A democratic culinary forum, they call us

It’s nice to hear a compliment.

On Tuesday, March 8, we gathered in Breg to say a few words about the Open kitchen and the important impact the project has had on many aspects of our lives. We were joined by respected speakers: mag. Petra Stušek, director of Tourism Ljubljana, incredible chef Ana Roš of Hiša Franko, great culinary explorer Boštjan Napotnik, head of the market sector at JP LPT Monika Tomše and Rene Šuc of Gostilna pri Mari, one of the 10 vendors that have been with us since the beginning. We would like to thank the members of the media attending our gathering and the mayor of Ljubljana, Mr Zoran Janković, who stopped by to congratulate us.

In less than 10 years, the Open kitchen has managed to create a platform for the successful presentation of many creative and innovative vendors, impacting the development of a strong and vivacious culinary scene in Slovenia, while inspiring the eaters to explore and diversify their points of view and eating habits. At the same time, the Open kitchen influenced the sectors of tourism, economy and entertainment, changed the way the locals spend their time in the town and so on. We really could go on and on, since we’ve prepared a detailed case study for future use.

Thank you for the kind words.

We are aware of the magical power of the Open kitchen, generating change in the whole culinary scene and bringing together a community of wonderful people. But it is still nice to hear the kind words of encouragement and feel appreciated. We invite you to read a couple of fragments that melted our hearts:

“If there is only 1% of tourists coming to Ljubljana just to visit the Open kitchen, we are proud of that,” said Mr Zoran Janković, the mayor of Ljubljana, who lent his ear to Lior’s grand idea years ago and helped make it happen.

“On Tripadvisor, the Open kitchen made it to the list of Ljubljana’s must-visit tourist attractions along with the castle, old town centre, Plečnik’s arcades and others, which is incredible since the project is still young and very much active,” Petra Stušek, director of Tourism Ljubljana, added while explaining the details of this year’s cooperation with Gourmet Ljubljana brand at our market.

“On Fridays, we can meet vegan chefs together with burger chefs and chefs from high-end restaurants, sharing their space and presenting their work to the visitors. This kind of integration is unique for Slovenia, where everyone strives to be the first and only one in their field. The Open kitchen is bringing people together, which is exactly what is needed right now,” stated Ana Roš and promised to visit us on Fridays as often as possible.

“The Open kitchen is inclusive in a sense that providers with very different backgrounds, ideas and dishes are placed next to each other., as well as in a sense that we all feel good there, whether we came for a simple glass of wine or a fancy feast topped with oysters. The concept of the time-space continuum shifts there as you can visit fifty different places while being in one," said Boštjan Napotnik, welcoming the development of culinary culture and its recent recognition.

"The influence of the Open Kitchen is felt at the market, with other bars, restaurants and shops there becoming alive as well. The Pogačarjev trg truly became the living room of Ljubljana," said Monika Tomše, head of the commercial and market sector. We also agree with her conclusion that JP LPT and the Open kitchen have formed a solid and successful business bond in recent years.

"I remember the first phone call and Lior confidently announcing that he is planning the biggest culinary event in Ljubljana. At first, I felt a bit reserved, but seeing that the team means business, I never hesitated again," said Rene Šuc from Gostilna pri Mari, adding that for them, direct contact with the visitors offers an unmatched opportunity.

We are truly touched.

Stop by at the first Open kitchen of the season on March 18, to celebrate with us.