Gostišče Tri Lučke
Originally built to house an historic wine press, which still forms the centre-piece of the restaurant, Tri Lucke, or 'three lights', is in a beautiful setting amongst vines on a hill looking down on Krsko and the river. In addition to its restaurant and cafe, Tri Lucke offers accommodation, wedding and event facilities. The rooms are embellished with artwork, the gardens with sculptures, and the terrace and pool have sublime panoramic views across the vines down to the river and up to the hills beyond.
When we visited in February, we ate appetisers outside on the terrace, but they tell me that you can experience blue sky and sun, black sky and rain, and white sky and snow, all within 45 minutes.
The food, under the guidance of chef Dejan Mastnak, is an attractive mix of Slovenian recipes upgraded with modern flair and excellent local, seasonal ingredients.
Veal carpaccio, broth, onion icecream, topped with microgreens, thinly sliced radish, ringed by brown onion puree.
The onion icecream was chilled, delicate, spiked with crisped bread crumbs; this plate worked well, good contrasts.
Shredded brussels sprouts, runny egg yolk, hazelnuts, crispy bread, chilli mayo.
Perhaps a little eggy, the sprouts didn’t make much of an entrance; could have been rawer and crunchier; but oh the drama in the breaking of the egg...
Pork, carrot, potato strudel, geneva jus spiked with mustard seeds, microgreens.
The perfect carrot; sweet and earthy. The mustard seeds gave a subtle pop of flavour.
Venison, celery, chutney, celeriac puree, cinnamon spiced walnut, crumbs.
Amazingly tender venison! The pickled walnut was delicious, the crumbs worked well mixed into the meat
White chocolate foam, orange icecream, jaffa cake, pumpkin seed, persimmon slices, chocolate sauce.