The unforgettable dinner in the company of Mariya Zhekova passed. And here is the moment to tell you how this culinary adventure inspired us.
Most of you know Maria is a longtime friend of ours, so knowing her, we were really expecting something very special.
However, she surpassed even our wildest imaginations – with ease, finesse, graceful approach to food, sentiment and carefully selected ingredients, Mariya immersed us in her Renaissance Bulgaria. Every bite told a story, and there was a surprise at the end that reminded us how precious it is to keep traditions alive.
Here’s what the menu included:
Quiche with river crabs, Bulgarian saffron and leek onions; crockpot with aniseed fennel and Bulgarian black caviar from Pazardzhik
Sauerkraut sarma with octopus, bulgur, dried cherries, pine nuts and béchamel sauce with smoked eggplant
Risotto with tarragon and Bulgarian snails
Poached sole with cob, baked in herb salt batter, truffle and greens from Petyo’s garden
Apricot dessert
A surprise from Mariya: a sugar cockerel created with Boyan – a third-generation shaker from Gabrovo, who continued the work of his grandparents.
Thanks to Mariya and all the dear guests who shared the emotions and the meal with us!
