The 10th Gourmet Cup Ljubljana convened over 1,000 visitors at Krvavec

The event, which marked its 10th anniversary edition this year, was organised by Jezeršek Catering in cooperation with key partners – Ljubljana Tourism, RTC Krvavec, Colmar, and Koželj, House of Good Wines. The anniversary edition once again exceeded the framework of a classic culinary event. It confirmed its role as an important meeting point for the hospitality industry, where knowledge, experience, and a new generation of talent intersect.

Martin Jezeršek, Director of Jezeršek Catering, explained: “Gourmet Cup remains a place where hospitality teams connect, knowledge is passed between generations, and young people are encouraged to pursue careers in hospitality. At the same time, it strengthens cooperation with the local environment and reinforces the event’s position as one of the most important culinary-sporting experiences in Slovenia.”

Gourmet Breakfast and the Colmar Gourmet Cup

The event began on 2 March with a delicious Gourmet Breakfast, where the rules at more than 1,500 meters above sea level once again received a slightly more relaxed interpretation. Visitors enjoyed dishes inspired by the Flavours of Ljubljana, including a ski hot dog with Carniolan sausage, marinated sauerkraut with carrots and mustard seeds, honey-mustard dressing, and horseradish spread. Another highlight was the Dragon Shot, an aromatic drink made from typical Ljubljana ingredients: tarragon, horseradish, elderflower, honey, and lemon.

The breakfast table also featured eggs with porcini mushrooms, fresh and crispy burek, a selection of fine cheeses and cured meats, and premium cream cakes and pralines, providing the perfect sweet finale.

After breakfast, the draw for starting numbers signalled the beginning of the competition. More than 170 competitors competed in six categories, and a rich prize pool added extra motivation and excitement. The top three in each category received medals and selected prizes – ranging from Puklavec Family Wines sparkling wines and Jacques Lemans watches to many other prestigious awards.

The fastest overall competitor, Luka Pančur (Uživaj zdaj d.o.o. – Camp Velenje), won an unforgettable summer experience for two at Krvavec. He also earned the title of fastest among hospitality professionals, receiving a one-year lease of a professional Winterhalter dishwasher and a Pulito Solutions ice maker. The title of fastest female hospitality competitor went to Nina Žnidar (Gostilna Ribnik Zagorje), who received 300 Molinet pralines.

Over 20 young talents joined forces with top chefs from JRE-Slovenia

At Gourmet on Snow, the event’s central culinary segment, top chefs from the JRE-Slovenia association played an important mentoring role. With their expertise, experience, and mentoring approach, they guided young talents from 11 Slovenian hospitality and tourism schools.

Students created culinary dishes under the mentorship of renowned chefs and with support from their school mentors, gaining firsthand experience of the dynamics of high-end gastronomy – from concept to execution at one of Slovenia’s largest culinary-sporting events. To ensure a professional appearance and comfort for young talents, their mentors, JRE-Slovenia chefs, and staff, Colmar once again provided premium clothing.

Joining them were also the winners of the charity cooking show Chef for Tomorrow, held as part of the November Gourmet Ljubljana festival – Lejla Avmedovski and Nejc Bizjak. They prepared saddle of venison with tarragon cottage cheese dumpling, chestnut foam, mead sauce, and apple gel.

In addition to dishes from young talents, guests at more than 1,500 meters above sea level also enjoyed seafood delicacies. The crudo offer included fresh oysters, premium Alpenkaviar sturgeon caviar from the Austrian Alps, and an impressive giant tuna, which was cut in front of the audience by sushi master Ernest Barać.

Visitors could also enjoy a carefully selected range of wines, sparkling wines, and champagnes provided by Koželj, House of Good Wines, including labels such as Louis Roederer, Soligo, Medot, Monterosso, Puklavec Family Wines, Frelih, Albiana, Radgonske gorice, Guerila, Steyer, Movia, Trenel, G.H. Martel, Alaya, Domaine Slapšak, and Nebo.

Selected beverages thoughtfully complemented the culinary offering, adding an extra dimension of refinement. Cocktail lovers could also enjoy premium mixed drinks, while the bravest treated themselves to Magnum ice cream.

Gourmet dinner in the cable car

The event concluded on Tuesday, 3 March, with the legendary Gourmet Dinner in the cable car, taking guests above the valley in the intimate setting of Krvavec gondolas – both literally and gastronomically.

In the unique atmosphere of evening Krvavec, Tomaž Bratovž (JB Restaurant), a Ljubljana member of JRE-Slovenia, prepared a carefully crafted menu combining his recognisable culinary elegance with the Flavours of Ljubljana concept. The dish featured chicken thigh with farce, ginger-carrot purée, and buckwheat popcorn.

The evening continued at Sonček hut, where Tomaž Bolka (Gostilna Krištof) created a sweet finale. His masterful dessert, accompanied by a folk group from Cerklje, added warmth and authenticity, giving the anniversary edition a special touch.

Learn more about Jezeršek gostinstvo here.