We were delighted that many new members – both Professionals and Non-professionals joined us to celebrate 10 years of the Chaîne in Slovenia in the picturesque village of Zgornji Brnik.

The village, situated 15kms north of Ljubljana the country’s capital, presents an environment full of architectural and cultural heritage especially with Strmol Castle and the Volčji Potok Arboretum nearby.

Our destination was the Dvor Jezeršek Hotel and Academy. A homestead dating from the 18th century, in 2007 Dvor Jezeršek was redeveloped into a modern 18-room hotel with conference facilities, a typical Slovenian restaurant named “Gostilna”, as well becoming the home of the Jezeršek Academy – a culinary educational centre.

Upon arrival, with our welcoming drink, for our enjoyment we were served canapes which interpreted the cultural food heritage of Slovenia.

At the Induction Ceremony the new and promoted members were initiated into their grades by our own Bailli Délégué, Tomaz Ravnikar, in his capacity as Member of the Conseil Magistral. After which we moved to the first floor, in the space of a former hayloft, for dinner.

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Cold starter
Trout fillet, green apple, horseradish yoghurt foam, radish germ
Šipon (Furmint) - Verus

Warm starter
Boiled millet grit, fresh egg yolk, Kranjska sausage fried cubes
Riesling 2013 - Kupljen

Basil sorbet, tomato combination

Chicken breast, stuffed with crayfish and bread
Malvasia 2008 - Vinakoper

Dessert in the garden
  Miniature potica cake, prunes
Traminer Vaneja (from Steyer – a Chaîne member)

The balmy evening was pleasant for gathering in the garden to end our anniversary celebrations. Gift bags full of the newest Chaîne Slovenia publications, pralines from our member Luca Zgank’s company “Lucifer” and potica cake were taken home with appreciation. So we enter a new decade of our socializing, discovering tastes, sharing stories.

Vive la Chaîne!

Prof. Dr. Janez Bogataj
Conseiller Gastronomique

Photos courtesy of Tomaz Dular, Officier