The tourism and hospitality industry workers from Radovljica have upgraded the project Okusi Radol'ce (the Tastes of Radovljica) since last November, when the restaurants of Radovljica started offering the special local menu. Nataša Mikelj, Director of Tourism Radovljica, confirmed that the project was very successful, which "gave us energy to continue with the project."

The dishes will be mainly made of local ingredients, and will be specially labelled. The menu will include some characteristic dishes from the area, but not only made according to strictly traditional recipes, but also prepared in a more contemporary manner.

This year a brochure Okusi Radol'ce (Tastes of Radovljica) will be published presenting the restaurants of Radovljica, and their specialties, e.g. Kunsteljnova klet, the market of Podvin, the bean dish 'fržolovc' at the nail foundry in Kropa, and the gingerbread workshop (lectarstvo – traditional pastry made from honey dough) at Lectar. Their wish is to carry the Tastes of Radovljica over the border as well. For that purpose they are arranging a presentation in Klagenfurt.

An informal association has been made with restaurants; those who wish to participate must use local ingredients in their restaurants, and participate at promotional activities. "It is an open association, welcoming other caterers as well," Mikelj emphasized.

She mentioned that the initiative for cooperation was given by the caterers, and Tourism Radovljica is acting only as a coordinator. "As far as I know this is the first time in history caterers came together, but now we are living in times where connecting is required," explained Jože Andrejaš, who has been managing, together with his wife, the almost 200-year old restaurant Lectar for 25 years.

This year's first joint action will take place on February 14, at the occasion of the carnival dance at Krek Hotel. Nine caterers will participate, and together they will prepare a four course menu. They challenge guests to mask as characters from Avsenik compositions, as this year's dance, the second after the first organized last year, will be dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the famous composition Na Golici.

D. S., translated by G. K.