I am often ask  about the food. Coastal city means lots of fresh fish (and seafood in general), seasonal vegetables and fruits. There are many olive groves and grape yards. Asparagus, figs and blackberries grow everywhere, fresh cheese and Istrian prosciutto is to be offered when guests arrive. It is common for young people (or people my age) to know how to make pasta, gnocchi and bread. Every nonna in the Istrian region has her secret recipe for manestra and everyone believes their grandma's mannestra is the best one. I've been trying for years to cook manestra like my husbands nonna does - and not even close.

Agroturism - from farm to table

Region of Istria has lots of small rural areas and villages, were farmers and producers live and work. Agroturism is actually a type of restaurant that is in the family house and the menu is short and seasonal. It is a family run business - from farming to serving. What they grow and raise, that is what is on the menu. Home made prosciutto, sausages, supa ( warm wine served with pepper and dry bread ), grappa, sweet fritule....everything served by mater familias* and prepared by the family. Those are "go to" places on the weekend. Lots of people from Slovenia and Italy are visiting and enjoying home cooked meals in agroturisms.

My comfort food is warm bread and heavy, green, earthy olive oil. My absolute favorite dish is octopus prepared in a pot that is covered in hot coals for few hours. Or stuffed squid.

* a woman who is head of a household