Third Michelin Masterclass Held at ManO2 Restaurant

Organized by the Zagreb Tourist Board, the third consecutive Michelin Masterclass took place this year at Restaurant ManO2, led by Austrian chef Alain Weissgerber, proud holder of two Michelin stars.

‍
In collaboration with the Michelin Guide, Zagreb’s ManO2 restaurant once again became the stage for an exceptional culinary workshop. The masterclass was conducted by renowned Austrian chef Alain Weissgerber, owner of the two-star restaurant Taubenkobel in Burgenland. The event gathered around ten top chefs from Zagreb’s finest restaurants. Alongside host chef Hrvoje Kroflin, the invitation from Michelin and the Zagreb Tourist Board was accepted by Vesna Miletić (Restaurant Tač), Ana Grgić Tomić (Esplanade), Stipan Iličić (Balon) and many others, all aware that experiences like this enrich their craft and spark fresh inspiration for new culinary creations.

‍
“I know your days are packed with obligations, that you’re all incredibly busy and it’s not easy to step away from your kitchens and restaurants for this long, which makes me even more grateful that you accepted the invitation and came to this masterclass. I hope we all truly enjoy the moment today,” said Eleonore Perrin, International Project Manager at the Michelin Guide, addressing the attending chefs.

‍

‍
Martina Bienenfeld, Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board, also expressed her pride in this exceptional project, which has now become a cherished annual tradition.

‍
“On behalf of the Zagreb Tourist Board, I’m truly proud that for the third year in a row we’re organizing this Masterclass in partnership with the world-renowned Michelin Guide. Thank you to the Michelin team for choosing Zagreb three years ago as the first city outside of France to host such a workshop. Zagreb was the first to launch this initiative, and since then, other cities and destinations have followed suit, using it as a way to connect, exchange knowledge and foster professional friendships. It’s important to build bonds and share experiences, as this kind of collaboration strengthens our entire culinary community.

‍

After the first Masterclass at Dubravkin Put and the second at Noel, I’m delighted that this year’s event is being held at ManO2. A big thank-you to our host, chef Hrvoje Kroflin. I’m sure today will be full of valuable conversations, learning and knowledge-sharing. I also want to thank chef Alain Weissgerber, who has a special connection with Croatia and knows the Opatija and Lovran regions well, and I can tell he understands quite a bit of Croatian, too. I am especially pleased that a renowned chef like him, the owner of two Michelin stars, decided to be with us today and lead today’s workshop,” said Martina Bienenfeld, Director of the Zagreb Tourist Board.

‍

‍
“We’re extremely proud and grateful that our restaurant was chosen to host such an important masterclass, one that means a great deal to Zagreb’s restaurant scene and gastronomy as a whole. I’m glad the Tourist Board recognized the need for a concept like this in our city, one that helps us take the next step in raising the quality of our culinary offering. This year we’ve had even more colleagues join us compared to last year, and I hope even more will participate next time. Our shared goal is clear: to keep getting better through the inspiration and energy that chefs like Alain bring with them,” said chef and co-owner of the ManO2 restaurant, Hrvoje Kroflin, who proved to be an excellent host to his colleagues. Before the main masterclass began, ManO2’s local suppliers also had a chance to present their products. Guests sampled excellent produce such as assorted tomato varieties, pickled zucchini with mint and other delicacies brought by Marko Gržin, founder of the Tomato Whisperer brand. Attendees also had the opportunity to taste various herbs regularly used by chef Kroflin in the ManO2 kitchen.

‍

Guest from Austria Loves Croatia, Especially Our Gastronomy

‍
“I’m truly happy to be here in Zagreb today and I’d like to thank Michelin and the Zagreb Tourist Board for the invitation. I’ve had a special connection with Croatia for many years – twenty years ago, my family and I bought a house in Lovran, and we still spend a lot of time there. In fact, I’m planning to head there tomorrow! Every time we visit, we enjoy amazing food and wine and have met many wonderful locals. As a chef, what I love most about Croatia is the incredible quality and diversity of your ingredients. I also appreciate your cooking philosophy, simple, honest, with the ingredient at the center of attention. That’s how I strive to cook as well. You have excellent fish, meat and vegetables, everything is top quality and full of flavor. Croatia also has some amazing chefs, and I’m really happy to share this experience with you today,” said chef Alain Weissgerber. For the masterclass, chef Weissgerber prepared several classic dishes reimagined in a modern way, while also praising ManO2 for its excellent kitchen and impeccable organization.

‍