VELVET DINNER AT THE OLDEST VINE

The Velvet Dinner impressed once again—for the fourth year in a row. While the first three editions were held outdoors among the vineyards, this year the long table moved to the area in front of the Old Vine on Lent, where more than 80 secondary‑school and college students pampered as many as 160 guests who enjoyed the culinary creations of young talents. At the event, held on 5 June, aspiring chefs and service professionals showcased their knowledge and skills under the guidance of renowned chefs:

Pija Frešer, a student of VSGT Maribor, created the first warm appetizer under the mentorship of Chef Janez Bratovž—a steamed trout and leek roll, elderflower consommé, and a smoked‑trout‑and‑elderflower sauce.
Žiga Salkič, a student of SŠGT Maribor, prepared the cold appetizer under the mentorship of Chef Rok Smonkar.
Young service talents, Eva Kositer (VSGT Maribor) and Gabrijel Majerhofer (SŠGT Maribor), ensured excellent service under the mentorship of Smiljan Benkovič, Tadej Ljubec, and Jernej Lubej.
Guests were also delighted by a warm appetizer prepared by Restaurant Sedem, led by Chef Sebastjan Plevčak.

The event is an outstanding example of collaboration between educational institutions and industry—bringing together young talents and established chefs.

We are proud that, together with the Maribor Tourist Board, the Secondary School of Hospitality and Tourism Maribor, and the company Factumevent, we have written another successful story and opened the door to new opportunities.