Off the Beaten Path (2015 - 2026)

Ivana from Lamač has been living with her family in the coastal town of Rovinj for sixteen years. Her husband Paolo, a Croatian of Italian origin, now speaks fluent Slovak thanks to her. Together, they guide us through Istria, revealing a side of the region few get to see. Have you ever gone truffle hunting? Did you know that lavender is one of Istria’s symbols, and that some of the world’s finest olive oils are produced right here? Join us as we explore the flavours, traditions, and hidden gems of this beautiful Mediterranean region.

In the third episode, we will visit the magnificent city of Shanghai in China. We will personally meet the Suchánek couple (Michal and Zuzana), who have been living there for four years and are successfully working in their field—architecture. Together, they will show us the modern metropolis of China and introduce us to local gastronomic highlights. Thanks to their conversational Chinese, we will experience authentic situations in shops and restaurants. As respected architects, they will talk not only about food but also about their impressions of the city and will show us two interesting interiors of unique restaurants. In addition to Shanghai cuisine, we will also taste a Chinese recipe from a dormitory kitchen prepared by their good neighbor, as well as southern Chinese cuisine, which is similar to Arabic food. There is much to look forward to, as we will truly discover something unknown to us—we will discover what the world tastes like on a plate.

Episode details not available.

The mysterious Ketrin can calmly and proudly say that she has been living for quite a few years in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The island of Thasos is an accessible holiday paradise even for us Slovaks. Our kind and highly knowledgeable guide will not only show us the usual tourist spots such as ancient landmarks, charming villages, beautiful bays, and pebble beaches, but will also reveal things we had never even heard of. Do you know what milk thistle and St. John’s wort can be used for? Do you know how to protect your garden from slug invasions? Do you know how to process an octopus after catching it so that it can later be easily prepared for consumption? If you are interested in the correct answers to these questions, you are warmly invited to watch the documentary film from our brand-new premiere series Cestou necestou.

In the global metropolis of Hong Kong, we will be guided by Marek, a Slovak bartender who has been awarded prestigious international prizes. He works at a renowned local restaurant honored with Michelin stars. Together with his local friend, who has an excellent knowledge of the city, he will take us through the bustling metropolis. We will visit secret bars accessible only to selected guests. The next day, we will escape the incredible hustle and bustle of the super-city and head to a fishing village on a magical island, where we will taste excellent Chinese dumplings, dim sum, in both traditional and modern forms. See for yourself just how exceptionally the world tastes on a Hong Kong plate.

Fiery Lucia, who speaks six world languages and overflows with energy and vast knowledge, will take us on a grand tour of the miraculous city of Lisbon and its surroundings. It will be a gastronomic—insanely delicious—experiential ride, as our guide is the embodiment of a true global foodie and seems to be eating nonstop, even in her sleep. Her life revolves around good food and good people. You will see places that are an absolute must when visiting Portugal. Gastronomically fanatical Lisbon—as we like to call it—will take your breath away. No, don’t travel just yet! Feel free to watch this episode of the documentary series Cestou necestou all the way to the end, and only then start looking for an affordable flight. We ask just one small thing of you: please send our regards to Lucia, who truly knows what the world tastes like on a plate.

The likeable couple Martin and Petra, who fell in love with the French Riviera 16 years ago and now live in Monaco, will introduce us to the flavors and aromas of this magical corner of Europe. In a region of excellent wine and a wide variety of dishes, we will, for example, make rose-based sweets, dine, and feast in Monte Carlo. There is probably no doubt anywhere in the world about the excellence of French cuisine. And you will see for yourselves how perfectly the French know how to enjoy good food in our unique documentary Cestou necestou. It is no surprise that our guide couple found their second home in Monaco—thanks in no small part to its outstanding cuisine.

In the country and city-state of Singapore lives our Maria, who, together with her husband and their eight-year-old daughter, has found a temporary nest of happiness here. Maria will introduce us to the tasteful luxury of this cleanest city in the world. We will visit an architectural masterpiece—the highest infinity pool in the world—and meet Singapore’s most famous chef, who will prepare for us the most expensive yet truly unique tasting menu. During a walk through both the Chinese and Arab quarters of this multicultural metropolis, we will also step into a paradise for lovers of the world’s finest teas.

The likeable Rastislav has a mother from Madrid, but years ago his heart remained in the green region of the Basque Country. In a land with what is considered the best Spanish cuisine, we will personally experience how apple cider, sidra, is poured from two meters directly into a glass—traditionally enjoyed with an amazing four-centimeter-thick steak. We will show that Spanish tapas are merely a playful kindergarten version compared to Basque pintxos, and we will unexpectedly drop in on the crew of a fishing boat right in the middle of their lunch. Be assured that seasoned Basque fishermen truly know what the world tastes like on a plate—something our Rasťo experienced firsthand.

We will visit the province of Kedah and its surroundings. The guide of this episode will be 50-year-old Peter, who works as a manager at a tire factory in the city of Alor Setar. We will visit restaurants that tourists have never been to before. We will attend a Malaysian wedding, and Peter will even be taught how to cook in his own home by a young Muslim chef whose coconut trees grow right in her garden. Featuring: Peter Suri.

The versatile Nataly has been living for years in beautiful Italy, specifically in Sicily. She will introduce us to the fairytale town of Trapani and its stunning surroundings. Today, we will take a boat to the romantic island of Marettimo, where we will meet chef Giovanni, who has taught even Jamie Oliver and will lovingly prepare a local specialty for us. We will visit a hidden bakery specializing in meter-long pizza and taste authentic Italian gelato made by a true local “mafia” character. Of course, we must not miss the daytime and nighttime culinary specialties of Palermo. This is truly a real, Italian, and temperamental world on a plate.

Episode details not available.

Katarína, a promising actress and model, lives and works in the city of Bangkok. Today, this charming lady will show us, among other highlights, the largest market in the world, dining spots for hungry locals, and typical Thai lunches served to go. She will take us through the city’s attractive canals and—believe it or not—we will visit a cooking school, where we will learn how to prepare traditional, spicy dishes. Katarína will show us the world on a plate in all its glory.

At the conclusion of our spectacular documentary series Cestou necestou, we will be joined by the wise guide Zuzana, who loves a hardworking young man from Rome and firmly believes that one day she will become a true Roman woman. We could not have wished for a more beautiful way to end our journey through world cities than in the city of cities—eternal Rome. It is said that all roads lead to Rome, and legend has it that the city was founded in 753 BC by the brothers Romulus and Remus. With its founding, the history of the great Roman Empire begins. And today, our “great” Zuzana will reveal Rome to us as we have never known it before. So tell us—did you know that cornetto is not ice cream, that bread in Rome is baked with charcoal, and that instead of a cappuccino, locals order caffè? No? Then sit back and relax, and you will discover that even in Rome, they truly know what the world tastes like on a plate.