The program for this year’s Weekend Food Festival is now known, and it’s set to bring together leading global and domestic chefs, foodies, sommeliers, as well as numerous professionals from the food industry and all food enthusiasts in Rovinj in just three weeks. The Festival’s rich program, themed around sustainability, will feature interesting panels, lectures, and gala dinners, with a star-studded list of participants that includes Eneko Atxa, who boasts five Michelin stars. Once again, the old tobacco factory will offer a unique opportunity for new knowledge, unforgettable experiences, and networking in one of the most beautiful Adriatic destinations.
Experience the best: Eneko Atxa and the most renowned names of the global culinary scene are on the impressive program list
Get ready to experience a myriad of culinary adventures, as the Weekend Food Festival is bringing together the biggest names in global and local cuisine for three unforgettable days. They will take part in numerous lectures and panels discussing current trends in kitchens around the world, food production, the future of the hospitality and food industries, as well as sustainability – a term that has become a hot topic in many industries, including those related to food. Sustainability is the guiding theme of this year’s Weekend Food Festival, providing a unique opportunity for passionate foodies and industry professionals alike to explore the topic and discover new insights.
The first panel of the festival will tackle this important topic, as culinary giants Ricard Camarena, Ana Roš, Hrvoje Kroflin, and Deni Srdoč will be discussing if the current food trends will be sustainable in the future. Biljana Borzan, a Member of the European Parliament, will also speak on the issue of food waste in a lecture.
Eneko Atxa, a world-renowned chef with a total of 5 Michelin stars thanks to his restaurants Azurmendi*** and ENEKO, will also be joining the Weekend Food Festival. With a constant dedication to health, solidarity, and sustainability, Azurmendi has received the award for the world’s most sustainable restaurant twice. Directly from this iconic Basque kitchen, Eneko Atxa will share his experience and creativity with the audience during the festival. Alongside representatives from the Spanish food scene, visitors will have the chance to enjoy a culinary performance by Franco Pepe, the world’s most famous pizzaiolo, who was recently featured in the Netflix series “Chef’s Table: Pizza.”
David Skoko will challenge us to rethink our approach to gastronomy, while Mate Janković and Davor Butković will explore the impact of reviews on the industry. The “all-star” lineup of the domestic food industry, including Fabris Peruško, CEO of Fortenova Group, Nenad Klepač, CEO of Vindija, and Martina Dalić, CEO of Podravka, will discuss the importance of global trends in relation to local ones and to what extent they coincide. Along with moderator Zvjezdana Blažić from Smarter, these prominent leaders of leading domestic food companies will try to answer the question: Food production in Croatia – Can we do better?
Discover the world’s culinary diversity at the Exhibition Area and at the show-cooking stage
In addition to captivating lectures, panels, and gala dinners, the vibrant atmosphere at the weekend food festival will be contributed to by the street food court, where many local and regional restaurants and caterers will showcase their culinary expertise. The show-cooking stage will satisfy those who want to see first-hand how creative dishes are made. A diverse range of content is guaranteed, from Međimurje’s biodynamic foods, which will be prepared by young chef Amos Novak, to Israeli cuisine performed by chef Yehi Zin, who is coming to Rovinj at the initiative of the Israeli Embassy in Croatia. Tomica Đukić, the culinary mastermind behind the Croatian national football team, will also grace the festival with his presence, demonstrating how to prepare meals fit for top-tier athletes. Not to be outdone, various regional exhibitors will present their finest wines, olive oils, truffles, coffee, and premium beers and beverages. Of course, the delicious delicacies and a wide selection of drinks will be complemented by a lively and engaging atmosphere, with each evening culminating in the performances of renowned artists that are sure to leave you amazed.
If you haven’t already, hurry up and get your ticket now!
