On March 20, 2021, the Secondary Vocational School in Makarska became a hub of culinary creativity. Under the guidance of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vedran Poljak, first- and second-year students of the undergraduate program in Hotel Management and Gastronomy embarked on a unique culinary journey. Their mission was to prepare innovative dishes inspired by the sea and Dalmatia, using recipes they had developed themselves. From appetizers to main courses, students experimented with fish, seafood, and seaweed, incorporating local ingredients such as figs, almonds, rosemary, and olive oil into their creations.
This practical workshop was more than just a cooking course; it was a preparation for the "Cooking Experience 2021" competition held on April 8, 2021, as part of the SEA-EU alliance. Students documented their culinary process and recipes through photographs, which were then submitted for evaluation. These entries were shared on social media, showcasing national cuisine as a vital aspect of cultural heritage. Dishes were judged in three categories: appetizer, seafood main course, and local dessert.
The highest honors at the competition were awarded to the students of the Hotel Management and Gastronomy program in Makarska. The first prize was given to the dessert Rožata, the second prize went to the appetizer named Octopus, and the third prize was awarded to the seafood main course called Seafood Meatballs. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vedran Poljak mentored the preparation of all three winning recipes. The first place was claimed by the team "Morske vile" (Antonia Štrljić, Nina Matijašević, Mateja Dugandžić, Emi Čurković, and Patricija Vidaković). The second place was secured by the team "Gavuni" (Antonio Markić, Marin Jelić, Marin Josipović, Boris Vuković, Polikarp Damjanović, Teo Mravičić, and Ante Buljan), while the third place went to the team "Srdelice" (Josip Štambuk, Anđela Brbić, Dina Đurović, Lara Ivanišević, and Lana Jukić Peladić).
In addition to prizes valued at 180 euros, the winners had the opportunity to present their dishes at a promotional culinary workshop "Taste Croatia," held on April 30, 2021, at the Adriatic restaurant. This event was live-streamed to five other universities within the SEA-EU alliance, allowing students across Europe to witness the culinary talents of their peers. This online event was attended by colleagues and professors from SEA-EU alliance universities in Cádiz, Gdańsk, Brest, Kiel, and Malta.
This event not only celebrated the culinary skills of the students but also highlighted the importance of local ingredients and traditional recipes in promoting Croatian gastronomy as a key component of cultural heritage.
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