Italian Pasta? Yes Homemade!

Homemade pasta or “pasta fatta in casa” is quintessentially bringing you into an Italian house!

There are just a few ingredients for homemade pasta, so it's not difficult, but the trick is to knead it to the correct consistency. Create a mound with your flour and build a well in the middle once you have your ingredients ready. Don't try to mix it all at once when you add your egg mixture or you'll smash the walls of your well and have a huge mess on your hands! The ticket is to mix the flour slowly with a fork until it is no longer runny and can be hand-worked.

INGREDIENTS

4 eggs

400gr All purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon olive oil

pinch of salt

semolina flour for dusting



INSTRUCTIONS

Break the eggs

Prepare the flour

Make a well with the flour on a working board.

Pour the eggs into the middle of the well.

Add the oil and salt to the eggs.

With a fork, break up the eggs in the well and slowly start to incorporate the flour into the eggs working from inside of the well to the outside.

Using your hands, form a log with the dough then wash and dry your hands and wrap the log with food-safe plastic wrap. The dough at this point has a ‘rough’ texture and appearance. Let it rest for about 30 minutes.

After resting, remove the dough from the plastic wrap and knead it until it has a nice smooth consistency and texture.

Form the dough into a log (about 2” X 5”).

Cut the dough into ¾” slices and very lightly flour both sides before rolling through the machine. Keep unused dough covered with plastic wrap throughout.

Using a pasta dough machine, start at the setting with the widest distance between the rollers and pass a lightly floured slice of dough through 3 or 4 times until a smooth sheet of dough is reached, (folding the sheet in half each time before rolling).

Next pass the sheet through each of the next numbers on the pasta machine just once, working from the widest to the narrowest setting until the desired thickness is achieved.

Let the finished sheets of dough dry on floured cut pieces of food safe cardboard for about ½ hour.

Then using the cutting attachment, cut your desired type of pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine.

Gently hold the cut end of the pasta sheet with one hand until it is all cut.

In a long tray, mix equal amounts of all purpose flour and semolina flour (if you do not have semolina flour just use the all purpose flour).

Run the cut pasta through the flour mixture and shake off the excess.

Place the floured noodles on food safe cardboard to let dry.

If storing for future use, once they are completely dried, carefully transfer the noodles to parchment paper and you can make stacks of dried noodles for easier storage.

You can also freeze the kneaded log wrapped in food safe plastic wrap for use at a later date.

To cook fresh noodles, place the desired quantity of noodles in boiling, salted water. It is important to have sufficient amount of water and not overcrowd when cooking the pasta so the noodles do not stick to each other.

The pasta will cook quickly, especially when fresh. Taste noodles to see if to your desired doneness.

Then drain the noodles in a strainer, add your sauce, mix well and top with more sauce if you like.

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Italian Crostata or Jam Tart

Crostata is a traditional Italian jam tart made with shortcrust pastry and an fruit filling, it’s super easy to make and tastes delicious! Serve your crostata for breakfast with a cappuccino or for dessert!

This rustic jam tart is super popular and is eaten all over Italy for breakfast, as a snack or a dessert.

The ingredients for the pastry dough

flour type 00 (or unbleached all-purpose or cake flour)

eggs, organic free-range, at room temperature

butter, cold

sugar (granulated or cane sugar)

lemon zest, from an organic lemon

baking powder (just a teaspoon), it makes the pastry a little softer, still crumbly but less “short”

Making the dough – step 1

Firstly, on a work surface place the flour making a hole in the middle and add the sugar, the cubed butter, eggs, lemon zest, and baking powder.

Secondly, mix the ingredients quickly with a fork (or a bench scraper).

Thirdly, start working the dough with your fingertips.

Fourthly, knead it lightly but do not overwork so as not to warm up the butter too much.

As shown above, work it just until it binds together, then shape it into a ball.

Lastly wrap the dough ball in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least half an hour.

Rolling the dough – step 2

After the resting time in the fridge, take out and set aside about a quarter of the dough for the lattice. On a floured board and with a floured rolling pin, start rolling out the dough. You could also roll it in between two sheets of parchment paper.

Roll it to about 4 mm thickness.

Next, place the rolled dough into a tart pan, pressing the bottom and up the sides, patching any holes that might occur, and trimming the excess dough on the top edge (add it to the dough that you have already set aside).

Now, prick the bottom of the pastry with a fork.

Assembling the crostata – step 3

Afterwards, spread the jam evenly on the surface. You can use any type of jam, I used homemade blackberry jam.

Then, with a pastry cutter (or a ravioli cutter with a zig-zag wheel), cut 1/4 inch strips of pastry.

Using a spatula to lift the strips, start placing them cross wide on the jam, forming a diamond lattice pattern.

Re-roll the scraps of dough and cut more strips to cover the surface of the crostata, then, with a fork, seal the edges of the pastry (you can also use leftover pastry to make a nice border all around).

Finally, bake the jam crostata in the preheated oven (180°C/350°F) for about 35 minutes.

The taste test

The crostata is crispy on the outside, tender and crumbly on the inside. The jam inside is well-balanced with a lovely buttery flavour and a citrus undertone. It’s not too sweet, but it is extremely delicious. The crostata is good for both adults and children. It can be eaten as a dessert, a snack, or even for breakfast! Yes, there really is jam inside.

Enjoy!

Pasta al pesto

Pasta with basil, pine nut and cheese sauce.

Ideally, to make perfect pesto you need basil from Pra’ (a Pdo product), a district of Genoa, the delicate extra-virgin olive oil from the Ligurian Riviera and garlic from Vessalico (Imperia), which is milder and easier to digest. The mortar and pestle are fundamental.

Especially if you live abroad that is not so easy….so this is our shortcut

For the Pasta it is impossible to find fresh Trofie…so we use dry Trofie or Spaghetti or Linguine or Farfalle / Fusilli /Penne

For the Pesto if you do now want to do your own….but is quite easy…..you can buy a premade, we use Tigullio or Star and Liddle has a very nice one too (Baresa or Italiano) the original is green pesto!

Pasta al pesto traditional recipe

Ingredients for 4 servings

Time 30 mins

350 g fresh trofie
40 g grated grana cheese
30 g grated pecorino sardo cheese
15 g pine nuts 
30 basil leaves
garlic 
extra-virgin olive oil 
cooking salt

Trofie al pesto: how to

Wash and dry the basil leaves. With a mortar and pestle crush some of the leaves, gradually adding more (makes it easier to crush them).

Add the pine nuts a little at a time, then slices of garlic and a pinch of cooking salt. Mash the ingredients until smooth.

Add the cheeses and mix well.

Drizzle 40 g of oil into it as you crush until homogeneous and compact. Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water. Dilute the pesto with a bit of the cooking water to make it creamier, then drain
the pasta and add the sauce. Garnish with some whole basil leaves and freshly grated cheese.

Gostilna Mlin in Kamna Gorica , Slovenia

Gostilna Mlin in Kamna Gorica is an old converted mill and is set in a great location in an idyllic village close to Radovljica and Bled.

Staff is fast, helpful, attentive and kind

The menu offers Slovenian dishes, traditional and Pizzas.

Food is excellent with a good variety and a great value for money .

Odprta kuhna in Ljubljana

Odprta kuhna is a unique and the most popular food market in Slovenia that has been bringing freshness and innovation to the Slovenian culinary scene since 2013.

It has become a regular Ljubljana event and every sunny Friday from early spring to late fall its stands attract thousands of foodies and fans of relaxed hanging-out.

Every (sunny) Friday between 10 AM and 9 PM, and until 10 PM in the summer, Pogačarjev trg square comes to life in various colours, flavours and aromas. The stands of Odprta kuhna have presented over a 100 restaurants from all over Slovenia and the visitors have tried close to a thousand different Slovenian and international dishes.

Imagine a walk in the Ljubljana streets that takes you around the world. When you walk between the stands of the colourful food market, you smell homemade Kaiserschmarrn from one side and on the other some flames jump up into the air from a Asian wok; bograč from Prekmurje is inviting you to one stand and juicy burgers are on the grill at the next. It simply doesn’t get tastier than that!

Healthy lifestyle

After having been unwell for nearly two months, I decided to reduce the intake of medicines and try improve my health with natural products. These are the most important one I have introduced in my diet and the one are giving md betyter results

Apple Cider Vinegar and Honey

This drink is great for cleansing the gut, lowering blood pressure and more ener
Honey and apple cider vinegar each have many healing properties and when combined the benefits are even greater. They are rich in potassium which regulates heartbeat and muscle contraction and thus normalises blood pressure. Both ingredients improve digestion, support friendly gut flora, improve energy and stamina and have a gentle cleansing effect.

This healing drink is super easy to make and it takes little time to prepare when you have the ingredients handy.

Ingredients:

1 – 1.5 tablespoons of organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar- Braggs brand is very good (start with 1 teaspoon and increase the dose)

1 – 2 teaspoons of raw honey (start with 1 teaspoon and increase if desired)

A few drops of lemon juice to taste

Dissolve the raw honey in a half a mug of warm water, cover and leave overnight for the enzymes present in raw honey to activate. In the morning add apple cider vinegar and lemon juice to the mug with honey and fill it with hot water. Mix well and have first thing in the morning around 20 minutes before breakfast.

You may need to get used to the taste at first but your taste buds will adjust pretty quickly.

Lowers blood pressure by promoting vasodilation

Improves overall gut health and supports good bacteria

Provides live enzymes that markedly improve digestion

Promotes gentle systemic detoxification daily

Stimulates circulation – effective for cold hands and feet

Boosts energy and decreases fatigue

Slows down ageing by speeding up toxin removal and improving skin health

Golden Milk

‘Turmeric milk’ aka ‘golden milk’ is known for a number of health benefits and so is ‘cinnamon milk’. These 2 ingredients go well with milk adding on to the flavor and health benefits. Turmeric cinnamon milk is prepared by using both these well-known and immunity boosting ingredients and is tasty too. Turmeric cinnamon milk is easy to prepare and here is its recipe along with health benefits:

• May Help Reduce Inflammation and Joint Pain.

• May Improve Memory and Brain Function.

• Curcumin in Turmeric May Improve Mood.

• May Protect Against Heart Disease.

• May Lower Blood Sugar Levels.

• May Reduce Blood pressure

1 cup that I drink at night

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened milk

• 1 tablespoon raw honey

• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (I do not use it all the time)

• 1/2 Teaspoon of Ginger ( I tend to use it fresh)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric ( I tend to use it fresh)

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Dash of nutmeg (Sometime)

• Dash of black pepper

Energy Drink

The problem with vegetables, is no one wants to eat them! It’s unrealistic to believe that everyone eats enough vegetables. There’s a reason why our parents had to shove them down our throats…

Instead of force-feeding ourselves vegetables, there’s a simple way to eat them, and that’s making homemade vegetable juice.  Vegetable juice gives you all the powerful nutrients of vegetables without the gut-wrenching responsibility of eating plates and plates of broccoli.

The best way to get vegetable juice is to buy a juicer and juice at home.

There are many juicer models available. Really, it doesn’t matter which model you have as long as you get one. Go to your nearest home store and buy whichever one fits your budget.

4 Beets

2 Lemons

3 Celery Sticks

1 Tomato

A Handful of Pomegranate Seeds

I have introduced in my diet

Sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds

Dry Apricots

Peanuts

Run

At present I run approximately 5k three times a week and I manage to achieve this target using one of the many apps you can find online!

What to do in Ljubljana

Ljubljana is the vibrant capital city of Slovenia, with rich history and culture. The architecture is astonishing, and Ljubljana’s cobblestone streets and river banks are made for long walks. The city and its surroundings offer many ways to spend the time when visiting.

Ljubljana is young, very hip and green as can be: In 2016 it was the European Green Capital, in a part of Europe not always known for environmental friendliness. The city centre is now mostly car-free, public transport is low-emissions and there’s a new cycling network. The squat-turned-cultural zone Metelkova is the go-to for hipsters and live music, and has nightspots, bars and public art installations in an old barracks.

According to the Quality of Living survey released by Mercer, a well-known international consultancy firm, the Slovene capital Ljubljana is the third best Eastern European city to live in, trailing only Pargue and Budapest by the slimmest of margins. Despite the fact the Slovenia is geographically located squarely in Central (if not Western) Europe, and has always been culturally and politically closer to Vienna and Paris than Moscow, this is still quite an accomplishment. 

Here is a list of my favourite best things to do, that will make your stay in Ljubljana unforgettable.

Obviously, and so is out of the way.... I can only recommend one of my Photo walks and workshop, and are HERE

Where to Stay in Ljubljana Booking.com

Ljubljana Castle

Ljubljana Castle and Congree Square

When you’re looking up from one of the Ljubljana’s squares or the river, the castle seems dauntingly high. If you’ve got the stamina you can try to get up there on foot, but there’s also a tourist train and a funicular railway.The castle has changed a lot since it first came together 900 years ago.The early stone wood and stone fortress was succeeded by more practical military buildings, becoming an Arsenal in the 16th century as a regional bulwark against an Ottoman invasion.The main courtyard is free to enter, and has a cafe, nightclub, galleries and a restaurant.

Prešeren Square

Right by the Ljubljanica, Prešeren Square is the place where the city meets up and celebrate.

If there’s an event going on in Ljubljana there’s a good chance it will happen in this space.

With a rough triangular outline, the square is at the convergence of a number of major arteries, and gained its current opulent appearance after the earthquake in 1895. This was when regal halls replaced the medieval houses that had been here before, joining the Baroque Church of the Annunciation, which dates to 1795. The square takes its name from the 19th-century poet France Prešeren whose work “Zdravljica”, “A Toast”, became Slovenia’s national anthem.

You can find his statue next to the Central Pharmacy, across the square from his unrequited love and muse Julija Primic.

Triple Bridge

Ushering you off Prešeren Square is a group of three bridges decorated with stone balustrades and lanterns.

The central bridge of the three is much older than the two that flank it, and dates to 1842. This was intended for road traffic, while the two alongside were added for pedestrians at the start of the 1930 and were the work of Jože Plečnik, Ljubljana’s most revered architect.

Also dating from this project are the riverside terraces lined with poplars, and the temple-like flower shop that connects with the colonnade of the Central Market on the right bank.

Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most)

Dating back to 1901, the bridge was built for the 40th anniversary of Emperor Franc Jožef I’s rule and it symbolizes the history, beauty and architectural style of Ljubljana. Those dragons have been integrated into the city’s coat of arms, and as a result, they are found all around Ljubljana.

Tivoli Park

Tivoli Park is the green heart of Ljubljana the its biggest. Located on the northern outskirts of the Center District, it offers facilities such as playgrounds, fountains, ponds, exhibitions, mansions and sports facilities. 

Tivoli Park also hosts a tropical greenhouse managed by the city’s Botanical Gardens and sits beside a pond. But if there’s one reason to come it’s to walk the Jakopič Promenade, an arrow-straight avenue that runs from the eastern entrance up to the Neoclassical Tivoli Castle.

Central Market

Jože Plečnik also designed this market in the early 1930s as part of his beautiful set piece that included the Triple Bridge.

It hugs the riverside between this bridge and the Dragon Bridge and is on the site of an old diocesan college for girls that collapsed during the earthquake in 1895. That handsome colonnade on the fringe of Prešeren Square shelters stalls selling herbs, spices and handicrafts, while further along are bakery stalls, cured meat, dried fruit and nuts, dairy products, fresh fruit and veg and fish.

The market is open every day except Sunday, while the covered sections have slightly shorter opening times to the open-air stalls.

Congress Square

This cultured central square has played host to some momentous occasions in Slovenian history.

Independence from Austria-Hungary was announced here in 1918, while Josip Broz Tito addressed the crowds from the balcony of the university building in 1945. Later, the first free protest took place here in 1988, in a movement that would end with Slovene independence in 1991. Finally in 1999 Bill Clinton read the first line of the Slovenian National Anthem to a crowd on this square.

Dating to1821, it’s a formidable space that has civic buildings and palaces on all sides and the Zvezda park at the centre.

A couple of sights to note are the resplendent Slovenian Philharmonic and the copy of a Roman gilded bronze statue excavated on this site in 1836.

Metelkova Mesto

Soon after independence, a disused army barracks from the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire was occupied by squatters to stop it from being torn down. This large space in the centre of Ljubljana has gone on to become an autonomous urban enclave, not unlike the famous Freetown Christiania in Copenhagen.

It’s an alternative haven where almost every wall is covered in graffiti and imaginative murals. Come for photos during the day, and return at night when it’s full of life. After dark, the bars and clubs book live bands and DJs, and there are outdoor concerts in summer.

Nebotičnik

Get High in Ljubljana and take the lift to the top of Nebotičnik, the 70 meters high skyscraper with the torch – like top. The views from Ljubljana's Empire State Building are stunning, day and night, and guess what? A glass of red will only set you back 2 euros! One of the cool things to do in Ljubljana at night. 

Šmarna Gora

If you need to break out into the countryside, this park is only ten kilometres north of Ljubljana and brings the wilderness to the suburbs. Unmistakable for its twin humps, Šmarna Gora is more than 660 metres above sea level, but has been made hospitable by 15 well-tended hiking trails, all serving the summits.When you make it to the top of the eastern peak you’ll be met by a restaurant and a Baroque church from the early 1700s. There’s also a Marian column up here from the same century to mark an outbreak of plague that took place in the 1600s.But the greatest sight is Ljubljana in the distance scattered around at the bottom of Rožnik and Castle hill.

Ljubljanica River 

The Ljubljanica River is the main river that runs through the old town of Ljubljana and divides the medieval centre with the rest of the city. There are a lot of cafes & restaurants lining the Ljubljanica river which makes it the perfect spot for sitting and watching how the world goes by. A walk along the river is a good way to discover the beautiful Ljubljana decorated by many bridges throughout the river.

Have lunch at Open Kitchen Market

Every Friday from early spring to the late autumn, Open Kitchen Market is the best option for lunch in Ljubljana. The Open Kitchen presents the best foods from Slovenia and around the world and wineries and breweries from all over the country offer their best drinks to compliment the food.  Hugely popular among locals, visiting this market is a great place to get good food and make new friends.

Leave Ljubljana

It will be tough, but there are lots of lovely day trips from the capital, including the majestic Lake Bled (the town with the church in the middle of the lake) and to the Slovenian/Croatian border where you can go glamping if you are in Slovenia for longer.

Let someone else do the driving! Take a tour of Bled, a short hike to Bled Castle and ride the Pletna boats in Lake Bled. Next, explore the Vintgar Gorge then dine at a local Alpine restaurant. It’s not over yet! See the less touristy Lake Bohinj and wander through the medieval town of Skofja Loka.

Highlights

• Bled castle + boat trip

• Vintgar Gorge

• Lake Bohinj

Visit a Bookstore in Ljubljana

Azil Bookshop Café 

What used to be a tiny bookstore called Azil (Asylum) is now a bookshop café that combines two bookstores and a café. Azil has a bookstore sister called Beletrina next door and a café inside and outside this place. Novi trg or New Square is surrounded by beautiful baroque palaces, so visiting this place will also give you the possibility to see one of the palaces from the inside.

Azil is run by the Scientific Research Centre of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, so what you can mostly get there is academic literature on humanistic and sociological sciences in Slovene, English, French and Russian. The atmosphere here is truly cosy and you can almost smell all the knowledge that the shelves store.

There’s a really good English language selection on philosophy. You can also find books on cultural studies and anthropology, arts, history, gender studies and even comic books. Check out for books by Slavoj Žižek, the most prominent and notorious Slovenian philosopher of all times! Azil is also a bookcrossing zone, so you might even find some free books or leave your own behind. My favourite here, the excellent selection of comics!

Knjigarna AZIL 

Website  Novi trg 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Konzorcij Bookstore and Stationery  Mladinska knjiga založba d.d. 

The best bookshop between Vienna and Milan. If you like traditional bookstores you will love this spot. There is a small paper shop in the basement, and kingdom of books in the first floor. There is a great selection of books for kids as well. It has a great selection of English books (as well as Slovenian of course) also had quite a large Slovenian language learning book section which is impossible to find elsewhere! The bookstore is littered with cute gifts and souvenirs at reasonable prices

Website    Slovenska cesta 29, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Coffee in Ljubljana

Pavin Caffe

This is my local! Cosy, warm, friendly helpful staff and a great choice of cakes! Super pet-friendly, my Westie favourite place, dogs get free snacks! They have amazing ice creams,

Lovely place with outdoor seatings.

Stari trg 30, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Kavarna Union

This is probably the best café that i have been in years. The location could not be better, it has the historic ambient, the service is friendly and fast, and the cake was just superb. Would recommend it to anyone seeking a good coffee and cake in centre of Ljubljana.

The recent restoration of this 1905 cafe is very welcome It feels right for a traditional Austro-Hungarian cafe - which were civilised institutions but also relaxed and democratic

Ziferblat Ljubljana

Very close to home and a place I miss when not in Ljubljana. The coffee here is free. Ziferblat follows the trend of cafes opening around Europe that wish to work as extensions of people’s homes. This is a place to have coffee with a friend, come to create, read a book, or meet new people. The only thing Ziferblat charges for is time. After finishing coffee or tea, guests pay for the time spent there instead of the drinks they had.

Vegova ulica 8, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia

Café Čokl

Conveniently located next to Ljubljana’s public market, Café Čokl is a perfect place to rest tired feet after browsing the market shops. The staff of this small and cosy café is knowledgeable and always prepared to help the guest select a perfect cup of coffee.

Krekov trg 8, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia

Nebotičnik Café

After being shut for nearly a decade, the best views in the city are once again open to the public. Occupying the top floor of Ljubljana’s famed Neboticnik building, the highest residential structure in Europe when it opened in 1933, the terrace’s 360° views from the Alps to the castle to the mountains in the south are truly breathtaking, and the coffee, cocktails and homemade cakes are worth trying as well. This is an absolute must for all visitors to the city.

 Štefanova 1       

Where to eat in Ljubljana

Druga Violina

 is a great restaurant to enjoy a traditional Slovenian brunch. Located in the old part of Ljubljana’s city centre, it offers delicious food on its terrace or its cosy inside area. Most of Druga Violina’s employees are people with special needs and the restaurant is helping with their inclusion into society. Ordering the traditional Slovenian dish štruklji, made from buckwheat and filled with cottage cheese or walnuts, will make for a brunch like nowhere else in the world.

Stari trg 21, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Gostilnica Pri Škofu

Located in a tiny eclectic neighbourhood, this temple for foodies serves dishes that emphasise traditional Slovenian cooking, but not the sort that makes it onto many standard menus. It's located in  Trnovo, and will immediately make you feel at home with its welcoming service.. The food is absolutely delicious! Home-made but creative food, where the ingredients' taste is highlighted.
Can't be missed in Ljubljana!! Is a welcome get-away from the busy/noisy town center and offers an experience that is far from the traditional restaurant-food meals.

At lunch time they offer a fixed price menu for less than 10 Euro!

Rečna 8, Ljubljana, N/A Slovenia, 1000, Slovenia   tel 01-426–4508

Klobasarna

Klobasarna, located on the premises of a once famous watchmaker's shop, is a fast food restaurant offering the best known traditional Slovenian dish, the Carniolan sausage.

The restaurant's menu is simple: it includes the original, high quality Carniolan sausage, recognized as a product with Protected Geographical Indication, served with a fresh Kaiser roll, fine mustard, and fresh horseradish.

Ciril-Metodov trg 15, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Gostilna Čad (Balkan)

When you ask locals to name their favourite Balkan restaurant in Ljubljana, Čad is one of the most frequently heard answers. Situated by Rožnik Hill around the corner from Tivoli Park, it's also the longest-running restaurant of its kind in town, and guests can dine in the shady garden surrounded by nature or in the rustic homey interior. Specialising in spit and grilled dishes, the beefsteaks, grilled peppers and ražnjići skewers all come highly recommended.

 Cesta Na Rožnik 18       

Namasté (Indian)

Set along the beautifully redeveloped Breg riverside walk in the Old Town, Namasté is the oldest surviving Indian restaurant in all of Slovenia and offers one of Ljubljana’s most romantic dining experiences of any flavour. With its soft, yellow-hued lighting, hand-painted walls and a relaxed atmosphere, the house specialities on offer here are from the Rajasthan and Punjab regions, are prepared individually with spices directly imported from the subcontinent and can be ordered from mild to extra hot. Sometimes we like to stop by just to savour a cup of spicy masala chai.

 Breg 8       

I like and go more often to their other plave the Namaste Indian Express
in Trubarjeva Cesta 31, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Burek Olimpija

This tiny takeaway at Bavarski Dvor is a true Ljubljana institution, and has been serving up piping hot Serbian-style burek almost literally non-stop, around the clock since the 1970s. It was the runaway winner of a Battle of the Burek competition way back in 2010, and consistently ranks as a local favourite year in and year out. No night out on the town is complete without a pre- or post-club stop here, so don't be surprised to see a queue at four in the morning. And while they renovated not too long ago, the menu and prices have thankfully stayed the same.

 Slovenska 58   

Shambala

Not only does Shambala's kitchen turn out some of the best (and spiciest) Asian cuisine in Slovenia, but the tranquil, almost meditative, ambience of the place allows you to enjoy your meal in a state of perfect relaxation - with some of the best service in town thrown in as an added benefit. During the warmer months, diners can also take advantage of the pleasant little garden that is tucked away in one of the buildings inner courtyards. Situated down a narrow alleyway off Breg, this hidden gem is definitely worth finding.

Križevniška 12   

Balkan Express (Balkan)

What better way to deal with an exhausting day of shopping than hoeing into a big plate of juicy čevapčiči. Thankfully Balkan Express at the first-floor dining area in City Park BTC has us covered with a solid range of Balkan favourites from smoky grills meats to burek and make sure to leave room for baklava. And if you don’t want to go to BTC but have a craving for pleskavica, Balkan Express also delivers throughout Ljubljana seven days a week.

 Šmartinska 152g       

Gostilnica Rio-Momo (Balkan)

Situated between the central post office and Kongresni Trg on the city's main thoroughfare, we've never found the exterior to be the most inviting but once you get inside it's actually quite warm and cosy. The thick leather covers on the menus portend the ample selection of grilled meat dishes within, although vegetarians have a handful of a pasta and salads to choose from as well. On your way in don't forget to check the table outside for flyers entitling you to a free glass of wine.

 Slovenska 28   

Učilna Okusov

An interesting new model for a cafe and deli, Učilna Okusov (it translates to ‘classroom of flavours') is a joint venture by three Slovenian vocational schools. Located beside Dragon Bridge at the Ljubljana Central Market, it is an outlet for quality regional products - much of it organic and some produced by students themselves. Učilna Okusov teaches students hospitality and retail skills, whilst giving market goers and tourists alike a taste of traditional Slovene foods either to take away or stay for a tasty great value daily lunch with a glass of wine, or else drop by for a Turkish coffee and delicious sweet treat.

 Adamič-Lundrovo nabrežje 1-7      

Shops

Pekarna Osem

A must stop and an absolute gem in Ljubljana. Whilst this small and unassuming doorway at the very end of the 'high street' does not look like much the bread and the raw produce sold packs a punch.

If you enjoy simple things done well then you should come here

Gornji trg 10, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia

+386 40 562 699

What to do in Budapest! (…and where to eat….)

Probably due to the fact I part time live in Hungary, I am often asked about Budapest. So here are my takes and suggestions!

I mention it first so it is out of the way... Do not forget my Budapest Photography Workshop....are HERE

Budapest is a big city with several district articles containing sightseeing, restaurants, nightlife and accommodation listings.
Budapest (Hungarian pronunciation approximates to "boo-dah-pesht") is the capital city of Hungary. With a unique, youthful atmosphere, a world-class classical music scene as well as a pulsating nightlife increasingly appreciated among European youth and, last but not least, a vibrant offering of natural thermal baths, Budapest is one of Europe's most delightful and enjoyable cities. Due to its scenic setting and its architecture it is nicknamed "Paris of the East".

In 1987, Budapest was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List for the cultural and architectural significance of the Banks of the Danube, the Buda Castle Quarter and Andrássy Avenue.

10 Facts about Budapest you may now know

1. Budapest is home to the third largest Parliament building in the world

2. Budapest has the oldest subway line in mainland Europe

3. The northernmost holy place of Islam is in Budapest, It’s the burial place of a Turkish dervish named Gül Baba

4. Budapest is home to one of the largest music festivals in the world: Sziget Festival takes place every August. 

5. Budapest is the biggest city in Hungary (1.7M) 20% of Hungary’s population lives in Budapest.

6. Budapest is hot' since Budapest has more thermal springs than any other capital city in the world. An amazing 70 million litres of thermal water rises to the surface daily.

7. Budapest is home to the second-largest synagogue in the world

8. The Budapest Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world

9. Budapest is big on art and culture There are more than 40 theatres and over 100 museums and galleries in the city.

10. Budapest was not always the capital of Hungary, Until the 13th century, Esztergom was.

Fisherman's Bastion

I am obsessed with the Fisherman Bastion ...in a photographic sort of way. The proximity to one of my favourite patisseries does the rest!

I know they are new, I know they do not mean or serve much I still love them!

Located in the historic district of Castle Hill, the Fisherman's Bastion (or Halászbástya) is a neo-Gothic terrace that looks like a structure taken straight out of a fairytale. Designed and built between 1895 and 1902, next door – Fisherman's Bastion is named after the medieval guild of fishermen who protected Budapest from invasion.

The gleaming white structure provides panoramic views of the city: From here, you can snap some breathtaking pictures of the Danube, Margaret Island and Pest. You may choose to take some time to explore the bastion's seven ornate turrets, which symbolize the tents of the seven Magyar tribe leaders who settled the Carpathian Basin, ultimately leading to the existence of modern-day Hungary. 

Andrassy Utca

Andrassy Utca is one of the most beautiful avenues in Budapest. The big green trees and the high end fashion stores give it an elegant vibe. Very nice to walk along it.It is a lovely wide avenue for a stroll. There are lots of restaurants and international clothing chains, high end on the street. The Opera is here and on the day I was walking they were making a period movie. It was nice to watch. Several places for coffee and of course, the clothing chain COS is here. If you walk to the end you will pass the Terror House and wind up at the big city park with the zoo.

Soak in the Széchenyi Baths

A soak in a thermal bath is a quintessential Budapest experience (it hasn't cultivated a reputation as the "City of Spas" for nothing). These baths, or fürdok in Hungarian, are heated by natural thermal springs and usually include on-site massage services, as well as steam rooms. There is no other bath as the Széchenyi Baths!!!  The Geller are pretty do not get me wrong but you can find similar or better anywere in the world!

Széchenyi Baths

One of the last remnants of the Turkish influence in Hungary, a visit to the thermal baths is a quintessential Budapest experience. I haven't visited all of the baths in Budapest, but I have been to several of the most famous Budapest baths and the grandiose Széchenyi Baths are by far my favourite. Early morning or just before sunset is my favourite times for a soak in the thermal, healing waters of Széchenyi’s outdoor pools.

Walk Across the Chain Bridge

...and discover why Budapest is called the Pearl of the Danube!

Ah, the Chain Bridge – one of my very favourite bridges in the world. It was the first bridge to permanently connect Buda and Pest and was completed in 1849. At the time, the Chain Bridge was considered to be one of the wonders of the world and the architect was so immensely proud of his work that he challenged anyone to find fault with the bridge. It is said that when it was discovered that the lions that stand guard at either end are missing their tongues, the architect committed suicide. 

Shop at the Central Market Hall

The Great Market Hall in central Budapest is Budapest’s most famous marketplace.

Whilst many locals still use the market hall as a place to buy their groceries, the market is incredibly popular with the tourists too.

Locally grown fruits and veg, and locally sourced meats are found on the lower floors, and souvenirs including lace, chess sets and leather goods are available in the upper floors.

As well as individual ingredients, it is possible to pick up homemade local delicacies like goulash and langos from the food stall upstairs.

Indulge in Pastries From Budapest’s Oldest Confectioner

Budapest is full of cafes to have a delicious cuppa joe and try one of the sweets Budapest is famous for. Cafe Ruszwurm, on the Castle Hill, is one of Budapest’s oldest traditional confectioners still operating as a cafe.

it is very cosy and small,  has just about a dozen seats,  There is a wide selection of the day’s fresh pastries, truffles, and coffee concoctions to choose from. The decor is charming too with antique furniture and tools of the old confectionery trade in the glass curio cabinets.

Cafe Ruszwurm is located at Szentháromság u. 7 and is open 9am – 8pm Spring through Fall and 10am – 7pm in Winter.

Parliament Building

Completed in 1904, the Hungarian Parliament Building is one of Budapest's most famous landmarks. The National Assembly of Hungary still meets there to this day. Travelers come mainly to take in the building's architecture (primarily Gothic Revival style), beautiful statues and paintings, and national significance. According to many, there is no structure in Hungary that serves as a better symbol of the country's independence and commitment to democracy. 

Heroes' Square (or Hosök tere) is one of Budapest's grandest landmarks as well as the largest public square in the city. Swing by this area to take a picture of the Millenium Monument which was erected in 1896 to celebrate Hungary's 1000th anniversary.

The square and the monument are dedicated to "the memory of those heroes who gave their lives for the freedom of our people and our national independence." At the base of the famous column (topped with the archangel Gabriel) are statues representing seven Magyar chieftains – considered to be the founders of the Hungarian nation. Behind the column are matching colonnades with 14 statues of royalty and other important figures in Hungarian history.

Buda Castle Hill Funicular

This funicular, which first opened in 1870, is the second oldest funicular of its kind in the world. A system of weights and counterweights is used to help to raise the carriages up and down the hill. The funicular is the fastest way to get to the top of Castle Hill, and is exceedingly popular because of its panoramic views out across the Danube. (You can also get there with this Segway tour)

The speed of ascent was actually slowed down as of 1988, to give passengers more time to enjoy their ride. The track is open daily until 10pm, so it is also a great way to enjoy views of Pest at night.

Danube Promenade

This stretch of the Danube walkway goes from the Elizabeth Bridge to the Chain Bridge, and is perfect for those who want a short, but interesting walk. Promenading along the Danube is a great way to see many of the most famous sights in the capital.

Looking over towards to Buda side of the river, you will see the Buda Castle, the Liberty Statue on Gellert Hill and the Fisherman’s Bastion. On the Promenade side of the river, you can enjoy restaurants, cafes, Szechenyi Istvan Square and a range of different sculptures, including the Little Princess

Gerbaud House

Located on Vörösmarty Square and dating back to 1858, Gerbeaud is one of Budapest’s most famous spots to get delicious desserts. Unlike at the other spots, here I have three recommendations. Firstly, the Dobos Torte as they bake it is the very best...secondly because it’s Emil Gerbeaud that gave the world the Gerbeaud slice (also written as ‘Zserbó szelet’), we suggest the rethought/reworked version of this Hungarian favourite: the Gerbeaud Sundae. While it’s quite pricey (2550 HUF + service fee), it’s a huge dessert that’s practically a meal. Two scoops of walnut sponge, one scoop of chocolate ice-cream, two scoops of walnut ice-cream, chocolate sauce, apricot sauce, crispy walnut linzer, whipped cream and apricot foam, topped with a small Gerbeaud slice. It’s super sweet, yet the perfect mix of old and new, cake and cream, warm and cold. Secondly, we recommend the classic cake  served with vanilla ice-cream and the legendary ‘cat’s tongue.’

Sissy, wife of Emperor Franz Joseph and Queen of Hungary always dropped in the Gerbeaud cafe when she was in Budapest.

My super favourite remains the Dobos torte!!!

Bookstore and Cafe in bookstores

 I like very much the idea and feeling of sipping a cafe while surrounded by books and magazines. 

Magyar Fotográfusok Háza - Mai Manó Ház

Once the residence of Manó Mai (1855-1917), a photographer ro the imperial court, this 120-year- old listed building houses an exhibition hall, the Sunlight Atelier, a bookshop and library.

20 Nagymező Street Website

Bestsellers Kft.

This is the main English-language bookstore of Budapest. They offer decent prices and a large selection of travel books for Hungary and other countries. You can find unique gifts for the book lovers in your life at Bestsellers. Street & River loves this place!

11 Október 6. St Website

MassolitBudapest Books and Café

It's a little quiet island in the heart of the city with great coffee and tasty, homemade cakes, cute service and a wide range of foreign language books.

30 Nagy Diófa ut. Website

Libri

They seem to have everything.....except a coffee place!

1072 Budapest Rákóczi út 12. 

Cheap Food in Downtown Budapest

I strongly believe in Budapest like in most of Mittel/Eastern Europe you can eat well and genuinely with 4/7 Euro. The places below reflect this feeling and are my favourites. You can have  a meal with 900-1600 HUF

Csarnok Vendéglő

Our favourite restaurant during the stays in Budapest. The portions are huge at a decent price (and you can always ask for a smaller portion for 70% of the price!). The lovely home-made lemonade is a mix of lemon, orange and basil which is super refreshing and you can order a half a litre of it. Their goulash is superb as well as the

The service is always really nice too, answering all the questions we had about the dishes. Family and friendly staff. This is where you can find us in the evening when we are in the Capital!

Budapest, Hold u. 11, 1054 Hungary

Kicsi Mama konyhája

This place is a cheap place to eat traditional, and not only. It;s a buffet type, and not a traditional restaurant, and I think it's a bit underrated, compared to the very overrated and expensive "City Market" restaurant choices - this place is just around the corner from the City Market, and has the same nice dishes, for less money - and you always have a place to sit and eat, unlike the market. We live very close when in Budapest so it is our fav lunch place

Lonyay utca 7, Budapest 1093, Hungary

 Nagyi Kifőzdéje

Budapest, Frankel Leó út 25-29, 1023 Hungary

Nagyi Kifőzdéje is nothing short of a culinary treasure nestled in the heart of Budapest. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted by a warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a comforting embrace. The décor is charmingly rustic, evoking the sense of dining in a traditional Hungarian home.

What truly sets this place apart is the authenticity of the dishes. The Goulash is a masterpiece of flavors, blending the richness of the beef with the subtlety of paprika in a manner that's simply divine. Their Hortobágyi palacsinta, a savory pancake filled with meat, is another must-try that showcases the intricate layers of Hungarian cuisine.

The service is impeccable. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, always eager to offer recommendations or explain the rich history behind each dish.

What surprised me the most was the affordability. Such exceptional quality usually comes at a high price, but Nagyi Kifőzdéje offers a top-notch and budget-friendly experience.

If you're looking to explore the genuine flavours of Hungary, make sure Nagyi Kifőzdéje is on your list. It's not just a meal; it's a journey into the heart and soul of Hungarian culture.

Kisharang Étkezde

Address: Október 6. utca 14., v. district, M3 blue metro, Arany János utca station
Open: 11.30 – 20.00 daily
Tel: (+36 1) 269 3861

A simple, inexpensive cash-only eatery with only 5-6 tables (prepare to share the table with other guests). If you want to try hearty Hungarian food this the place to go. Menu in English is available.

Daily menu (soup + main dish or főzelék + meat or sausage) from around HUF 800 -1 200. Try mushroom paprikash with galuska, or máglyarakás (a typical local sweet treat: layers of sliced crescents, apples, apricot jam, with meringue on top and baked in oven. 

Karcsi Vendéglő

Address: Jókai utca 20., VI. district, M3 blue metro, Nyugati pályaudvar station
Open: Mon-Fri: 11.30 – 22.00, Sat: 11.30 – 16.00, Sun: Closed
Tel (+36 1) 312 0557, website

A pretty good-value, cheap restaurant in Budapest’s downtown, close to the Opera, with a daily menu of two options (a couple of soups, mains, and desserts): for 890 HUF (two courses), or 990 HUF (three courses).
Soups: Újházy chicken broth – 530 HUF, bean soup with pork knuckle: 960 HUF,
Mains to try: pork rib gipsy style with fries (Cigánypecsenye): 1555 HUF, Hagymás rostélyos ( rump steak with fried onions and fries): 1795 HUF,
Desserts: pancakes (túrós=sweet cottage cheese, walnuts and chocolate sauce, jam): 420-515 HUF (two pieces), Chestnut puree with whipped cream (gesztenyepüré): 685 HUF.

Lugas Étterem- behind the Basilica

Address: Bajcsy-Zsilinszky E. út 15. , district V.

Despite the touristy location, Lugas is a fairly good place right behind St. Stephen Basilica. You can sit at the terrace if the weather allows. They serve mostly typical Hungarian meals:

• goulash (650 HUF), creamed potato soup-brugonya-krémleves with mushrooms(620 HUF),

• Wiener schnitzel with potato salad (1890 HUF from chicken breast fillet, or 2080 HUF from pork tenderloin),

Booking.com

Gasthof Prissianerhof in Tisens

During a short break in the area I went a couple of times to Prissianerhof, I was with my wife once and with relatives a second time

Not only the ambience was very appealing also the price performance ratio was excellent!

The Restaurant, it is also a Pension so has room, has a small nice car park anyway parking is not a problem in Pressiano.

The menu and wine list is well chosen and clearly for everyone.

With my wife we had a fantastic Kaiserschmarrn and a Ravioli with Finferli we also had a nice Strudel.

On the second day in my circle of relatives there were no complains. All were satisfied to the utmost with the food.

Especially noteworthy was the service: friendly, attentive, courteous and unobtrusive, and very professional.

In a next stay in Merano I will definitely visit again restaurant Prissianerhof!

This restaurant is especially recommended.

Many thanks for the pleasant hours :-)

Gasthof Prissianerhof

Via principale, 76 | 39010 Tisens

Tel. +39 0473 920828 | Fax +39 0473 927319

www.prissianerhof.com | info@prissianerhof.com

This post has not been sponsored and I did not get media samples or freebies. For more information, check out my full disclaimer policy.

Plansarija Logarski Kot

The Plansarija Logarski Kot is located in the lovely Logarska Dolina Valley, we were staying in a nearby hotel and went twice for lunch.
Food is fresh, genuine and well prepared and served . Staff is attentive
Has a nice garden with tables and a superb view of the Mountains
They have a very nice terrace as well with a lovely Slovenian Alps atmosphere.

This traditional Alpine dairy is located in the upper part of Logar valley near the road that leads to the waterfall Rinka. From the hut it offers a breathtaking view of the Planjavo, Kamnik Saddle, Brano and Turkish mountain. It has a domestic ambience of a  mountain village hut  with a nice  fireplace and serves  traditional delicacies from Solčavsko. The menu offers rustic cold meats, cheese plate, mushroom soup, charcoal kettle, curdled milk with buckwheat porridge, cottage cheese dumplings, rolls .

The hut is open from May to October, for groups but throughout the year. The cottage has 7 rooms (5 / 2, 1/4 and 1/8), with a total of 22 beds. The offer includes overnight stay, half board, bed & breakfasts, lunches, dinners

Planšarija Logarski kot

Logarska dolina, 3335 Solčava

T: +386 (0)59 958 692  |  M: +386 (0)41 21 00 17

logarski.kot@gmail.com

www.logarski-kot.si