Talented female chefs from Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Bulgaria and Romania who are part of the Solaire Tables community gathered in Zagreb to showcase their innovation and creativity through menu collaboration and preparing a joint dinner
The first regional Veuve Clicquot Solaire Tables dinner, held at the Esplanade Hotel in Zagreb, brought together the region’s most talented female chefs, attracting great interest from wine and gastronomy experts and numerous distinguished local and regional guests, such as journalists, public figures and restaurateurs.
Solaire Table
The Solaire Tables Southern Europe program was born under the legacy of Madame Clicquot, who more than 250 years ago, predating debates on gender inequality, disrupted the male-led world of the champagne industry and revolutionized the champagne-making technology with creativity and boldness.
Madame Clicquot was an innovator and entrepreneur who took risks, broke rules, and introduced revolutionary innovations, establishing the worldwide success of the second-largest champagne brand. She sought perfection and never settled for shortcuts, which is why her story continues to inspire us today.
With the Solaire Tables program, Maison Veuve Clicquot makes a strong commitment to support and embrace talented women in gastronomy. Chefs participating in the program offer a selection of Veuve Clicquot champagnes in their restaurants, paired with local dishes and combined with special consumer experiences.
‘Solaire refers to Veuve Clicquot`s iconic yellow color, representing the rising sun, symbolizing Madame Clicquot’s belief that every new day opens up new possibilities. The purpose of the Solaire Tables program is to open new opportunities to the talented women in gastronomy and to create a community of female chefs who share the creativity, innovation and optimism of Madame Clicquot,’ said Nora Szegedi, Marketing Manager of Moët Hennessy for Southern Europe and the Mediterranean.
Dinner crafted by the best regional female chefs
Gastronomy enthusiasts had the opportunity to enjoy multiple courses prepared by some of the best chefs in the region: Ana Grgić Tomić (Zinfandel’s) from Croatia, Sabina Repovž (Gostilna Repovž) and Ksenija Mahorčič (Gostilna Mahorčič) from Slovenia, Edit Kovács (Casa Christa) from Hungary, Sveda Dimitrova (Ahora) from Bulgaria, and Renata Luceanu (Raionul de Peste) from Romania.
The guest chefs presented creative appetizers and introduced visitors to authentic flavors and their culinary traditions. The memorable evening featured imaginative main courses by the renowned chef of Esplanade’s kitchen, Ana Grgić Tomić, who took the guests on an exciting gastronomic journey. All courses were expertly paired with a selection of Veuve Clicquot champagnes.
The dinner began with interesting appetizers created by the guest chefs, served with Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Magnum, an eternal classic among champagnes. Two main dishes by chef Ana Grgić Tomić perfectly complemented the champagnes served. Stuffed zucchini flower with shrimp cream, shrimp and citrus velouté, zucchini juice, and thyme, paired with the elegant Veuve Clicquot Vintage Rosé 2012.
Quail breast stuffed with dried apricot mousse, bone and apricot juice demi-glace, roasted goose liver, and homemade brioche were the perfect partners for the splendid Veuve Clicquot Vintage Magnum 2002, which was exclusively available for this special event, and the refined and sweet notes of Veuve Clicquot Rich shone through the symphony of dessert flavors.
‘I believe all women can identify with the Solaire philosophy, and so do I. I am bold and always believe in a better tomorrow. My regional colleagues are the same, talented women who channel their female energy and creativity into professional cooking. I am proud to be part of this regional team striving for elegance, strength, femininity, and the best performance in everything they do.’ said Ana Grgić Tomić, chef of Esplanade’s Zinfandel’s restaurant.
Photos Miva galerija vina
