101 ways to eat octopus salad
Monday, September 6, 2010 at 4:40PM The title of this post is slightly misleading (not just because it is outrageous hyperbole); it could just as easily be called 101 ways to eat grilled squid, fried squid or anchovies. My friends and I were pleasantly surprised with the quality of food on the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, but one does have to be prepared to eat the same thing over and over … and over. Fortunately I am a big fan of seafood and five days was just long enough to feel we had sampled the best that Dubrovnik and the Elaphite islands had to offer, but not so long that we were chomping at the bit for more variety.
Wireless is hard to come by in Mazan, so for the time being, I will tell our gastronomic journey in images:
Dubrovnik old town
Our host in Dubrovnik, the ebullient Marko, was extremely helpful; a trait that was rather lacking in the service we received elsewhere. Marko runs the Apartments Lovrijenac and it seems it is his mission in life is to ensure that everyone he encounters experiences the best his fair city has to offer.
“I will do anything you want to make you happy holiday, that is what I am here for”
“We’re mostly interested in where to eat. We’d like to try something local and not too touristy”
“Ha ha! Everything is touristy in Croatia, but I can show you some good places for the locals and for the tourists”
His enthusiasm was infectious and we parted his company not only with four restaurant recommendations (helpfully pencilled in for us on a map of the city), but each wearing his exuberant grin and in a state of eager anticipation.