Favourite Bakery- PanExpert

PanExpert is our favourite bakery in Podgorica. They have delicious croissants, and their bread and rolls are also very tasty. If you want to treat yourself, try the yummy doughnuts (or the danish pastry). The bigger doughnuts are filled with a smooth vanilla cream, and the smaller ones are too cute, so conclusion is: both a must-have! 

PanExpert is located in Bulevar Džordža Vašingtona. Two more locations have just opened, one in the city centre of Podgorica and one in Budva. Rumour has it PanExpert will share their delicious treats across Montenegro. Next time we go there we will capture a photo of the sweet and delicious doughnuts to show to you. So, what is your favourite bakery or treat of the day?

Lovely Seasonal Fruits

When it comes to buying fruits and vegetables in Podgorica, you can easily run into trouble. If you have the perfect lunch or dinner planned in your head, it does not necessarily mean that you will be able to find all ingredients in the supermarket. First of all, you will have more luck going to the local markets for nicer fruits and vegetables. But second, it all depends on the S.E.A.S.O.N. So, season is the keyword. That means that when there is the season for watermelon, there is watermelon to be found everywhere. But you may not be able to find those other much needed fruits or vegetables (and please don't get us started on the herbs; another blog-post) for your fancy (or usually in my case: not so fancy) recipes.. 

But, on the other hand, if you learn to plan according to season, you will get the most DELICIOUS sun-ripened fruits and vegetables you have ever tasted. And best of all, they are as organic as they can possibly be, as they are most likely grown at your neighbors fruit/vegetable-patch. 

Right now we are very excited that the season for pomegranate and mandarins have started. Look at these lovely ready-to-eat fruits that we found on the market yesterday, yummy! They are great to use both in salads and to eat as a snack. 

We can also suggest Nigella Lawson's Pomegranate Ice Cream.  You can find the recipe here 

Do you have any recipes to share, using pomegranate or mandarins?

Ziya

With influences from Turkey, Austria and other Balkan countries Montenegro has a rich tradition of food. Great care is taken when creating each dish and the locals do not seem to have much need for new or different cuisine. Therefore the options for international food has been slow to develop in Montenegro. 

For those of us who desire some alternative options now and then – we can recommend a new restaurant in the middle of Podgorica. Ziya, a boutique hotel appeared in the spring of 2012. It’s restaurant serves up a North African and Middle Eastern fusion, which is quite tasty and dishes are great for sharing. We can recommend their baba ganoush, falafels and pistachio crusted beef tenderloin. Actually, everything we have tried this far is a welcome treat for this region. 

We suggest you sit in in their quiet patio for a meal or just a drink to relax! There is an inside dining room, which is nicely decorated though doubles as the breakfast buffet for morning meals. It would be nice if they could hide the buffet tables during the evening. In visiting Zija every chance we get we have always had friendly and excellent service. 

Be sure to say hi to chef Muammar.