Discover the flavors of Izola through the iconic Izolanka and the vibrant Café Pri Ekremu
When you visit the charming coastal town of Izola, there's one sweet treat you absolutely cannot miss: the Izolanka. This special cake, born from the heart of Izola in 2011, has become the symbol of the town's culinary spirit. In this blog post, we'll take you on a delicious journey through its origins and the vibrant café where it all began—Café Pri Ekremu.
Get ready to uncover the secrets behind the creation of the Izolanka and why it is the perfect representation of Izola's flavors, tradition, and innovation.
Izolanka: A Cake with a Story to Tell
Imagine the sun-kissed shores of Izola, the sea breeze swirling through the air, and the promise of something sweet lingering in the wind. It was here, at the Café Pri Ekremu, that the Izolanka was born in 2011. The cake is a delicate blend of soft sponge, rich vanilla cream, dark chocolate, and crunchy walnuts, with a refreshing hint of orange.
Together, these ingredients mirror the elements of Izola—sea, sun, and wind—inviting anyone who tastes it to return for more.
But there’s more to the Izolanka than just its incredible flavor. The cake’s name was chosen by the children of Izola, who were asked to find a name that was sweet, neat, juicy, and just a little bit crazy. And they nailed it.
Izolanka is a dessert that embodies all of these qualities, ready to be served to anyone looking for a taste of Izola’s sweetness.
Café Pri Ekremu: A Legacy of Innovation and Tradition
The story of Café Pri Ekremu goes beyond the creation of the beloved Izolanka. This café, an institution in Izola, has a history dating back to 1952 when the family of Ajhan Saliji, the current manager, moved to the region from Macedonia.
Starting with a small ice cream parlor in Izola’s town center, the family moved to the Sončno nabrežje area in 1964, where the café is still located today. The café has seen generations of the Saliji family working together to build a space that blends tradition with modernity, with a focus on healthy, local ingredients and sustainability.
In recent years, the café underwent a major renovation, breathing new life into the space. The changes were not just aesthetic; they included the addition of a small boutique hotel, perfect for tourists seeking comfort and convenience in Izola.
The café now features a fresh ambiance, inviting locals and visitors alike to experience the best of Izola, whether it's a coffee, a delicious dessert, or a healthy breakfast made with seasonal ingredients.
The Evolution of Ice Cream and Desserts at Café Pri Ekremu
Under the guidance of the third-generation Saliji family, the café has made strides in offering more than just traditional desserts. Over the last decade, the café has worked closely with both Italian and local experts to create a line of desserts and ice creams that focus on natural ingredients, good texture, and vibrant flavors.
Ajhan’s passion for healthy, clean desserts took off after he met an Italian technologist, who helped him rethink the café's approach to desserts. This experience led him to discover his true mission: to sell desserts and ice cream that are healthy and made with the finest ingredients.
As for the most popular offerings at the café? The Izolanka remains the top choice among customers, closely followed by the pistachio cake and the ever-popular pistachio extreme ice cream. And whether you’re after a sweet treat or a refreshing scoop, you’ll find that Café Pri Ekremu’s offerings are always made with love and a focus on health.
A Cake that Represents Izola’s Heritage
Izolanka is not just a cake; it is a representation of Izola itself. Created with the help of local primary schools and the Tourist Board of Izola, the Izolanka was designed to be Izola’s answer to Bled’s famous cream cake, kremšnita. The cake consists of layers of white and dark sponge cake, made with walnuts, and a luscious natural vanilla cream.
The subtle addition of fresh orange juice gives it a lightness and refreshment that mirrors the sunny climate of Izola. It is a dessert that tells the story of Izola’s people, its flavors, and its traditions.
Sustainability and Innovation at Café Pri Ekremu
Café Pri Ekremu has always been at the forefront of sustainability, with a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Before even opening their boutique hotel, the family sought Green Key certification, which recognizes businesses committed to reducing their environmental impact. They also plan to apply for the Green Cuisine label, and they’re constantly innovating in the kitchen by introducing new dessert offerings.
The family works hard to stay in tune with customer preferences, especially with the growing demand for vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options. In fact, 40% of the café's ice cream sales now come from vegan variants, and the dessert menu has expanded to include more choices for those with dietary restrictions.
The Future of Café Pri Ekremu: More Than Just Ice Cream
Looking to the future, the Saliji family has big plans. They aim to continue expanding their offerings, with a focus on local farms and sustainable practices. There are also plans to increase their presence on social media, helping to share the café’s story with a wider audience.
And if you’re a fan of breakfast or brunch, you’re in luck—Café Pri Ekremu now serves fresh, seasonal breakfasts and brunches daily, made with the finest local ingredients. They’ve even added non-alcoholic cocktails and flavored lemonades to the menu, with plans to introduce flavored hot chocolates in winter.
Visit Café Pri Ekremu and Experience Izola’s Sweetest Side
Café Pri Ekremu is more than just a café; it is a place where history, tradition, and innovation meet. Whether you’re enjoying a slice of Izolanka or savoring a scoop of pistachio ice cream, you’ll find that every bite is a reflection of Izola’s vibrant culture and warm hospitality.
So why wait? Make sure to stop by Café Pri Ekremu to indulge in a truly unique culinary experience.
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