This year, the scent of delicious food from the Open Kitchen already began filling the streets of Ljubljana in spring. And still now you can enjoy its scent. So if you haven't visited Pogačar Square at Plečnik's Market yet, you should do so now.

Since the Open Kitchen came to Ljubljana, it seems like it goes without saying that you spend your Fridays during spring, summer and early autumn months at the Open Kitchen food market and enjoy your lunch on the benches or on the steps of the Cathedral Church, in the company of women selling flowers. However, this is only the second year of the Open Kitchen. Unlike many failed business ideas, this one is definitely a successful one. Both Slovenians and foreigners love it. Since there are as many as thirty to forty food stands at the market, you might have problems deciding where to start. You can taste Slovenian food, including of course kranjska klobasa (a traditional Carniolan sausage) and potica roll cake, as well as delicious Sarajevo čevapi and pleskavica (grilled dishes from minced meat), Persian Horak morg or Horak alu, Thai curry, Yakitori chicken skewer, the Black tiger – grilled prawns, Paella, Chinese crispy duck and much more. There is no sense in listing on. It will only make you hungry.

The Open Kitchen was brought to Ljubljana by an Israeli
The project was brought to Ljubljana by an Israeli, Lior Kochavi. Maša Pavokovič, in charge of marketing, says: "Lior Kochavi and other people involved in the project never thought that the project had to bring financial success. The Open Kitchen was created from the heart."

Lior Kochavi, the project's director, came to Ljubljana following his girlfriend and he enriched the culinary options in Ljubljana thanks to his love for food. His basic idea was that Ljubljana needs a place where you can buy food of your choice and hang out with friends. There are such places in his home country, but there was none in Ljubljana until last year. It sounds simple, doesn't it? But based on the crowds, we have to admit that Kochavi's idea has proved to be a success.

The Open Kitchen helped transform Ljubljana into a more cosmopolitan city. When I walk among the stalls with Maša, I can hear people speaking different languages and the sounds of children crying. This shows that the Open Kitchen is visited by different people and different generations. The fact is that the Open Kitchen is also very trendy. It is a place that you just have to visit. Sooner or later.

In addition to the various dishes offered at Pogačar Square, wine stalls and Šnopc O'tecca, a famous spirits store, are also very popular among visitors. After you've indulged in a delicious lunch, treat yourself with Brkini brandy, Viljamovka (pear-in-the-bottle brandy) or Borovničevec (blueberry brandy). Those of you who prefer juice can taste cornelian cherry juice.

Maybe I forgot something. But never mind. Next Friday I will visit Pogačar Square once again. This time I will try the food at a different stall. And maybe we will meet each other there.

Tanja Glogovčan, SINFO