Istrian Culinary Adventure with Chef Amanda Cohen

CR
Chef Richard Gruica
  • Email address verified
15 reviews
Oct 13 - 19, 2024
Group size: 1 - 25
Istrian Culinary Adventure with Chef Amanda Cohen
Croatia

Chef Richard Gruica
  • Email address verified
15 reviews

Oct 13 - 19, 2024
Group size: 1 - 25

About this trip

Istrian Culinary Adventure with Chef Amanda Cohen

Curated by Terroir Hospitality and The Gourmet Vacation

October 13th to October 19th, 2024


Join renowned Chef/Owner Amanda Cohen of Michelin-starred Dirt Candy in New York City on an unforgettable journey through the heart of beautiful Istria, Croatia. This adventure blends cultural and culinary excellence with plenty of fun. Discover rolling vineyards, meet charming local producers, and witness historic wonders at every turn. Indulge in the region's exquisite wines, savor award-winning locally-produced olive oils, and immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of Istrian cuisine. Hosted by Arlene Stein, Renee Lalonde of Terroir Hospitality, and Richard Gruica of The Gourmet Vacation, this incredible 6-day sojourn promises an experience you will never forget.



What’s included

  • Chef Time
    The chance to eat, drink, explore, experience, interact and learn alongside Chef Amanda personally throughout the trip.
  • Co-Hosts with the Most!
    Let Arlene, Renee and Chef Richard guide you on a trip unlike any other.
  • 6 Night's Accommodation
    Luxury accommodation 4 stars or higher
  • All Excursions
    Including food, tastings & classes
  • All Transportation
    All transportation, including airport transfer from Pula is included.
  • Meals
    All Breakfasts, 4 Lunches w/wine, 4 Dinners w/wine

What’s not included

  • Airfare
    Airfare is not included
  • Travel Insurance
    This is very STRONGLY recommended
  • Extra Tips/Gratuities
    Any extra you wish to tip on your own
  • Extra Food/Drink
    Any other food/drink not provided on the tour
  • Airport Transfers
    Airport transfers from any other airport besides Pula

Available Packages

Istrian Culinary Adventure
$4,149
Deposit:$750

Available options

Single Supplement
$750

Itinerary

Sunday, October 13th
Arrival Elegance

Sunday, Oct 13th 


Arrival Elegance: A Luxurious Start in Rovinj, Croatia


Welcome to Chef Amanda's Istrian Culinary Adventure! Your journey begins with a touch of elegance at the prestigious Hotel Lone in Rovinj, Croatia. 


Informal Meet & Greet:


Join us for a warm and informal meet & greet at the hotel, where you'll have the opportunity to break the ice and connect with Chef Amanda, Renee, Arlene, and Richard. This evening is all about getting to know each other and setting the stage for the culinary delights that await us. 


Sunset Stroll:


For those who wish to unwind after our gathering, we invite you to join us for a sunset stroll. We'll walk together and watch the sun set behind the charming town of Rovinj, a perfect way to end our first evening together.


Evening at Leisure:


Feel free to enjoy the remainder of the night as you wish, exploring Rovinj's enchanting streets or relaxing in the luxurious surroundings of Hotel Lone, which will be our home for the remainder of the trip.


Travel Advisory:


To ensure a smooth start to our culinary adventure, we advise guests to arrive in Pula, Croatia, no later than early Sunday afternoon. This will help mitigate any potential issues arising from flight delays or cancellations. For a truly seamless experience, we highly recommend arriving a day or two earlier to acclimate and relax. If you choose to arrive early, please let us know, and we can arrange an earlier check-in at Hotel Lone. Please note that any additional dates will be the responsibility of the guest.


We look forward to embarking on this extraordinary culinary journey with you!


  Overnight Stay: The 5-Star Hotel Lone in Rovinj 

Your Organizer


CR
Chef Richard Gruica
15 reviews
From an early age, Chef Richard Gruica saw how food and drink could unite people, regardless of their backgrounds, making everyone happy. With his passion for gastronomy, he decided to create the most incredible of edible journeys. Through extensive research, he presents some of the finest examples of tradition, craft and small producers from across the globe to the guests of his tours. More significantly, guests get to meet and enjoy the people that have a true passion for what they do. Forget ordinary, experience extraordinary!

Reviews

JR
This was my second tour with Chef Richard's organization, and I can say with certainty that it won't be my last. From the moment I signed up for this tour, I knew I was in for something special. Chef Bob's deep desire to know more of Irish food and culture, combined with his infectious enthusiasm, created an experience that transcended the typical tourist route. We ventured off the beaten path, immersing ourselves in the vibrant food scene that lies beyond the well-trodden streets of Dublin. The tour began in the bustling markets of the capital, where Chef Richard & Bob introduced us to artisanal producers, guiding us through the art of traditional Irish bread-making and the nuances of award-winning farmhouse cheeses. His insider connections opened doors to hidden gems, like a family-run distillery, hand-crafted knives, and farms that left our palates forever changed. As we journeyed westward, the landscapes became more rugged and the flavors more wild. In Galway, we savored the briny bounty of the Atlantic in the form of the freshest oysters I've ever tasted. We discovered the joys of farm-to-table dining, reveling in the perfect harmony of seasonality, provenance, and innovative technique. Throughout the tour, Chef Richard & Bob's unwavering passion for Irish cuisine and their deep connections with local food producers shone through. His curated experiences allowed us to peel back the layers, revealing the rich tapestry of history, tradition, and innovation that underpins this remarkable culinary landscape. I left Ireland with a profound appreciation for the country's food culture, a suitcase full of artisanal treats, and a heart overflowing with gratitude for the opportunity to be part of this truly remarkable journey. If you're seeking an immersive, unforgettable culinary adventure, I cannot recommend Chef Bob Cook's Ireland tour, hosted by Chef Richard Gruica, highly enough. It's an experience that will forever shape the way I approach and enjoy food. Don't miss out on future tours with Chef Richard's renowned culinary community. Sign up today to stay up-to-date on all the exciting upcoming adventures!
By Julia R for Chef Bob Cook's Emerald Isle Culinary Adventure on Sep 24, 2024
Richard is the host extraordinaire! Bob Cook’s Emerald Isle was an adventure beyond my expectations. Our days were full of fascinating experiences, fabulous food and sights that I will cherish forever. Expertly planned to fill our days with adventure without ever feeling rushed or short on time. I would gladly take another trip with our guide, Richard Gruica.
By Denise D for Chef Bob Cook's Emerald Isle Culinary Adventure on Sep 21, 2024
It is amazing how much food and activity gets packed into this tour without seeming super rushed and rarely getting up early. Hotels are top of the line. Food experiences are all unique and special and vary from home cooked meals on a farm, cooked by the farmer to Michellin starred 24 course adventures. Many excursions are off the beaten path and avoid the crowds while still accomplishing the "must-dos". The addition of amazing chefs sets these apart! Bob Cook is a super nice, very knowledgeable and extremely helpful chef!
By Kirk t for Chef Bob Cook's Emerald Isle Culinary Adventure on Sep 17, 2024
Our trip to Croatia with Richard was everything I had hoped for and so much more! Every detail was planned for our group, which made it so easy for us to just show up, relax, and have a wonderful time. Richard catered to our group's needs and had a very thought-out itinerary for us. We experienced so many food & beverage excursions that we would never have done ourselves or even known about. And not to mention that Croatia is absolutely stunning. It was definitely a trip of a lifetime!  Our group is ready to plan our next adventure with The Gourmet Vacation!
By Morgan M for The euphoria Friends and Family Croatia Experience on Jul 08, 2024
FG
Excellent food and wine knowledge. Chef Gruica was a great guide. Chef Ricky Moore is amazing and curated a feeling of togetherness in a tour of what was primarily strangers. Over that week we became friends. Many stepped outside of their comfort zones and tried (and loved) food that they'd never before imagined. Croatia is beautiful! I look forward to the next food & wine (and Pepsi!) tour!!
By Felice G for The "Kroatia Kool" Thousand Island Food & Wine Tour w/Chef Ricky Moore on Nov 07, 2023
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References

What a trip! Richard created an amazing itinerary that included something for everyone. His connections to local chefs, farmers, tour guides, etc made this an unforgettable trip. Accommodations were first class, beautiful hotels and very comfortable transportation along the way. We look forward to another trip with him!
By Lewis W on 10 May, 2023