May 2016

After our most luxurious gastronomic night at Hisa Franko, Kobarid, we headed a little north to cross the Julian Alps, a section of the Southern Limestone Alps that stretch from northeastern Italy to Slovenia.  The Vrsic Pass is an engineering feat with 50 hairpin bends just on one side alone.

The views were stunning although a little scary at times as the roads were narrow, often with steep death defying vertical drops without guard rails.

Some sphincter clenching moments indeed.

We drove past ski resorts, farms and eventually the landscape flattened out, reaching our next night’s destination of Radovljica.  Quite a sizeable town with an Austrian feel.  We were staying in a section of the town build around the original town sqaure a couple of hundred meters from this stunning view.

Our cute little accommodation – Gostilna Lectar – located right on the old town square.  It hosted a large restaurant that catered to big parties of tourists (not so ideal), but the rooms were comfortable and it was well located.  The Lectar also housed an original gingerbread kitchen downstairs – there was gingerbread everywhere.

The Town Square is surrounded by historical building such as the Beekeeping Museum, the 700-year-old church of St Petar, the Šivec House Gallery and Anton Tomaž Linhart’s birth house.

We loved the village feel of the Square, partaking in a nightly pre-dinner drink at the pub sitting at tables in the Square.

Had to take a photo of our comfy room complete with gingerbread hearts on the pillows.  Aww…..

A little bit of gingerbread fun.

The town square – still a place to congregate for the locals.

We loved staying here so much so that we extended our stay for an extra night.

It was at the Lectar that I spotted my first piano accordion for the trip, taking me down memory lane to when I played as a young girl.  Perhaps I should stay in Slovenia and go on tour??

The Gostilna (hotel/restaurant) had such an Austrian feel that we really were moved towards the traditional food of that region for our first dinner:

• Roast Pork with Saurkraut and Crackling (for Jeff)
• Beef Goulash with Dumplings (for me).  The dumplings were similar to ravioli – not quite what I expected.
• Apple Strudel – of course!

I keep being drawn to the accordions.

Big smiles, friendly people.

How’s this for a dining location!

Most memorable:

• Trout with Polenta (for Jeff)
• Chicken with Taragon Cream for me.

After returning from our day at Lake Bled on our last night in Radovlija, we opted for a small restaurant just off the Town Square.  Keeping to the theme of Austrian food, Jeff chose the Veal Snitzel with Chips.  I couldn’t resist the Seafood Risotto.

We were going to miss this Slovenian town and all its hospitality.

Jeff & Catherine xx