Plating, Presentation and the Flavours of Croatia
Whenever I travel, I come home with more than just memories. I come back with ideas.
Our recent family holiday to Croatia was one of those trips that left me feeling completely inspired. Not just by the scenery, but by the food, the presentation and the incredible attention to detail that seemed to be part of every meal.
We began our trip in Split, staying at Le Méridien Lav. From relaxed lunches and cocktails at Gooshter Beach Club to a wonderful evening at Port 74, it was the perfect introduction to Croatian hospitality. The food was fresh, beautifully presented and every dish felt as though someone had genuinely cared about how it reached the table.
After Split, we caught the ferry to Hvar, where we spent three nights at the magnificent Palace Elisabeth. Without a doubt, it is the most beautiful hotel I have ever stayed in.
Although dinner was exceptional, breakfast became the highlight of every day. Sitting in the elegant dining room while a pianist played each morning made the whole experience feel even more special.
As someone who loves cooking, I found myself studying every plate that arrived at the table. The careful placement of ingredients, the balance of colours, the little garnishes and finishing touches… every dish had clearly been thoughtfully designed.
One detail that particularly caught my attention was the tableware. Palace Elisabeth has its own bespoke crockery, created especially for the hotel, and it complemented the food perfectly. It reminded me how much presentation extends beyond the food itself.
During my Leiths Essential Cooking Course, one of the weeks I enjoyed most focused on food styling and photography. Since then, I’ve become much more aware of how the plate itself influences the overall presentation. The stunning crockery at Palace Elisabeth framed each dish beautifully without ever distracting from the food, and it was something I found myself in awe of throughout our stay.
One afternoon we took a boat over to Laganini Beach Club, where we enjoyed another fantastic lunch in a completely different setting. Relaxed, surrounded by the sea and with equally beautiful food, it perfectly captured everything I love about dining on holiday.
Looking back through my photos now, I’m so pleased I made the effort to photograph so many of the dishes. The vibrant salads, elegant breakfasts, colourful desserts and beautifully plated evening meals have already given me countless ideas that I’d love to recreate at home.
We visited Dubrovnik last year, and I felt exactly the same then. Across Croatia, we’ve consistently found an incredibly high standard of food and hospitality. It’s a country that seems to take real pride in the dining experience, whether you’re enjoying breakfast in a luxury hotel or lunch at a beach club.
For anyone who enjoys cooking, photography or simply appreciates beautifully presented food, Croatia is an endless source of inspiration. I came home with a camera full of photographs, a notebook full of ideas and an even greater appreciation for the thought that goes into creating a memorable dining experience. I know many of these ideas will find their way into my own kitchen over the coming months.
