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Hiša Franko

Kobarid, Slovenia

Self-taught Slovenian Ana Roš serves superlative local produce in a home-from-home setting

On the Pass

Ana Roš

Pastry Chef

Maša Salopek

Where have you heard that name before? Chef Ana Roš put Slovenia on the gastronomic map after being voted The World’s Best Female Chef in 2017 and starring in her own episode of Netflix’s cult series, Chef’s Table. Pronounced Hi-sha Franko, the restaurant is located in the stunning surrounds of the Soča Valley and has drawn visitors to Slovenia from all over the world.

About the chef: Roš was destined to be a diplomat, having completed a degree in international diplomatic studies before life brought her to the kitchen of Hiša Franko in the Soča Valley. She taught herself to cook and now specialises in intricately made fresh pasta and dishes that focus on produce from within a few kilometres of Hiša Franko.

On the menu: Roš and her team offer a tasting menu named ‘Reincarnation’ based on seasonal produce, which may start with the restaurant’s cauliflower with black truffle and creamy egg, or beef tongue pastrami, oyster and seaweed crystals. The rest of the menu might include anything from the chef’s pasta filled with apricots in pork broth, to Timur pepper choux with white barley butter and hay praline.

All in one: Hiša Franko is actually a big house in the countryside where Roš runs not only the restaurant, but also ages Tolminc cheese and runs a wine bar during the summer months. Local beer and t-shirts made from ecological material (designed by Slovenian artist Mateja Benedetti) are available at the on-site shop.

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