One Night Only: Celebrated chef Doug Katz at LD Terrace

If the recent flood of pop-up restaurants has taught us anything, it’s that there’s something particularly seductive about a dining experience that may not be available again next month, next week, or even tomorrow. They remind us to grab life by the horns and enjoy the pleasures available to us while we can, because let’s face it, sometimes we all need the little push that a time limit imposes to get off our comfy sofas and out into what the world has to offer.

Similar to the allure of the pop-up restaurant is the allure of the guest chef, who can transform a familiar restaurant, and whose residencies are always as short-lived, and as talked about afterwards. The shortest and most exciting of these is, of course, the one night engagement, and White Line Hotels edit Lesic Demitri Palace is offering one of these not-to-be-missed culinary events on the 25^th of July with Doug Katz of Fire Food and Drink, repeatedly awarded as one of America’s best restaurants.

Katz’s philosophy of ”Simple food, sustainable practices, igniting the community” should be right at home at LD Terrace. Check out the menu and find out how to make reservations for the 2 sittings here, but be warned, you might find yourself booking a last minute trip to Korcula.

One more reason to head to Croatia

It’s not that I really think that you need to be convinced to go to the Croatian island of Korčula, surely you’ve been hearing about just how amazing Croatia is for years. Crystal clear water, a laid-back Adriatic atmosphere and food, wine and music that those beach spots on the other side of Italy can’t compete with.

You can start planning your trip now to get a taste of old Korčula when they celebrate the 15^th Marco Polo Fest at the end of July. Officially called the “International Marco Polo Festival of Song and Wine” the celebrations will welcome you as an honorary Korčulian for the weekend. Recognized as the only festival of traditional, international and local music in Croatia, it also takes place on what is acknowledged to be one of the most beautiful of Croatia’s 1000 islands. The event being celebrated is supposedly the return of Marco Polo to the island 700 years before, but really it just seems like a good reason to spill into the streets, singing, dancing and soaking up local culture.

Korčula is where the Greeks came to relax over 2,000 years ago, pretty impressive considering the beauty of Mykonos, Skiathos and Santorini. Whether you’re escaping to the charming medieval town for the wine, weather or cuisine, White Line Hotels can’t say enough about our edit Lešić Dimitri Palace. The beautifully restored 18^th century Bishops palace is just steps from the sea, so very truly local you’ll feel like you’re at home.

Photos from www.korculainfo.com

Korčula – On Your Mark!

Have you ever seen the workout schedule for a triathlete? If not, rest assured it’s intense hours of dedicated training every single day. That said, it’s an exceptionally rewarding sport, even more so when you consider some of the stunning locations of the triathlons.

That’s why we want to introduce you to the Marco Polo Challenge in Korčula on April 30th. Professional and non-professional competitors over 16 (there’s a special series of events for triathletes under the age of 15) will line up to swim 750m, bike 20 km, and run 5 km. What makes it original are the completely unique and stunning Adriatic locations. Pine forests, the historic city centre, and the deep clear waters of the sea will be the backdrop to the spirited, buff and brave athletes.

For non-athletes many events, beyond just enjoying the landscape are taking place, including a talk with Croatian Stipe Bozic. If you haven’t heard of him, prepare to feel a twinge of jealousy. He’s climbed the seven summits twice (yes, Everest too), skied the North Pole, and recently crossed the world’s 7 deserts. Don’t pass up the hike and BBQ on Mount Ilija on the Peljesac peninsula or the chance to sample truffles and regional wines.

If you’re not quite ready to take on the challenges of a triathlon alone, teams are welcome to enter. The Marco Polo Challenge is working with three major charities: heart foundation Korculansko Peljesko Srce, poverty fighters Action Aid, and project funders the Dallaglio Foundation, so you can feel good about more than just your athletic prowess.

You can contact the Lesic Dimitri Palace, as chosen by the White Line Hotels crew, directly about the triathlon. It’s in the centre of the old town, putting you right on the path of the runners, and only minutes from the race start. Hint: They’ve got a special offer going for 3, 5, and 7 night stays.

www.marcopolochallenge.com

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Categories: Korcula – Croatia, Culture

Contributing writer: Alicia Reuter

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