Organised by the Kvarner Tourist Board, as part of the Kvarner – European Region of Gastronomy 2026 programme, representatives of IGCAT (International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism), together with representatives of European and global gastronomic regions, are currently staying in Kvarner. As part of their visit, they also toured the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera.

The Platform Meeting brings together around thirty international participants, combining gastronomy, tradition, education and the overall destination experience.

On the first day, 18 March, a themed evening was held in the unique setting of the Pavlomir Winery in Novi Vinodolski, showcasing the region’s gastronomic and wine heritage in a distinctive way. Participants were welcomed by Marijana Biondić, Director of the Crikvenica Tourist Board and Coordinator of the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera. The evening began with a tasting of local products accompanied by San Marino sparkling wine from Pavlomir Winery, while local producers and family farms also presented their offerings.

As part of the programme, a short guided tour of the winery and the Palinkaš family cellars was organised, where participants learned about the wine production process and the specifics of the Vinodol wine tradition.

Particular attention was drawn by the presentation of the award-winning educational game – the Crikvenica memory game, an original souvenir of the Crikvenica Tourist Board. Through illustrations of blue fish, fishing tools, dishes and Crikvenica innovators – created by artist Marijan Mavrić – the game presents the rich fishing heritage of Crikvenica in an engaging and educational way.

The evening continued with a themed dinner and wine tasting titled A step from the sea, a step from the valley, two steps from the mountains. Guests enjoyed traditional dishes such as Crkvenica rupice, Kvarner scampi risotto, handmade Bribir macaroni with venison goulash and the inevitable Frankopan cake, paired with carefully selected Pavlomir wines – from the indigenous Žlahtina to Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat. Key gastronomic and traditional events and projects were also presented, including: The Blue Fish Route / Blue Fish Month, Crikvenica Food & Wine Walk, Scampi Festival, Ružica Vinodola, Okolotorno, Sparkling Breakfast, the Bribir Prisnac and Bribir Macaroni Festival, Moja mala kala, (Sr)etno Selce and others. The programme was enriched with promotional videos of the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera, while a traditional klapa group created a special atmosphere. At the end of the evening, guests headed to Hotel Miramare in Crikvenica, where they were accommodated.

On the second day of the meeting, 19 March, participants began their morning with a themed breakfast dedicated to Crikvenica fishermen at the Dida restaurant, located along the seaside promenade.

The buffet featured a traditional corner with dishes such as polenta served in “black coffee”, polenta with milk or yoghurt, “farmer-style” polenta with bacon and škripavac cheese, salted and fried sardines, as well as homemade spirits such as fig brandy and grape brandy, along with various liqueurs.

Alongside traditional dishes, guests were also able to sample more modern interpretations of local recipes – asparagus frittata prepared in a large pot, Bribir prisnac, homemade cured meats and cheeses, blue fish pâté, canapés with anchovies, curd and figs, and homemade breads. Particularly impressive were the Crkvenica pancakes with walnuts and figs based on a recipe from a traditional cookbook, as well as milk rice prepared “the Dida way”.

“The flavours of the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera intertwine perfectly, combining the richness of the sea with the produce of the Vinodol hinterland. From blue fish and Kvarner scampi to homemade pasta, cheeses and indigenous wines, each dish tells a story of a region where the sea, valleys and mountains meet within a short distance. This diversity of ingredients and traditions creates a unique gastronomic identity of the destination,” said Marijana Biondić.

After breakfast, participants continued their programme towards Gorski Kotar, taking with them another authentic experience that confirms how gastronomy, tradition and local stories serve as strong ambassadors of the Crikvenica–Vinodol Riviera identity.