Page 11 - Explore Magazine Summer 2017

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times to visit. As you walk through the city (it is easily and best Dining at Zinfandel’s was a treat. Named after the grape that was
experienced on foot) you find yourself mingling with the locals exported from Dalmatia to America in the early 19th century, the
while enjoying many of the summer festivals on offer. name represents the connecting of cultures at the restaurant.
Zinfandel is now one of the most notable grape varieties produced in
No longer an off-the-radar location, the Napa Valley and the restaurant is proud to bear the name.
Zagreb is now the ultimate city- Our experience dining at Zinfandel’s was memorable from start
to finish. Each dish showcased different flavours from regions of
break, offering culture, arts, food Croatia. Steamed potato dumplings, a Zagreb classic, were paired
with a main of poached cuttlefish which is often served in a black
and endless incredible coffee as the risotto. This dish is traditionally served along the Adriatic coast from
ingredients of a perfect trip. Istria to Dalmatia. Our sommelier recommended a divine Malvazija
wine from Istria to complement it perfectly.
Approach the city’s main square, Ban Jelačić, and be amazed
by a performance of traditional Croatian dancing and singing.
Continue to Upper Town and Strossmayer Promenade for live
music and theatre performances. Visit Art Park and sample a craft
beer or cocktail as you walk through a sculpture exhibition, or
even join in on a graffiti art workshop!
Zagreb is not just a city to be visited in the summer though and it is
taking steps to be recognised as a year-round destination. Springtime
is gorgeous: you can meander through historic parks and visit the
stunning Botanical Gardens. Winter at the famous Christmas Markets
is pure magic, especially when the city is blanketed in falling snow.
On my most recent visit to Zagreb, I wanted to experience its
increasingly acclaimed food and drink scene. To give our visit a
special touch we stayed at the historic and luxurious Esplanade
Zagreb Hotel. This was the centre of Zagreb social life during the
1920s and later, special guests at the hotel included travellers on
the famous Orient Express, and icons like Elizabeth Taylor, Alfred
Hitchcock and Queen Elizabeth II.
Today, the Esplanade is considered a city landmark and is still a
gathering point for travellers and locals to enjoy the 1925 Lounge
& Cocktail Bar, Le Bistro Esplanade and the famous fine dining
restaurant, Zinfandel’s.

The next morning, we visited a local
bakery to sample fresh pastries such
as burek, a delicious savoury meat or

cheese pastry that you must try when
visiting Croatia and the Balkan countries.

HELLOWORLD : EXPLORE : SUMMER EDITION