This week was always going to be tough, eight days in Hrvatska-Croatia and the only reported Curry may well be way down south in and around Dubrovnik. The thought of Croatia reaching the Final of Mundial appeased the mind, but not the appetite, until I ordered Seafood Risotto at Italia Mia (Epulonova 1, 52440, Porec, Croatia).
Seafood and Pasta, both together even, have been the staple diet for much of this Trip. Risotto, Paella in disguise? Rice and Seafood, what’s not to like? With – Spice – a Seafood Biryani. Spice in Croatia?
In a Mixed Grill I did discover something that was in effect a Seekh Kebab. I have narrowed this down to a Dish called – Cevapcici with accents over each – c. Five in a portion, with Chips. I try to avoid Fries but sometimes one just has to accept they will turn up.
Anyway, on Tuesday night Marg and Hector sat at Italia Mia one table away from the TV, how could Belgium (the best footballing team in the tournament IMHO) not beat France? Spaghetti Bolognaise for Marg that evening. The Seafood Risotto (75 Kn) was ordered along with a half litre of the Local Eurofizz (25 Kn), what came was simply a delight.
The wealth of Mussels-in-shell and whole King Prawns reminded me of how disappointing my last Paella was in Barcelona back in April. This had substance. The other thing which took me back when this Risotto arrived was the quantity of Liquid. When cooking Paella I try to time it so as it is not swimming in Liquid, but not too Dry either. Perhaps Risotto is traditionally – Wetter. It was the abundance of Liquid which made Tuesday’s Risotto a standout. The Sauce was so well Seasoned it made everything taste as if it had come straight from the Sea. I was already imagining this with Ginger, more Garlic and Coriander. This was easily the finest Risotto/Paella I have ever experienced.
As we finished our meals the Chefs were outside having a break. I asked one of the Chefs who had created the Risotto.
Pasqaule – was the reply. He pointed indoors. Chef Pasquale was still hard at work.
I applauded him through the window. One can only imagine what went through his mind.
With two more nights in Porec, Hector was taking the Opperchancity to have this again.
And so we returned this evening, no football, but the same Waiter.
I’m back for Chef Pasquale’s Seafood Risotto – I informed him immediately. There was an air of recognition.
Marg ordered Pizza which came first and was a marked improvement over the rubbish served in Trieste.
A Risotto appeared about ten minutes after ordering but went straight past me. I’m sure we were here first. Another ten minutes past, behold – Risotto.
The edges of the plate had generous sprinklings of Paprika/Cayenne, now we’re talking – Spice!
The Curry-Heute Test of can you replicate that which impressed first time around – was surpassed. I stirred the Red Spice into the Sauce: Seafood Flavours, Seasoning and Spice. Mmmmm. The Mussels and King Prawns were as before, however, tonight I felt I had even more Squid and standard Prawns in the melange.
That which came from the sea taken care of, I was left with a mass of Rice which was markedly different from the Basmati I am more accustomed to. The moistness maintained, why can all Rice not taste this good?
The Bill
100 Kn (£12.00) I have reported the price of the Risotto and Pivo only.
The Aftermath
With camera already in hand I asked our Waiter if I could have a photo taken with Chef Pasquale. He was not fully taking me on, his colleague with better English took the less than subtle request on board.
Risotto – exclaimed Chef Pasquale as he emerged from the kitchen. He was delighted to receive the praise for his Risotto; one always thinks at such a moment that the Chef is fully aware of the wonder that he has served up. The flag of Hrvatska had to appear in the photo, after all, Croatia are in the Cup Final on Sunday.
