In the last few years Split turned into one of the most interesting gastronomy destinations in Croatia, with opening of some of the finest new restaurants in this country. And they surely are close to be peaks of Croatian cuisine today. Some of them were recognized in international media, too. For example Andrew Zimmern filmed one of his show Bizarre Foods episode in Villa Spiza and same TV star chef also visited some other spots, like NoStress. Uje Oil Bar was featured in The New York Times, and TimeOut praised ma:Toni or Mazzgoon. Further, Paradox Wine & Cheese Bar got some nice kudos in The Boston Globe, and its sister restaurant Paradigma is usually featured as one of the leaders of new Croatian cuisine. There are many others, too, let's not forget Augubio, Zrno soli, Kadena, Corto Maltese, Grašo, taverns Hvaranin and Matejuška, etc. This issue deserves a separate blog, mostly written with names listing.

However, Split is also a home of an organization whose goal is to preserve, promote and develop Dalmatian and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as education of new chefs aiming to keep local traditions alive, enriched with a creative approach. This tradition is big and important. After all, Croatia with its Mediterranean regions is one of seven countries participating in protection of Mediterranean diet, which is part of UNESCO's intangible world heritage list. Organization's name is Association of Chefs from Mediterranean and European Regions (ACMER), and its members are some of the most awarded Croatian chefs, but also their international colleagues.

Besides all those great goals, ACMER also offers - among other programs - opportunity which is much more than just consuming Dalmatian dishes. In short, ACMER's chefs will teach you how to cook some of them, in a program called Split Cooking Class. This program definitely isn't the only one of this kind in Dalmatia or Croatia, but it gives you great opportunity to work with top chefs from buying food to serving dishes.

Split Cooking Class starts with a tour of green market and fish market in Split, where guests will learn everything one need to know about these important spots of Split urban spirit. Also, they will learn what and how to buy, according to their taste and wishes. After this unusual culinary tour of the Split's historical centre, next station is ACMER's Cooking Academy in Spinut neighbourhood. There, they will learn how to put all those ingredients they brought together in the best possible combination of tastes, according to local tradition.

Happy cooking and bon appetite!