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Galerija Okusov: Exhibition of Slovenian Flavors

July 3, 2020

The goal of the ambitious team at Galerija Okusov is to bring traditional Slovenian food into the modern hustle. They excel in the quest with the voluntary eco-label, the Green Key, which is quite an accomplishment. Besides various dining options, they are expanding their offer in complementary fields. One example is their line of food products that can be purchased online. Soon they will also offer accommodation to extend their hospitality. But what about their food? Is it good? Let’s dive into the Galerija Okusov review.

Contents

  • Ambiance 
  • Drinks Menu at Galerija Okusov
    • Summer Cocktail
  • Galerija Okusov Food Review
    • Profiterole & Ricotta
    • Veal & Rocket
    • Chicken Ragu & Spaetzle
    • Trout & Pea
    • Pig & Tubers
    • Strawberries & Asparagus 
  • Final Thought
  • Galerija Okusov Review Card
  • Price and Location
galerija okusov
It would be lovely if Galerija Okusov would be in this mansion. However it’s in the nearby stable, which is also nice.

Ambiance 

Arrival at the Galerija Okusov restaurant starts with a cinematic drive through the avenue park. At the end of this avenue stands the forsaken baroque mansion. We sank in the idea of how amazing it would be if this mansion is a 5-star hotel and our lunch is in their main restaurant.

minimal rustic flower piece
Beauty is hidden in simplicity
rustic minimalist restaurant style
Rustic minimalist style fits the Galerija Okusov very well.

Nevertheless, we were happy inside the transformed stable, where Galerija Okusov is located. Looks like high-end restaurants in old stables are a trend here in Slovenia. The last time we were at Vila Podvin, which is located in one as well.

Galerija Okusov restaurant
Serene painting by Vasja Grabner sets the relaxed atmosphere.
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Needless to say, the ranching glow is gone, but a cozy and easy-going vibe of rustic minimalism is there to stay. The serene feel is enhanced by the warm wooden furnishing, white arched ceiling, and living flowers everywhere. However, personally I would change curtains with some funky blue color and add some details, so we could fill the missing gap between old and new.

Big restaurant table at the window
Absence of the tablecloth for a more easy-going vibe.
modern industrial farmhouse lighting
Yes, we have a thing for the lighting.

Drinks Menu at Galerija Okusov

The well-stocked bar is full of local, as well as international spirits and liqueurs. Together with extensive wine collection, they form a solid base for signature mixed drinks. Some are stronger than others, with one tropical alcohol-free exception. Those of you, who are looking for local non-alcoholic beverages check their homemade fruit and herbal juices. 

Best bar in Celje
Well stocked Galerija Okusov bar.

Galerija Okusov wine list deserves a special mention since it is almost 100 pages long. Ian went through the pages while I took a walk up and down the substantial wine cooler. Both of us concluded that Slovenian and foreign wine offer should satisfy any fussy drinker. 

Galerija Okusov wine stock
The wine list at the Galerija Okusov restaurant is extensive.
wine bottle opener machine
Engineering at its best.

Summer Cocktail

Gin based cocktail included macerated asparagus and strawberries. Besides the straightforward strawberry aroma, we also got fragrant elderflowers on the nose. Homemade elderflower syrup sweetened the dring together with the eco-friendly apple juice. A counterbalance to the sweet part mixologist added the lemon juice, apple vinegar, and red wine. Lastly, the bubbles from the mineral water made the thirst-quenching drink.

Galerija Okusov cocktail
Gin based summer cocktail

Galerija Okusov Food Review

Before we get to the food review, it is fair to say a few words about the influences. Seasonal changes and demand are changing the Galerija Okusov menu. Most important is the availability of fresh, local produce, while Chef’s inspiration comes from nature and traditional regional dishes. With a low environmental impact in mind, the innovative team isn’t afraid of change. As a matter of fact, they welcome new ingredients.

zlata radgonska penina
We went with their wine pairing and we aren’t disappointed. However, we started our lunch with this Slovenian sparkling wine.

Profiterole & Ricotta

Right at the start, we were delightfully surprised with the nectarous honey. For a second, we didn’t know what hit us, since we were expecting the flavors to be only on top of the spoon. There it was the lovely round drop of goat milk ricotta cheese, resting in the apple juice reduction. Next to the spoon Chef placed fluffy profiterole, rolled in burned daikon, and filled with a combination of smooth liver pate and crunchy daikon radish. 

Bojana Križanec plate
Amuse-bouche on a plate by Slovenian artist Bojana Križanec.
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Veal & Rocket

Veal tartare came to our table in a company of the sourdough potato focaccia, a rustic beauty, that added charm and crunch to the well-rounded appetizer. We adored the crust and bouncy texture of the moist dough, which was absolutely delicious on its own.

veal tartare
Veal tartare came to our table in a company of the sourdough potato focaccia.

Can you imagine crispy focaccia with the veal carpaccio, crunchy celery, quickly pickled radish, and rocket trio? It is exactly what it sounds, delicious.

veal tatar
Veal & Rocket

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Chicken Ragu & Spaetzle

The scent of cooked cucumbers feels like a promise of summertime comfort food to us. Once we tasted it, we started appreciating the individual taste of the various tender young vegetables and the soft dumpling-like noodles. Sometimes we added some aged cream cheese, for a cooling turn. The hidden star in the ragu and spaetzle dough were different parts of the wild garlic. Indeed, this humble-looking dish exceeded our expectations and supplied each spoon with creamy deliciousness.

chicken ragu with summer vegetables
Chicken Ragu & Spaetzle

Trout & Pea

While Ian strived for a photo of” action at the table”, I adored the vibrant green color of the pored gravy. Witnessing the changing surface of the seasoned buttermilk with dill oil, indeed added the mesmeric effect. Besides the invigorating “green milk” we got pea puree and a few young raw peas as a green part of the plate. Earthy tones were covered by the button mushroom carpaccio and slightly smoky mushroom puree next to the key factor. The dimmed spotlight was left to the juicy trout, fried in the crisp sourdough tempura. 

fried trout in tempura
Trout & Pea

Pig & Tubers

Our nose got excited by the aroma of pickled elderflowers and baked pork. To be more specific about the pork, this was the Slovenian native Blackbelted pig, praised for its fatty parts. Therefore, the bulky piece of fat is a must, leaving behind tasty bits of gently smoked meat. Sides were upgraded traditional dishes, each with a task.

Galerija Okusov main dish
Pig & Tubers

Caramelized potato pavé soaked up the gravy and smooth spinach puree while supplying salt. Pickled young onion took care of the crunchy refreshment, and mustard seeds in sour cream connect all the flavors. 

Blackbelted pig
Slovenian native Black Belted pig, is praised for its tender, juicy and aromatic meat.

Strawberries & Asparagus 

The dessert unfolded around the strawberries, prepared in three ways. The leading role had the smooth strawberry ice cream, under which was strawberry reduction and chopped fresh strawberries. Surrounding it were the broken pieces of meringue, under which was a thick cream. The gentle tasting asparagus cream was lusciously delicate with a hint of bitterness. 

Michelin guide Slovenia
Strawberry trio with asparagus cream and meringue.
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Final Thought

Galerija Okusov can be translated as “Gallery of Flavors”. Looks like artists here know which flavors go well together and how to make masterpieces. Galerija Okusov certainly is a venue for all gourmands and travelers who are eager for Slovenian flavors in a contemporary look. We simply love their sustainable approach and creativity. However, we did miss some creativity in their presentation.

Galerija Okusov dessert
Strawberries & Asparagus

Galerija Okusov Review Card

  • 9.4/10
    ATMOSPHERE – 9.4/10
  • 9.5/10
    SERVICE – 9.5/10
  • 8.9/10
    PRESENTATION – 8.9/10
  • 9.5/10
    FOOD – 9.5/10
  • 9.8/10
    DRINKS – 9.8/10
  • 9.2/10
    VALUE – 9.2/10
9.4/10

Price and Location

5-course menu will set you for about 50 USD. Here is a link to the location for easier navigation. Enjoy!

RestaurantreviewSlovenia
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Vivi
A culinary enthusiast who is prone to writing. She loves discovering new flavors, spiced with cultural differences. The fear of the unknown does not stop her exploring and learning new things.

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