Jewels of Croatia - Istrian Adventure #2 - Motovun

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Motovun. Truffle center and home of the Film Festival. The Medival town built on the ruins of an ancient city named Castellieri. The town is situated on a hill with houses scattered all over.I always wondered why we have a ground plan of this town printed ona a 1o kn (kn-kuna-croatian curency) banknote.I understand now. Underneath the city flows river Mirna and on the other side of the river is the famous Motovun forest which is rich in white and black truffles.The surrounding area is also a nature reserve (Mirna Valley).You ever felt like you where in some kind of a fairy tale , like you where a time traveler who just went back in time ? This town has that feel to it.You can't go up by car, only the local residents and business owners are allowed to do that. There is a shuttle bus that takes you to the top, or you can choose to walk to the top. I would suggest walking to the top, it's only around 1 km long walk and the surrounding views are well worth it.

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Just imagining myself making a fire in this fireplace and grilling a hunk of meat while watching the scenery.

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After the hike up, we felt quite hungry so we decided to get some food in a nearby restaurant konoba Mondo. This restaurant is awesome. Food is simple but fresh and well prepared. If it weren't for the damn heat everything would be perfect.The Truffle force is strong in these parts. So guess what we ordered? The waiters first question was "are you gona eat a truffle or a noon truffle dish"?. When I asked why he explained that truffles and sun dont't like each other so if we are going to eat a truffle dish we must take a table in the shade.Like we where going to sit in the sun in this damn heat.

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As I was checking out the place found this article from New York Times framed and hanged on the door at the entrance.

Very nice review I might say. Also, I've found an old picture of the town inside. I'm a sucker for old photos.

House red wine (Teran)

Black olives and truffle spread with bread

Beef carpacio with truffles parmigiano reggiano ruccola and capers

Grilled beef tenderloin with roasted potatoes and Teran sauce

Grilled rack of lamb with polenta and Teran sauce

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I'm currently salivating watching the pictures of the food.Combined with the house wine it was perfection in making. The meat was melting in my mouth and Teran wine was complimenting the food in a way that man makes love to a woman. Just closed my eyes with every bite and wished the moment lasts forever.I didn't expect the food to be that good.It's always nice to be surprised like that.

With our stuffed beely's full of good food we did some more walking.
This is the entrance to the inner part of the city. We took a path to the right for the round tour of the city fortification

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Ended up on the main square near the entrance where we walked in.

After we saw what there was to see in Motovun we headed down. Decided that we gonna visit Zigante's truffle shop that is situated in Livade right across Motovun.

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If you have any advice or suggestions it will be greatly appreciated.

Hope you all are having a great day.

Cheers!