I’ve been living in Slovenia for 18 years now and during that time I’ve visited the village of Begunje na Gorenjskem, just a few kilometres from where I live in Radovljica, hundreds of times, mainly because it’s a great place to start various hikes in the Karavanke mountains.

I’ve also visited and blogged about many of the attractions and sights of interest in the village, such as the hike up to St. Peter’s church and on to Smokuški vrh; hiking and cycling in the Draga Valley; the Museum of Hostages in Katzenstein Mansion; the Elan Alpine Ski Museum…

I’ve never, until last week that is, been for a meal at the Pri Jožovcu Avsenik Inn and Restaurant, which is part of the Avsenik complex – concert hall, guest accommodation, restaurant, bar – renowned for its highly popular Oberkrainer music, which still lives on today through younger generations of the Avsenik family.

To be honest, I was under the impression that Avsenik is so popular due to its music that its food isn’t so important; more of just an added extra. Well, I stand to be corrected. We were both very pleasantly surprised at the excellent standard of the food and service on our visit last week, and even more pleasantly surprised that they cater so well for those of us who need gluten-free food (in our case due to us both having coeliac disease). The waiter was very knowledgeable about what we could and couldn’t eat, took time to explain how they prepare the food, and reassured us that we were in good hands.

We started with delicious mushroom soup, made using mushrooms from the surrounding hills and mountain pastures.

For main course we chose two dishes that we could share; we always do that as it means we get the best of both worlds!

Calves’ liver and roast potatoes; the former was so tender it melted in the mouth.

Shepherds’ lunch is a hearty dishes consisting of pork fillet fried with onions, potatoes, and cabbage salad with bacon.

After our meal we took time to have a nose around the interior and exterior of the complex.

We weren’t able to visit the Avsenik Museum, as it was closed during our visit; for fans of Avsenik music a visit to the museum is a ‘must’.

Outside, there’s a small play area for children too.

This year the highly popular Avsenik Festival will take place from 28th to 30th August. More than 20 national and international ensembles play concerts in the marquee over the three-day event. The festival sells out very quickly so, if you’d like to go, be sure to buy your tickets online soon!

Until next time…

© Adele in Slovenia