Ljubljana, 4. 3. 2020
Between 28th and 30th March,
once again, Ljubljana shall host the European Food Summit, which has become one
of Europe's most important culinary events. Several distinguished international
speakers who have dedicated their lives to fully understand the importance of
food and the issues of modern nutrition will share their conclusions for a
better tomorrow. The three-day event will offer anyone who wishes to change the
world for better a rich set of accompanying events with top Slovenian chefs that
are not to be missed.
It is no coincidence that the European
gastronomic paths of the recent years lead to Slovenia. Thus, this spring,
Slovenia shall host the European Food Summit, one of the most important
European culinary events for the second time, with
even more illustrious names and a stronger international media coverage.
European Food Summit, which shall take
place between 28th and 30th March is more than
merely a top culinary event. It spreads awareness on global impacts of food and
brings together the world's top chefs and extraordinary individuals from the
culinary, arts and media fields. Through their stories, they shall inspire and
encourage us to think forward and work toward a better and more sustainable alimentary
future.
Unlike other similar events, the organizer
Jezeršek Catering, in cooperation with partners, Slovenian Tourist Board and
Turizem Ljubljana, wishes to step higher and offer concrete solutions in which
each individual has a role. “The vision of the European Food Summit has
never been clearer. I wish this summit would inspire each individual to think
about how he can create a better future and give them concrete solutions on how
their actions can change their attitude towards food”, explains Martin
Jezeršek, event organizer and Managing Director at Jezeršek gostinstvo d.o.o.
The fact that the
European Food Summit is crucial both in creating a sustainable future for
Europe as in the development of Slovenian gastronomy is emphasized also by Maja
Pak, M.A., Director of Slovenian Tourist Board (STB):
“Slovenian tourism has come to the conclusion that the only right way to development
is sustainability. This is demonstrated, among other things, by the Green
Scheme of Slovenian Tourism, the national program and the certification scheme,
which has just welcomed its 100th bearer of the Slovenia Green
label. We would also like to extend the scheme to the field of gastronomy, since
it is an important factor in shaping a quality present and future for ourselves
through its daily impact on the health of the environment and humans, and the
creation of various synergies. This is also one of the main topics of the
project Slovenia - European Gastronomic Region of 2021, supported by over 60
different partners. Our gastronomic excellence is also evidenced by the arrival
of world-renowned guides Michelin and Gault&Millau. It is important that we
show the world our excellent sustainable practices in gastronomy in different
ways, and the European Food Summit, in which STB is participating, is an effective
way of promoting them in a targeted and strategic way. It is imperative that
the importance of gastronomy for our lives and health and the opportunity to taste
the creations of the world's best chefs is brought closer to both foreign and
domestic public, and this summit is definitely the right way to do it.”
At
the peak of the event, Monday's symposium, which shall take place at the
beautiful Slovenian Philharmonic Hall, the keynote speakers this year are those
who speak through action and will contribute to global thinking in the field of
nutrition in a broader context, namely Joan Roca, a culinary genius from
Spain who sets new trends in gastronomy; Vladimir Mukhin, one of the
most influential Russian chefs, who delved into old recipes and set up a new
Russian cuisine; Nicolai Nørregaard, one of the first pioneers and
ambassadors of the Nordic cuisine movement, as well as Colombe Saint-Pierre,
one of Canada's most recognized chefs; Brazilian chef of German-Japanese roots Alberto
Landgraf, who is creating his success story with one of the best
restaurants in Rio de Janeiro these days; Keti Berishvili, a Georgian
winemaker who, with every single drop of wine produced according to the ancient
method in amphorae buried in the ground, proves to belong at the very top; winemaker Sylvie Augereau, the champion of the French natural wine revolution; a world-renowned
art critic, Nicolas Bourriaud, who has proven that culinary is an art,
by bringing together renowned artists and top chefs. In addition, non-profit
organization MAD Executive Director Melina Shannon-DiPietro, who for
nineteen years has been creating programs, fostering public dialogue and takes
part in partnerships influencing our understanding of food, the community and
the environment. Also, Canadian journalist, writer and activist Marie-Claude
Lortie, who in her latest book emphasizes the importance of supporting
local and natural or organic agriculture. Maria Canabal, an
award-winning French journalist, founder and president of the Parabere Forum,
where women are primarily given the voice, and crowned with the title of the most
influential woman in gastronomy. In addition, John Lanchester, one of
the most prominent British writers and one of the most unique and non-classical
culinary writers. Lisa Abend, an American journalist and writer who has
even been awarded for her contribution to what a circus gastronomy has become,
and Nicolas Gill, a photographer exploring the boundaries and
possibilities of American cuisine. Finally, exceptional Slovenian speakers will
not leave us indifferent to their unique stories.
Invited
guests, speakers and representatives of international media will be first to
taste the fact that numerous unique stories on a global scale are written in Slovenia,
in addition to learning about the country and its gastronomic diversity. Sunday
excursions shall leave the door open for the foreign media into the stories
of inspirational individuals who are pushing the boundaries in the world of gastronomy.
It is right there, that the guests will be able to feel the growers’ and
winemakers’ authenticity, experienced on the plate of a top chef.
At the European
Food Summit, all culinary
enthusiasts will meet their expectations by satisfying their culinary passion at numerous accompanying events on Saturday
and Sunday, which will take place in Ljubljana, one of the best culinary
destinations in the world. Petra Stušek, M.A., Director of Turizem Ljubljana states that: “High quality and varied gastronomic offer in Ljubljana enhances the locals’quality of life and provides
an unforgettable experience for domestic and foreign visitors. At Turizem Ljubljana, we strive to offer as many seasonal and local dishes as possible,
preferably prepared according to the traditional Ljubljana recipe. At
this year's European Food Summit, the best chefs will take
charge of this again, even outside
their own kitchens.”
European Food Summit 2020 will thus begin
with a special edition of the Open Kitchen, the most popular culinary
market. The introduction at the amazing ambiance of The Križanke Summer Theatre
in Ljubljana shall be prepared by selected caterers, who in collaboration with their
local growers and suppliers, will share their joint success stories. They shall
prove to you that good cooperation and quality ingredients may create divine
flavors.
Anyone who wishes to experience the
cuisine, culture and architecture of a city on one plate will take their taste
buds to Gourmet Ljubljana Crawl for a unique culinary exploration of the
cultural temples and Ljubljana city sights. At several spots across town, Slovenian
chefs of the JRE association (Jeunes Restaurateurs) will prepare top-quality
authentic dishes from local ingredients, served with selected wines by best
Slovenian winemakers.
The history of Slovenian gastronomy will
be written at the annually sold-out Experience Dinner. Just before the European
Food Summit, the prestigious Michelin guide shall cross the threshold of
Slovenia for the first time and the very best-rated Slovenian chefs will join
forces and prepare masterpieces to take the guests into the future of flavors.
Sunday will make time for an unforgettable
adventure. Top Ljubljana chefs, among which Igor Jagodic and Janez Bratovž,
Jorg Zupan and Mojmir Šiftar, Jakob Pintar and Andrea Odogaso, shall join their
culinary souls at the Ljubljana Soul Chefs event. Matched in tandems,
they will prepare a one-of-a-kind 4-course menu from local ingredients in three
Ljubljana restaurants.
It is a fact
that good food is more than just a matter of good taste. Therefore, the future
as the land of milk and honey must be cooked up by ourselves. It is time to
bring more to the table!
More on www.foodsummit.eu.
For all other information
and statements, we are available at email address katja@foodsummit.eu or phone number 01 361 94 13.