European Food Summit Starts This Weekend in Ljubljana
One of Europe’s most important culinary events, the European Food Summit, is back in Ljubljana this November after its premiere in 2019.
Food, food, food. With a healthy dose of food-focussed events from culinary walks and dinners to a gastronomy-oriented symposium, the European Food Summit (EFS) is one of the most important culinary events on the continent. Even though it’s a fairly new event, premiering in 2019, people have been talking about it ever since. It was not held last year (2020) due to the COVID pandemic, which saw the cancellation of most major events in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and beyond.
The European Food Summit is more than just a top culinary event. It raises awareness of the global impact of food, and brings together great minds from around the world to create a better tomorrow.
Taking place between 6th and 8th November 2021, here’s what visitors to this year’s summit can expect.
Gourmet Ljubljana Crawl
Saturday, 6th November, 11am – 5pm
Anyone who wishes to experience the cuisine, culture, and architecture of a city in one plate will definitely want to experience the Gourmet Ljubljana Crawl. At several spots across town, famous Slovenian chefs will prepare top-quality authentic dishes from local ingredients, served with selected wines by the best Slovenian winemakers. Get ready for a delicious stroll through the streets of Ljubljana.This event is organised in collaboration with Visit Ljubljana and the Gourmet Ljubljana brand.
I Feel Slovenia Press Tour
On the morning of the second day of the EFS, invited guests, speakers, and representatives of the international media will witness first hand Slovenia’s globally renowned culinary stories, by tasting dishes prepared by a top chef while learning about the country and its gastronomic diversity.
The I Feel Slovenia Press Tour will lead guests 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.
Ljubljana Soul Chefs, 3 Ljubljana Restaurants
Sunday, 7th November, 7-9pm
Top Ljubljana chefs shall pair up their culinary souls for an unforgettable culinary adventure on Sunday evening (the second evening of the EFS). In three different restaurants across Ljubljana, they shall prepare for you a one-of-a-kind menu from local ingredients. The following chef tandems await you:
FIRST CHEF TANDEM:
Mojmir Šiftar of Pen Klub Restaurant, at Pen Klub Restaurant.
SECOND CHEF TANDEM:
Gregor Jelnikar of Monstera Bistro
Sebastjan Elbl of Gostilna na Gradu, at Gostilna na Gradu.
THIRD CHEF TANDEM:
Igor Jagodic of Strelec Restaurant
Janez Bratovž of JB Restaurant, at JB Restaurant.
This event is organised in collaboration with Visit Ljubljana and the Gourmet Ljubljana brand.
European Food Summit Symposium
Monday, 8th November, 9am – 5pm
The EFS will reach its peak at Monday’s symposium, which will take place at Ljubljana Castle. It features discussions led by international and Slovenian keynote speakers whose actions speak louder than words and who contribute to world knowledge in the fields of food and nutrition.
Click here for more information and the full programme: http://www.foodsummit.eu/en/conference
Experience Dinner
Monday, 8th November, 8pm – midnight
On the last evening of the European Food Summit, some of the best chefs in Slovenia will treat their guests to a grand Experience Dinner in which the history of Slovenian gastronomy will be told.
The very best-rated Slovenian chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants will join forces in preparing masterpieces for the occasion. The Experience Dinner this year will mirror the successes that Slovenian chefs are deriving by means of the Michelin Guide, all to the benefit and delight of their dinner guests.
Ana Roš & Andrea Petrini Head European Food Summit Symposium
The EFS symposium is headed by Ana Roš from Hiša Franko Restaurant, recipient of two Michelin stars and 7th Best Chef at the The Best Chef Awards 2021, together with Andrea Petrini, one of the most influential people in the world of gastronomy.
Slovenia: Top Culinary Destination
Slovenia is experiencing a real culinary revival lately. These factors all make Slovenia one of the best culinary destinations in the world: globally renowned Slovenian chefs, gaining the title European Gastronomic Region 2021, classifying Ljubljana among the world’s best culinary destinations, and the arrival of international culinary guides Gault & Millau and the Michelin Guide. Slovenia is also being recognized for its high-class gastronomic experiences and attitude towards food.
Sustainable Slovenia
Slovenia is one of the countries with very low levels of food waste. Its inhabitants support local food production, which is why food travels the shortest distance from the field to the plate. This is how Slovenia has gained a good reputation for its farm-to-table food scene.
A lot of importance is given to the production of local ingredients. Not only are they of high quality, but local producers are also doing their best to ensure that they leave the smallest carbon footprint possible in the production process.
Food for Future’s Good
The European Food Summit is more than just a top culinary event as it raises awareness of the global impact of food, brings together great minds from around the world, and creates a better tomorrow. With an emphasis on sustainability, diversity and food culture, it sets the direction for the future. Hence the summit’s slogan FOOD for future’s GOOD.
“We wish to bring to the table some burning issues, which are important for the development and the future of food, as well as for gastronomy. At the end of the summit, we wish to obtain conclusions that will be useful for each participant. We must not forget that the world today needs food that is grown and used responsibly, and above all, that there is enough for everyone. But we also need food which is good for our body, mind and spirit, perhaps more than ever before. This year’s European Food Summit will enlighten us about that as well.”
n Jezeršek, Managing Director at Jezersek Catering, and European Food Summit Event Organiser
It’s about time we become more aware of our individual roles in achieving a more sustainable future. The European Food Summit aims to help us to do that by means of food.
Visit www.foodsummit.eu for more information. Featured image by Greenvalley Pictures on Unsplash.
