''Simple ingredients, treated with respect... put them together, and you will always have a great dish.'' Just as famous chef José Andrés eloquently expressed, the philosophy embraced by Korak celebrates the extraordinary potential of simple ingredients when they are handled with the utmost respect and skill. Nestled in the heart of Plešivica, a renowned wine region that many call "Croatia's Champagne,'' Michelin-starred Korak restaurant has redefined the culinary landscape by artfully weaving together the tapestry of locally sourced ingredients, a deep reverence for culinary heritage and a harmonious touch of nature.
Photo credit:
Mario Kučera
Tradition and Simplicity of Korak Restaurant
In an era where gastronomy often leans towards complexity and novelty, Korak stands as a refreshing testament to the timeless brilliance of simplicity. The restaurant's culinary approach revolves around the notion that each ingredient, carefully selected from nearby farms, markets, and foragers, possesses a story to tell. This commitment to sourcing local not only pays homage to the region's terroir but also forms a culinary narrative that connects diners to the land, seasons, and flavors in ways that intricately designed dishes often struggle to achieve.
Behind this amazing story, stands chef Bernard Korak whose culinary journey was shaped under the guidance of esteemed mentors like Massimo Bottura of Modena, renowned for his three Michelin stars, and Ana Roš, acclaimed as the best female chef in 2017 and the creative force behind the two Michelin-starred Hiša Franko restaurant.
Local, Fresh Ingredients and Exquisite Flavors
With a menu inspired by the Plešivica region that evolves with the shifting seasons, the restaurant encapsulates the dynamic essence of nature's bounty. At Korak, innovation is found not in flashy techniques or extravagant presentations, but in the profound understanding of traditional techniques. The chefs pay homage to generations of culinary wisdom by incorporating time-honored methods into their creations. This celebration of heritage is not an attempt to recapture the past, but rather a deliberate choice to infuse modern gastronomy with the soulful essence of the past.
Here you can try out the menu of 5 or 8 courses with a wonderfully rich range of ingredients; such as raw fresh cow's milk from their neighbor, from which fresh cheeses are made, curd for tortellini and sour cream for hand-beaten butter, then wild herbs found and harvested on the restaurant's property just before service, freshly caught trout from the fish farm at the source of the stream or perch from Crna Mlaka, and other wild flavors of Plešivica.
No dish is complete without top-quality wine, right? And this is exactly what Plešivica is known for. We definitely recommend trying one of Korak's wines, such as Riesling, Sauvignon, and Chardonnay.
Elegance and Sophistication of Interior
When it comes to the interior, nature itself seems to find a home at Korak. The restaurant's ambiance is a finely tuned symphony of design elements that blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Soft earth tones, natural textures, and gentle greenery envelop diners, creating an immersive experience that mirrors the serene beauty of the surrounding landscape. Every aspect of Korak's design is a conscious nod to the harmony found in the wilderness, inviting guests to not only savor the cuisine but to also reconnect with the soothing embrace of Plešivica.
Korak is a haven where the essence of taste, culture, and nature converge, reminding us that the most extraordinary experiences can often emerge from the simplest of ingredients, handled with an unwavering commitment to respect and authenticity.
Photo credit:
Mario Kučera, Mateja Vrcković