2026 - Jesenski ciklus

Stiven Vunić: Truffles and the Sea: The Autumn Catch Through the Culinary Vision of Stiven Vunić

Autumn on the coast brings together two exceptional ingredients from the same terroir: truffles from the Istrian hinterland and the fresh catch of the Adriatic Sea. Their meeting will be the focus of a workshop led by chef Stiven Vunić, owner and head chef of Konoba Zijavica in Mošćenička Draga, whose cuisine is deeply rooted in seasonality, local surroundings, and the daily catch. Raised in a fishing family, Vunić is known for his contemporary approach to fish and seafood, characterised by clean, precise, and well-balanced flavours.

Through this hands-on workshop, participants will explore how to combine the distinctive aroma of truffles with both delicate and more pronounced flavours of the seasonal autumn catch, ensuring that neither ingredient overpowers the other. Through the preparation of several dishes, participants will discover different techniques for preparing fish and seafood, developing textures, sauces, and accompaniments, and incorporating truffles as an integral part of a dish rather than simply a finishing touch. Particular emphasis will be placed on seasonality and adapting the menu to what the sea has to offer each day, a philosophy that lies at the heart of Zijavica's cuisine.

The workshop will demonstrate how seafood and truffles, two defining elements of the region's gastronomic identity, can come together harmoniously in contemporary cuisine, with respect for the ingredients, the season, and their origins.

For chefs looking to refresh their autumn seafood menus, this workshop offers an opportunity to explore new flavour combinations and gain a deeper understanding of how the thoughtful use of truffles can elevate a dish. The knowledge and ideas gained will serve as inspiration for developing their own seasonal interpretations.

Workshop date and time: Wednesday, 25 November 2026, at 9:00 AM

Workshop fee: EUR 360.00 (EUR 180.00 for participants from Istria County)

Stiven Vunić

Predavač

Biography

Stiven Vunić

Predavač

Stiven Vunić, chef and owner of the restaurant Zijavica in Mošćenička Draga, is a member of JRE and the winner of the Gault&Millau “Grand Chef of Tomorrow 2022” trophy. A former regular participant of EGCI workshops in the early generations, he now returns as a renowned and award-winning mentor — a role model for participants following in his footsteps. Zijavica holds a Michelin recommendation and high G&M ratings, with a reputation for turning the daily Kvarner catch into an intimate fine-dining experience by the sea. Vunić’s signature lies in seasonality, micro-location, and respect for both the fisherman and the product; his menus shift according to the family’s daily catch and the market. As an ambassador of Kvarner, the European Region of Gastronomy 2026, he is shaping a distinctive regional identity.