Istrian town with its old town core situated on a peninsula, narrow stone streets, colorful facades, and beautiful sea views, provides an idyllic backdrop for an event dedicated to the beauty of food and drink. Rovinj itself is a recognized gastronomic destination, with numerous restaurants and taverns offering the best of Istrian and Mediterranean cuisine.

The Old Tobacco Factory, as the venue for the main part of the program, with its industrial charm and spacious halls, has proven to be an ideal space capable of hosting a large number of visitors and various event formats – from lectures and panels to masterclasses and exhibition areas. The combination of the city's historical ambiance and the festival's modern organization creates a unique experience.

Accommodation options for festival visitors

Given the popularity of the Weekend Food Festival, Rovinj offers a wide range of accommodation capacities that can meet the needs of all visitors. From luxurious five-star hotels, like those from the Maistra Collection (Grand Park Hotel Rovinj, Hotel Monte Mulini, Hotel Lone), which often offer special packages related to the festival, to charming boutique hotels located in the old town core. Visitors also have at their disposal numerous private apartments of various categories, villas with pools in the surrounding area, and well-equipped campsites by the sea. It is recommended to book accommodation in advance, especially if visiting during the festival, to secure the desired type and location of accommodation and take advantage of any special offers.

The festival as a promoter of Istrian and Croatian gastronomy

The Weekend Food Festival plays a key role in promoting not only Rovinj but also the entire Istria and Croatia as top gastronomic destinations. By bringing together international experts, journalists, and influential figures from the world of food, the festival draws attention to the richness of the Croatian culinary scene. Through the presentation of local products, wines, and indigenous recipes, it contributes to strengthening Croatia's image as a country with a rich tradition and high-quality ingredients. The event encourages the development of quality in the hospitality industry, inspires young chefs, and raises the standards of the entire industry, making Croatia increasingly competitive on the global gastro map.

Investing in such events is recognized as an important part of the tourism strategy, as it attracts high-spending guests, extends the tourist season, and creates added value based on authentic experiences. The Weekend Food Festival is an example of a successful blend of passion for food, business vision, and promotion of cultural and gastronomic heritage.