Croatia’s only Master Chef, the last Titanic menu, a lakeside setting in Zagreb, and four young chefs from Hvar as part of the team. A simply stunning 11-course bonanza at Restaurant Lido last night.
A quite spectacular display by the Hvar Olympic quartet and the rest of the team under the guidance of Croatia’s only Master Chef, Zdravko Kalabrić and his long-term friend Zlatko Marinović of leading fish restaurant Noštromo in Split, produced a meal and event that will linger long in the memory.
We are awaiting photos to bring you a course by course picture special of the 11-course extravaganza, as Kalabrić’s team of chefs – from Hvar, Split, Istria, Zagreb and Prague – put on a magnificent display to recreate the last Titanic menu on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of its sinking.
The setting for this spectacular event was Restaurant Lido on the shores of Lake Jarun in Zagreb, and the restaurant put on a stylish display, with each diner enjoying a Titanic place mat to commemorate the event. Food aside, there was wonderful live entertainment, including this delightful saxophone seranading of one of the guests.
While guests enjoyed quality food, service and music in a very relaxed atmosphere, things were a lot busier in the heat of the kitchen, although one thing that struck me was the total calm that Master Chef Kalabrić managed to instil into his kitchen, despite the large number of chefs to coordinate and courses to prepare. It was a real privilege watching a master at work. Getting good footage was difficult due to the sheer number of people running around, but here is a quick snapshot:
After guests had worked their way through the first eight courses – Canapés a l’Amiral, Consommé Olga, Poached Salmon with Mousseline Sauce, Chicken breast, Filet Mignons Lili, Punch Romaine, Roast Duck and Asparagus Salad with Champagne and Saffron Vinaigrette – the chefs were introduced to the guests by Marinović, who played an excellent role as Master of Ceremonies. Watch the team take their deserved applause, with that man Kalabrić last man out.
A superb evening from start to finish, and for me, it was just a pleasure to watch a craftsman at work, as he ran the kitchen with superb organisation and quiet authority.
And a very special thanks to Zlatko Marinović for kindly hosting our stay at the very comfortable Hotel Jarun, a gesture which was much appreciated. And to the Sidro family for the transport to and from Zagreb, and for the many laughs last night.
It was an honour to be part of such an historic evening, and compliments to all the chefs and to the staff at Restaurant Lido for a memorable night. The Dalmatian Olympic dream in October is very much alive.
We will post a course by course picture special shortly.
