Ristornate Bosket, Rovinj, Croatia

Rovinj, Croatia

The owner of our little B&B on the outskirts of Rovinj handed me a card. "Ristornante Bosket" it said, the an address and phone number printed below. "Best in Istria," he told us. 

Little did we know what a treat it would be. Our waitress, Ratka, a refugee from Bosnia we learned later, was so helpful. As vegetarians visiting a seaside town, it can sometimes be difficult to find a place that will accommodate us. But Ratka spoke to the chef and he made us an amazing plate of grilled vegetables with greens and cheese and bread and olive oil. 

Part of our feast at Ristorante Bosket

I asked Ratka if the produce was local. She looked surprised and said "Yes, from 100 meters." She pointed to the direction of the farm or garden where the veggies had been harvested. Then, I asked about the wine. She pointed another direction. "500 meters."

 I loved her answer so much that I used it (taking some creative license in the process) for my novel Truffle Hunt.

There is no such thing as a “Local Food Movement” in Istria.  Just food.  Go into a restaurant and ask where the eggplant was sourced, and you’ll get a blank stare.

“From the garden,” or “From my family’s farm,” are the likely answers.

“Is the wine local?”

“From 500 meters.  That way,” the waitress will point.

“I’m sorry, I only drink wine from 100 meters.”

At the end of the evening, we paid our check and headed home. Ratka called us back as we were halfway down the driveway shouting "Stop! Nice people!" She was waving and holding something in her hand.

Ratka gave us two clementines, which symbolize good luck, and sent us on our way. I don't have to tell you, we were very touched.

The next night we returned to Ristorante Bosket for another unforgettable meal. Ratka was just getting off her shift as we finished up, so we walked her home. That's when she told us about leaving Bosnia and working hard in Croatia with her husband to make a new life for their son. 

That was in 2011. I hope Ratka and her family are doing well today, wherever they have made their life.
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