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Hiša Franko

Kobarid

Self-taught Slovenian chef plates the nation’s exemplary produce

On the Pass

Ana Roš

Pastry Chef

Alessandra Decristofano

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 surroundings 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 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: In 2023, Roš and her team are offering a special celebratory tasting menu named ’50 Shades of Life’, to mark the occasion of the restaurant’s 50-year anniversary. As always, it is based on seasonal produce, from white asparagus with smoked egg dip and walnut to two-day-aged trout cooked on the barbecue and served with brown butter fish sauce and horseradish. The chef’s famous corn beignet with fermented cottage cheese, as well as the potato cooked in a summary hay crust, are of course also included.

All in one: Hiša Franko is actually a big house in the countryside where Roš not only runs 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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