HOW GUESTS ARE WELCOMED IN GRADIŠKA: A FULL TABLE, GOOD STORIES AND ROKI AT THE GATE

At Zoran Vasić’s ranch in Kozinci near Gradiška, guests are welcomed the traditional Krajina way – with a full table, homemade specialties and plenty of good humor.

PHOTO: Alo online

The star of the feast is Sava River fish prepared in a dagara, a traditional cooking pan, and fried in hot Mangalica pork fat. While the fish is cooking, guests enjoy Mangalica bacon, ajvar with horseradish, fresh tomatoes and onions, and homemade rakija.

“We have Sava fish prepared in a dagara, along with Mangalica bacon, ajvar, vegetables and homemade rakija that ‘speaks sixteen languages’,” Vasić told Aloonline.

To finish the meal, homemade meadow and forest honey is served.

And before reaching the table, every guest must first pass one important “security check” – Roki, the ranch’s loyal four-legged guardian, is waiting at the gate.