June the 16th, 2025 – Well known Croatian chef Tomica Đukić wowed famous food influencers with his modern twists on traditional Slavonian cuisine at a Panona Mare event.
When excellent food, great people, and a relaxed atmosphere all come together, you create a very pleasant and special event indeed. The Panona Mare afterwork event held in the unique ambience of the Matrix restaurant was such an event, dedicated to freshwater fish and other new, domestically produced specialities.
The long-time head chef of the Croatian national football team, famed chef Tomica Đukić, delighted guests with a four-course dinner through which he combined tradition and innovation. He presented all the richness of Slavonian, local, and seasonal flavours.
The main stars of the evening were crispy Panona Mare products made from first-class pieces of freshwater fish. They’re not only impressive, but are healthy and nutritious items for the whole family. They’re prepared simply and quickly in a frying pan, hot air fryer, or in an oven, and can be served as an appetiser or main course in various combinations, with vegetables, in the form of a salad, or even in a sandwich.
Crispy carp chips come in classic, spicy and curry flavours, while fish nuggets in the shapes of fish, hearts, stars or boats are a firm favourite for kids. The fish used to make these products is exclusively domestically sourced, raised in fishponds located in the untouched nature of Slavonia’s dense forests and among the hills of central Croatia. It also proudly bears the “Chosen by Mums” (Odabrale mame) label, because mothers always know what’s best for their families! These products can be found on the shelves of Super Konzum, Plodin and Kaufland stores in cities across Croatia.
The table was filled with fish & chips with a Croatian (or perhaps better to say Slavonian) twist. They were carp chips accompanied by a modern version of potato salad; smoked carp risotto enriched with a delicate baked pear cream and agrodolce and lemon oil. That added some subtle citrus notes and an additional dimension of flavour. There were also catfish medallions done in a creamy and aromatic roasted horseradish sauce, served with asparagus and couscous. All of this perfectly combined the flavours of both the fish and the sauce, while finely chopped pork cracklings (čvarci) with hot pepper gave the dish a spicy note.
The dishes were perfectly complemented by Martin Albus’s multiple award-winning wines – Silvanac zeleni, Sauvignon and Frankovka, popular varieties from the Orahovica winery.
Dessert was equally impressive as the talented Tomica served up a carob and amber chocolate cake topped with a fried hazelnut sauce. That of course went perfectly with the well-known Martin Albus hazelnut liqueur from Orahovica – a three-time world champion.
Famous food influencers including Marija Mazalin, Mile Butorac, Darko Kontin, Milica Šundov Šupa, Slavica Šagolj, Vedran Bošković, Petra Sabljić, Lucija Wagmann Galar, Nina Kajser Labaš, Andrea Cukrov and Tanja Pastuović Klaić all thoroughly enjoyed the culinary creations.
Judging by their reactions, this unforgettable gastronomic experience showed just how how freshwater fish – with a little creativity and quality ingredients – can be the foundation of high end gastronomy. It goes without saying that with Panona Mare, anything is possible!
The programme was hosted with exceptional energy and charm by the one and only Domagoj Jakopović Ribafish, who took guests on a magical journey through the beauty of Slavonia, especially the type you can eat!
DJ Stanko Bondža took care of the musical atmosphere and the entire afterwork atmosphere. A special addition to the evening was a pub quiz on the topic of freshwater fish, which resulted in plenty of laughter, reflection and team spirit. The questions were designed by no less than quiz master Silvije Pleština, the author of the questions for the popular Potjera gameshow (The Chase).
