In the heart of Plešivica, a region known for its vineyards and eno-gastronomic pleasures, an exclusive dinner titled "4 Hands Dinner" was held last night, reaffirming Croatia's status as a destination of high culinary excellence. Organized by the Croatian National Tourist Board in collaboration with MICHELIN, this dinner brought together lovers of fine gastronomy and renowned chefs, with the aim of promoting continental Croatia as a premier eno-gastronomic destination. The event took place at the Korak restaurant, known for its commitment to sustainability, which is also confirmed by the MICHELIN Green Star award that the restaurant holds.

The main actors of the evening, chefs Bernard Korak and Rudolf Štefan, provided guests with an unforgettable experience through dishes made from local ingredients. The Korak restaurant, located amidst picturesque Plešivica hills, has long been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and ecology, making it unique in Croatia as the only restaurant that holds both a MICHELIN star and a Green Star award. "Such events confirm our mission to position Plešivica as a top eno-gastronomic center," said Korak, adding that it was an honor to host colleague Rudolf Štefan and to create a unique culinary experience together.

The menu featured a variety of dishes that combined the best of local products and seasonal ingredients. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy specialties such as mackerel, cuttlefish, anchovies, shellfish, roasted lamb, and verbena, all accompanied by carefully selected spices and local herbal notes. Authenticity and harmony of flavors permeated the entire evening, creating a special experience for the present guests, among whom were influencers and journalists from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and other European countries.

Rudolf Štefan, known for his innovative approach to cooking, stated that collaborating with Bernard Korak was an opportunity to showcase the true values of Croatian cuisine and promote local ingredients that define this region. He emphasized that collaboration with MICHELIN is of great importance as it helps spread a positive image of Croatian gastronomy on an international level. "The MICHELIN guide is proof that we are on the right track," said Štefan, highlighting the importance of such exclusive events for the further promotion of Croatia.

Ivana Alilović, director of the Zagreb County Tourist Board, added that such projects significantly contribute to positioning continental Croatia as an indispensable destination for lovers of quality food and wine. "Our region is increasingly becoming synonymous with top-notch eno-gastronomic offerings. This star-studded event is proof of our ongoing commitment to preserving local traditions through modern gastronomy," said Alilović, emphasizing that restaurants like Korak not only attract tourists but also set high standards in sustainable gastronomy.

According to the Croatian National Tourist Board, more and more foreign tourists are coming to Croatia precisely because of its unique eno-gastronomic offer, and events like the "4 Hands Dinner" serve as an ideal platform for further promotion. With growing interest in sustainability in tourism and gastronomy, Korak restaurant is becoming a leader in these trends in Croatia, emphasizing the preservation of natural resources and authentic culinary traditions.

This year, Croatia has seen a significant increase in foreign tourist visits, and the MICHELIN guide continues to recognize the quality of domestic restaurants. In addition to the Korak restaurant, Croatia currently has one restaurant with two MICHELIN stars and ten restaurants with one star. These restaurants, together with those carrying the Bib Gourmand label, form a solid foundation of the Croatian gastronomic scene and position Croatia as an indispensable destination for gourmets from around the world.