Happy almost March Ya’ll!
The only intro I can think of for this post is : GO TO SLOVENIA. NOW.
The air is fresh but the noms are even fresher! Enough said.
Now here’s a few tasty reasnoms why:
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Lake Bled
By car from Belgrade reaching the quiet lake town of Bled, Slovenia is around five hours. With the mountains already in view, this little village nestled around a beautiful lake is straight out of a fairy tale. After you take a walk around the lake’s edge, it’s highly advised to re-energize and what’s better than a nice piece of cake?
Slaščičarna Zima : This adorable pastry shop is located in the heart of Bled. The name translated into English is “Winter” and their logo is a bear which makes perfect sense because when you get there you’ll want to eat everything then hibernate for the rest of the season.
Highlight: Bled’s famous Kremna Rezina and Prekmurska Gibanica
‘Kremna Rezina’ or ‘Kremšnita’ (in Serbia known as ‘Krem Pita’, in German as ‘Cremeschnitte’, or in plain old English, ‘Cream Pie’). A layer of puff pastry lines the bottom, a thick layer of creamy custard, followed by a bit of chantilly or whipped cream and then topped with another flaky pastry square and dusted with powdered sugar. The flavors melt in your mouth much like snow on a warm winter day.
Originating from the region of Prekmurje, Prekmurska Gibanica is slightly similar to the kremšnita as it is a towering pastry consisting of sweet layers of poppy seed, walnuts, raisins, apples and quark (or ‘cottage cheese’ though it doesn’t bear much resemblance to the kind bought in tubs state-side). If you love ‘mak’ or poppyseed like I do, then you’ll love this dessert!
Oštarije Babji Zob: Also centrally located in the tiny downtown of Bled is this fabulous restraurant that serves up new takes on traditional Slovene dishes. It’s cozy, the staff is friendly and most importantly they have great food!
Highlight: Pork medallions wrapped in bacon and Ravioli with Carniolin sausage, apples and horseradish
As you can see from the picture on the left, if you’re a meat lover then this dish is for you. The tender thick cut pork medallions were wrapped in crispy bacon and served with roasted potato wedges and a succulent gravy. This item came off their ‘Dishes to fill your stomach’ part of the menu, and it certainly lived up to its name.
The ravioli dish was one of the most interesting and delicious dishes I have had in a while. The soft pasta shells were filled with chickory which gave the entire dish a smoky flavor, alongside pieces of the famous Slovenian Carniolin sausage, all mixed together with a creamy horseradish sauce and topped with sweet apple slices. As I said, interesting because it’s not everyday that horseradish propels your taste buds through a sweet and savory adventure, but this dish was divine and I would come back to Bled just for this.
Pizzeria Rustika : Looking for a tasty pie while exploring Bled? Look no further.
Highlight: Pizza Bled and Pizza 3Glav
The amazing pizzas produced from this hole in the wall pizza joint should be sung from the top of Lake Bled’s castle. Each personal sized pie is made complete with crispy wood fired crust, cheese and a variety of succulent toppings. If you’re in doubt, you can’t go wrong with the “Bled”, a capriocosa-esque pizza with mushrooms and ham or the “3Glav” for all you rocket salad fans out there. You’ll leave full and happy and maybe even with a bit of left over pizza for later!
With all that said, Lake Bled is a great place to visit during all four seasons where you can take in the sublime nature, Slovene history and some excellent noms.
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Ljubljana
Much like Belgrade, the capital city of Slovenia, the shimmering, romantic, historically beautiful city of Ljubljana is a haven for all sorts of noms and should be on your list of must-visit places before you die. With its stunning castle at the top of the hill, old cobblestone streets, whimsical bridges and expansive parks, this city is truly magical.
Abi Falafel: Possibly some of the best Middle Eastern food in Eastern Europe. Located very close to the famous “Dragon Bridge” in downtown Ljubljana.
Highlight: Falafel Special Kroznik
If you’re going to Abi, naturally you must try their falafel. It was more than worth while getting the falafel special kroznik or meal, both in terms of price and quality. This gorgeous plate consists of six perfectly spiced falafel pieces, creamy hummus, mashed fava beans, salad with yogurt dressing and quite possibly the most delicious tasting potato medallions I’ve ever had, ever. You’ll want to go back there for lunch or dinner for the remainder of your stay, which I’d say isn’t a bad thing.
Abi Falafel, just go there already.
Puffy Lil’ Pancakes: Need I say more? A mini pancake stand located on the main shopping street in Ljubljana, you’ll make any excuse just to stop and nom on these tiny morsels of goodness!
Highlight: Puffy little pancakes (duh) with all toppings imaginable.
Having scoped out PLP on Instagram before we arrived, the only thing you need to find this place is your nose. The aroma of tiny pancakes being cooked and flipped in a dutch pancake griddle can be smelt from all corners or the city. If you haven’t nommed on mini dutch style pancakes, this is your golden opportunity. With an array of toppings it will be difficult to choose, but listen to your stomach and it is impossible to fail. The soft heavenly pillows above are adorned with Nutella and powdered sugar (on the left) and a dreamy hazelnut cream with freshly cut banana slices and once again powdered sugar (on the right).
Unfortunately it takes all of a minute to eat these little beauties because they are that delicious but you’ll be back for more, I know I will. Can’t say I didn’t warn you!
Kmetija Mis Non-stop mlekomat: A 24/7 ATM machine for milk! Located at different points around the city, purchase a bottle and help yourself to fresh milk day or night! *Milk from Kmetija Mis comes from a dairy farm located under Šmarna Gora/Mountain*
Highlight: Dispensable local raw milk
It’s not everyday I drink milk in and say what you want about me including machine milk on this list of Slovene noms but once you try it you will change your mind. As mentioned above you can find these machines all over the city, as well as other machines for assorted dairy products such as cheese, yogurt and kefir. Most are in English as well as German and Slovene and the first step towards acquiring your fresh milk is to buy a bottle from the adjoining vending machine (plastic or glass) then put your coin (1 euro per 1 liter) in the mlekomat, the tiny translucent window will open (mind blown) where you will then place your bottle under the nozzle and watch the magic happen. It’s that simple.
Bring it back home and enjoy with cookies, because let’s be honest that’s the best way to enjoy a cold glass of fresh milk.
Having been to some pretty magical cities across Europe, I will argue that Ljubljana is in the top spot. Whether you’re travelling alone, with a friend or your entire family, you won’t be disappointed with all that this stunning city has to offer.
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And in case you weren’t already convinced that visiting Slovenia was a must…
I give you the beauty that is Lake Bohinj. Just a short drive from Lake Bled!
Until next time Slovenia and until next time nommers!
Nasvidenjom!
Restaurant Information:
nomandnommer 
Yay! You are back! Lovely post and its definitely on my list 🙂
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