Episode 130

Evo nas, gladni prijatelji!

Here we are, hungry friends!

Have you ever sat in a Croatian restaurant or at a Croatian family’s dinner table and wondered how to ask for salt and pepper?

Me too!

In this lesson we’ll learn some condiment vocabulary.

Pass the ketchup!

Lesson

seasonings - začin

sauces - umak/umaci

Salt and pepper - sol i papar

Ketchup - kečap

Mayonnaise - majoneza

Ajvar

Mustard - senf

Olive oil - maslino ulje

vinegar -vinski ili jabučni ocat

Super Slatko Report

DJ Moe has a great  Super Slatko Report for Episode 130. Up north in the region of Istria, there’s a beautiful town called Motovun. If you’d like to learn more about this hillside delight, please join us!

This super slatko report is all about the village Motovun.

Motovun is a village and a municipality in central Istria, Croatia locateded atop a hill in the heart of the Istrian peninsula. Motovun offers a breathtaking panorama of lush vineyards, dense forests, and the Mirna River valley. This medieval town, known for its well-preserved architecture and picturesque natural surroundings, is a testament to the rich cultural heritage and history of Croatia. Architecturally Motovun blends Roman, Venetian, and Slavic influences which makes it an amazing destination for tourists seeking a journey through time and culture.

Motovun's dates back to prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence suggesting that the Illyrians first settled in the area. However, it was during the Roman era that the town began to grow, taking advantage of its strategic position along the trade routes of the Adriatic Sea. The name "Motovun" is derived from the Celtic word "Montona," meaning "a town in the hills." This settlement later fell under the rule of the Venetian Republic, which influenced its architecture and urban design. The town's Venetian past is evident in its well-preserved buildings, including the town gates, walls, and many houses that still showcase the Venetian Gothic style.

Back to Motovun architecture. Visitors can expect to stroll through narrow cobbled streets, where they will run into stunning medieval structures, such as the Church of St. Stephen, a baroque-style church built in the 17th century. There is also a bell tower that dates back to the 13th century. Don’t skip the Motovun walls that offer a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, making them a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. That’s where you’ll find me.

A nod to it’s Cinematic history…

Motovun hosted an annual 5-6 day Film Festival at the end of July or early August, which attracts filmmakers and cinephiles from around the world. From Wikipedia “The film festival originally started in 1999 to fill the gap in cinema repertoire as there were almost no non-Hollywood films in wide distribution in Croatia at the time. Every year, the festival program consists of around 70 titles from all over the world, from documentaries to feature films, short and feature-length films, from guerrilla-made films to co-productions. Over time the festival has become widely popular, especially among young people both locally and abroad. Every year during the festival, a camp for visitors is organized next to the festival site. The festivalgoers' camp has become one of the hallmarks of the festival. In January 2007, the British newspaper The Guardian described the festival as "a cross between Glastonbury and Sundance."[2] It is often referred to as "a Woodstock of film festivals".”

The film festivals top prize is called the Propeller of Motovun. Some notable past winners you may have heard of:

Billy Elliot - 2000

Punch Drunk Love - 2003

Silent Light - 2008

War Pony - 2022

A few people who have attended in the past you might be familiar with.

Paul Thomas Anderson

Vanessa Redgrave

And Jason Biggs

But unfortunately all good things must come to an end. In 2023 it was announced that the festival would move to Petehovac in Gorski Kotar. That year the festival was held in both locations.

Why did it move? Well according to a few different write ups I came across, the film festival got too big for the small village, accommodating all those films, actors, directors, campers and tourists just got too large for Motovun to comfortably handle. Motovun wanted to preserve its natural beauty for future generations and they felt this was the best way to do that. Good for them.

In addition to the film festival, Motovun is home to various cultural events throughout the year, including art exhibitions, concerts, and traditional festivals celebrating Istrian folklore.

If you’re bummed the Motovun Film Festival is no longer held there, don’t be; Motovun is also known for its food. Motovun is a paradise for food enthusiasts, offering a taste of Istria's rich culinary traditions. The region is famous for its truffles, particularly the white truffle, which is considered a delicacy worldwide. Local restaurants serve exquisite dishes featuring truffles, homemade pasta, and other regional specialties such as Istrian prosciutto, wild asparagus, and fresh seafood. The vineyards surrounding Motovun produce some of Croatia's finest wines, including Malvasia and Teran, which perfectly complement the local dishes. Motovuns food scene will not disappoint.

If you prefer the outdoors, in Motovun you are surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, Motovun is an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The Motovun Forest, known for its truffle-rich grounds, calls to hikers and cyclists seeking adventure amongst these stunning landscapes. Checkout the Parenzana Trail, a former railway line now converted into a recreational path, which offers a scenic route for exploring the region's natural beauty. You’re also nearby the Mirna River where you can go fishing and kayaking, allowing visitors to soak up the tranquil and pristine.

Wrapping things up, Motovun is a spectacular destination that combines history, culture, and nature. Its medieval charm, vibrant arts scene, tasty cuisine, and stunning landscapes make it a must-visit location. This village has made my list of places to visit and I hope you get to check it out on your next trip to the Istrian peninsula of Croatia.

And that’s it for the Super Slatko Report.