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<\/p>\nI first visited Slovenia in 2018, and I still vividly recall the crystalline streams that meandered through the valley, leaving an indelible impression. Seven years later, I returned, this time driving from Udine, Italy. In less than an hour, we found ourselves once again at Hi\u0161a Franko.<\/p>\n
What, then, is the essence of Slovenian cuisine? Nestled in the heart of Europe, Slovenia shares borders with Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia. Due to its geographic position, the country's cuisine reflects a harmonious blend of flavors from its neighboring nations, particularly Italy.<\/p>\n
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Over the years, Hi\u0161a Franko has undergone notable transformations. What transpired before and after the pandemic? Ana Ro\u0161 candidly explains that the pandemic changed everything for everyone. During the two years the restaurant was closed, neither she nor her team could foresee what the future would hold. In that period, the restaurant was open for just two months. For the rest of the time, Ana and her team had to figure out how to survive.<\/p>\n
She openly acknowledges that the most profound change at Hi\u0161a Franko began around 2017-2018, particularly after the Netflix series aired and she was named Best Female Chef. This brought immense pressure from both the media and customers, requiring the restaurant to adopt a more structured approach. Prior to this, Ana was the central figure, controlling every aspect. But as things evolved, she realized the need to delegate responsibilities and build a team she could wholly trust. She regards this shift as the most significant change since 2017.<\/p>\n