How Ljubljana marks the change of seasons in style

Regular readers will know that the delightful Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is a favourite with Gourmet on the Road. 

It is a city that is a pleasure to visit no matter the time of year, but the arrival of spring means Ljubljana Tourism, together with its partners, will present the fourth edition of LUV Fest from February 8 to March 12. 

The event combines art, culture, gastronomy and social experiences in the compact, easy-to-walk city. 

The diverse program features exhibitions, concerts, workshops and outdoor experiences with the central artistic highlight the light installation Brstenje (Budding) in the open-air art gallery, complemented by special guided tours and a wide range of events for all generations.

Brstenje, by artist Nika Erjavec, symbolises the awakening of the city and nature, and will be set up on Čufarjeva Street. 

Other well-established installations will also return, including Brbotanje by Matej Bizovičar and Cvetilke, featuring motifs created by primary school pupils, which will again illuminate Zvezda Park.

This year will also focus on the courtyard of artists’ studios at Gornji trg 24, where artists will open the doors of their studios to visitors and present their works in an outdoor setting.

LUV Fest will extend across Ljubljana’s thoroughfares, cultural institutions and hotel venues, with a growing number of hoteliers and restaurateurs joining the festival with special seasonal offers. 

The program will include concerts, theatre performances, dance events, themed guided tours, workshops and exhibitions.

Particular attention will be devoted to the Art Vital exhibition, exploring the love story of the artistic duo Ulay and Marina Abramović at Cukrarna, as well as a production of Wagner’s opera Tristan and Isolde at the Slovenian National Opera and Ballet Ljubljana. 

The festival will conclude on March 12, on St. Gregory’s Day (Gregorjevo), when the traditional Ljubljana custom of floating gregorčki along the Gradaščica stream will symbolically welcome the arrival of spring.

See https://www.visitljubljana.com/en/visitors/sights-and-activities/highlights/luv-fest/

Image: LUV-FEST, Marko Delbello Ocepek

Bottomless rosé brunch adds some zip to spring dining

Calling all thirsty Sydney gourmets.

West Hotel Sydney, Curio Collection by Hilton will launch a new bottomless rosé brunch at its restaurant, Solander Dining and Bar, from October 13.

The Bottomless Rosé Brunch will be on offer in the hotel's open-air Atrium and includes a rosé spritz on arrival, free-flowing rosé or house sparkling, house wines, beers and spritzers and three shared courses from Solander Dining and Bar's seasonal menu.

It will be available twice daily from Monday-Saturday from 12pm-3pm and 5pm-8pm for $99 per person for 90 minutes (minimum two guests).

The shared menu includes dishes like a salumi misti, Forged by Vow's cultured quail parfait, forest mushroom arancini, charred Angus rump steak and shared grilled Australian barramundi fillet, as well as an 'Iced Vovo' dessert. Dietary-friendly options available.

“At West Hotel Sydney, we're always looking for new ways to blend style, creativity, and memorable experiences," says hotel manager Nathan Kengike.

"The new Bottomless Rosé Package underscores our passion for culinary innovation and our drive to continually push the boundaries of flavour and creativity.”

The West Hotel is a 182-room hotel on Sussex Street, close to the Barangaroo precinct. 

Cherubino unveils new cellar door eatery for Margaret River

Winemaker Larry Cherubino will partner with chef Ben Jacob for a new "relaxed yet refined" Italian dining experience at the Cherubino Wines Caves Road site in Margaret River this spring.

Masseria Restaurant will be helmed by chef Jacob (Lagoon Yallingup) who has developed a menu that will aim to "transport diners to the Italian countryside", showcasing casual Italian-Mediterranean cuisine using traditions with a south-west twist.

Think house-made focaccia, a selection of the season’s best antipasti and cured meats to a range of hand made pastas. From the charcoal grill expect the likes of Bistecca Fiorentina and whole Augusta Nannygai. To finish, perhaps Tiramisu made to share on the table.

“Ben has been aligned with our vision from the get-go,” said Larry Cherubino “We wanted to create a dining experience in the region that is accessible but still elevated and both the food and wine menus reflect that wholeheartedly."

The name loosely translate to farmhouse in Italian.

A wine list crafted by Cherubino City Cellar’s sommelier Simone Ratti and Group Venue Manager Jonathan Diaz will include rare and exclusive back vintages.

“I am very excited to align with the Cherubino brand in opening Masseria.” said Jacob “I am committed to utilising my depth of knowledge and skill as a chef and restaurateur to create a welcoming atmosphere where families and friends can indulge in an Italian-Mediterranean menu focused on casual, simple, but delicious food, right here, in the south-west.”

Masseria will open just in time for spring/summer 2024 dining.