Hong Kong 2, Komenda, Slovenia

Hong Kong 2 - pretty big and nice Chinese place in Moste pri Komendi. Can serve big groups, food is very good and if you're going somewhere near there, it's worth a visit. It belongs to a chain of Chinese restaurants run by a same Chinese group.

Matevž Kregar - tech support team member for medical systems at Interexport, born and raised in Ljubljana, recently married, related to Rado Kregar - the architect, graduated IAM MPM in cooperation with Middlesex University, worked at iStore and Telekom, all family members are Apple fans, does not eat fish nor any other sea products, likes to cook, a lot, with her newly wed, recently received original KitchenAid, watches series and cooking shows such as Good Eats on watch-series.eu, does not read, started running in addition to regular Šmarna gora hikes, without limits he would be part of a global UX team making everyday experiences a whole lot better - not just apps. Influenced also by Mitja Mavsar recent lecture in Kiberpipa.   

Bangkokstreet, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Bangkokstreet - one of many places in food court of Citypark shopping centre. Destined to constant flow of potenital clients, but also a lot of competition close by. They try hard and deserve a visit or two. Shopping optional. InYourPocket Ljubljana describes it like this: "Settle into a table with views of an artfully-lit perforated metal structure just beyond the ceiling-high windows at the back of this stylish new eatery, and you just might be able to forget that you're staring at the façade of a parking garage from a shopping mall. While the food won't have you sprinting to the nearest telephone to call home and sing its praises, it's better than you might expect given the location and you'll be hard-pressed to find better value in terms of ethnic food - the portions are huge and there's also a relatively inexpensive all-you-can-eat buffet."

Staša Podgoršek - Small Business Manager at Microsoft, grew up in Mengeš, top grades and Zois grant winner, graduated at FDV in international relations, finished Cotrugli MBA, started as a hostess, climbed to sales management, worked as JEF volunteer, TEDx organizer, AmCham YP member, very experienced backpacker with Ghana, Togo, Nagorno- Karabakh and 43 other countries behind her, volley ball player and maniacal sushi maker since her trip to Japan. Without limits she would create Podgorsek Foundation, mimicking Gates Foundation and they would divide the market: you take polio, I take malaria. Done deal.

Reševalec Mile, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Reševalec Mile - ex-Little Italy, renovated by famous hairdresser-come-actor Rado Mulej. With the exception of the new host, not that much different. Without mandatory reservation, they were still willing to accept us. Reasonably OK, worth giving a try. And no website this time. 

Borut Jeglič - graduated economist with experience and skills, about to be snatched by a lucky company, born and raised in Ljubljana, mother-side grandpa was dean of EF, worked at Kibuba with Rok Stritar, introducing Rogelli brand, spent a semester in Finland with Erasmus exchange, currently on international business post-grad, entrepreneurship teaching assistant, mountain biker and serious sailor, joined Zavod Ypsilon as he knew co-founder Žiga, karate trainer at Slovan, listening to Jobs biography audio book by Walter Isaacson and Leadership Charisma by Deiric Mc Cann from Profiles International, recently delivered a TEDx talk and will one day through public speaking and lecturing raise level of entrepreneurship in Slovenia and on top also have a major impact on UX, not unlike Microsoft video at recent AISEC Youth to Business forum. UX entrepreneurship.

Euro gurman, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Euro gurman - a bit remote location, still considered in Ljubljana city, does not look very sophisticated, friendly staff, odd-ish website yet quite good food.

Aleš Gros - software specialist for system Z at IBM, lives in Stanežiče, knows Miran Tepeš, the ski-jumper, who lives in the hood, roots in Koroška and Prekmurje where grandfather Samec first started veterinary practice, FE graduate, worked for Smart Com and EMC, his daughter is a ski jumper and women ski jumping will be Olympic discipline in Sochi 2014, about to attend TEDx event with his son, used to mountaineer and rode mountain bike a lot, worked in UK when younger, as he is aware who gets to miss you the most when you're gone, even without any limitations his family would still be priority number one far above anything else. Family man in the most positive sense. 

Badges from TEDGlobal. Most applicable for TEDx organizers on the day of event :)

Angel, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Angel - by Kaval group, stylish, up-scaleish, a bit priceyish, full at business lunch time, worth a visit or two.

Vera Dobravec - event manager, connecting demand with supply in a broader sense, grew up in Miren, lived for a while in Madrid and Tenerife just because she liked it, studied at Turistica, worked at several companies starting with P, co-organized NPP 2010 and Projektno vodenje with Aleš Štempihar, organizes Optimum IT and Minimum IT conferences, when younger worked also on Arion cruiser, attended Top Talk and listened to Richard St. John, parallel reader recently opened Dumas' Camille and fell in love with Coellho in Fnac in Madrid, plays flute, chess and pool, fluent in Spanish, Italian and English, regular aperitivo goer on Saturdays as she lives in Trieste, attended TEDxTrieste where she listened to Ricardo Illy and will one day raise level of all SME IT and maybe also study psychology. Click. 

Angel in tucked away in Mercator shopping center. Not the best of the spots.

Maratonec, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Maratonec - not long after we have visited this particular place dressed up as Lotus Chinese restaurant with Martin Wirtz, Maratonec is back, where it once already was. For this occasion, Martin did "a bloglunch FORM" on me. It was an interesting experience.

Matej Golob - as joitted down about me over lunch by Martin, unedited:

"I have meet Matej Golob five or six times mainly through business. I have been lucky enough to be invited by Matej twice on a “blog lunch” and jolly nice they are too. It was after our last “blog lunch” that I realized that Matej was asking some fairly probing questions and gaining an insight into me – sneaky I though this will not do! So I decided to “turn the tables” on Matej and invite him to lunch so that his readers may also gain an insight. Matejs mother is from Maribor and his father is from Celje and he grew up in Menges. He regards himself as a true Stajerska with the long pockets and the very short arms. He is married to Petra and they have a 17 month old son called Tristen and they live in Siska. Matej seems to have a lot of close, not so close and positively distant “Golob” relatives he was telling me about a web site called geni.com – so far 800 Golobs. Matej would like to get a car full of Golobs and cross the border just to see passport controls reaction. While studding Matej worked at Allied Domecq and as a tourist guide – so a tourist guide and Allied Domecq ? umm I can see the connection. Guide me around the restaurants and wine cellars of Slovenia time certainly not wasted while studying! Having studied computer science and finishing his masters 10 years at IBM was next. Now Matej works for Interexport in charge of all things IBM. Matej has undertaken some long distance cycling! to Hungary, Germany – long distance I would not want to be his socks after such a journey ! Now he participates in marathons so needless to say the golf was to unchallenging walking after a small ball even with a handicap of 24. Submersible sailing seems to be new sport I had not heard of until Matej explained. The key is to get the deck line submerged and then try to sail – anywhere. Sounds like fun but I am not too sure it will catch on. “Users guide to the brain” is Matejs current reading and after several months still not finished. You might say the book has become a marathon to finish. It’s either a very thick book or ... Matej does not have the traits of a true Stajerska as he enjoys making someone happy by giving away things that have no worth to the Golob family by placing unwanted items on web sites - for free. He is even trying to “optimize” this, he sends an e-mail with a google map of directions where to pick the items up and places the items where they can be picked up without anyone being home. Matej is also a member of Kiva.org “giving the gift of giving” by helping 3^rd world enterprises. So, if you are fortunate enough to be invited on a blog lunch with Matej ask as few questions !"

Yes, Maratonec is back. For good? For better?

Na Brinju, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Na Brinju - "One of the capital's best known traditional Slovene restaurants, little has changed at this Ljubljana mainstay for well over half a century. Now in the third generation of the Marinčič family, Brinje has managed to maintain the air of an unassuming neighbourhood diner despite its popularity and clientele (many of the country's top power-brokers are regulars). Of course it helps to have had the same furniture for 50 years and the same cook for almost as long. The menu is quite extensive and changes seasonally, but year-round the house specialty remains obscenely large portions of high quality meat, followed by Solnograški žličniki - a one-of-a-kind dessert invented by the family matron." - by In Your Pocket Ljubljana

Matej Golob - photographer and photo blogger, born and raised in Ravne na Koroškem, graduated at VSŠR and now studying photography at VIST, worked briefly in Železarne Ravne, was saving and sold car to study in Ljubljana, long distance biker, around Slovenia in 11 days, biked through PL, CZ, SK and HU, recently returned from travel in India, reading The Art of Happiness and will one day change the mindset of masses to non-violent and fair society. Aum.

Valmarin, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Valmarin - "Venture into the oldest part of the old town to discover what is arguably the best seafood restaurant in Ljubljana. There's a lot to like about this charming family-run place, from the home-made bread and olive oil to the excellent service and selection of wines from smaller Slovene vineyards. However, it's the food that will have you recommending it to your friends the next day. Prizing quality, freshness and simplicity, ingredients are all sourced from small local producers, and the seafood is supplied daily by the restaurant's own two fishing boats in Koper. Definitely worth finding!" - by In Your Pocket Ljubljana

Kiki Omrzel - artist, professor, illustrator communicator, one of the most connected Slovenians on Linkedin, born in Bačka Palanka with roots from Montenegro, Slovenia, Germany and Ukraine, grew up in Novo Mesto, does not like Dolenjščina, has a bit of old Ljubljana accent from her grandma, Linkedin connectivity was a project, reading Ender's Game, is exploring life and will one day get deeper in advanced research while remaining an artist. Anything is allowed and one can be whatever in art.

Pri Poku, Brezovica, Slovenia

Pri Poku - "Serving travellers on the main road from Vienna to Trieste since the late 18th century, Pri Poku is one of the most storied accommodation options in or around Ljubljana - legend has it that Napoleon Bonaparte even spent the night here whilst visiting his recently acquired Illyrian provinces. While recent years have seen the place completely renovated and brought up to modern standards, the cosy rooms maintain a timeless traditional quality, and the premises also include a small conference centre, restaurant and wine cellar." - by In Your Pocket Ljubljana

Stane Moškon - Partner at OSIR, establishing member of Nuclear Power Generation Special Interest Group, one of the most connected Slovenians on Linkedin, Vrhnika native, AmCham Slovenia member, avid sailor, big game and deep sea fishing lover - soon to enjoy it in Maldives, mountaineer - at least 10 x over 2000m per year, discovered adventure travel with PZS, before arrival of Shappa like tours and will one day return soul and give new face to an old house near Vipava - while keeping strong ties with Nuclear community. Radiating peace. 

They sure do have a selection. Kudos to Pernod Ricard ex-Alied Domecq. Henry's team's legacy.

Element, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Element - was here before, will come again. Still recommended. Especially on sunny autumn days with chill out music on the terrace.

Igor Košir - CEO at Smart Com, the communications solutions company, born and raised in Gorica, MBA Radovljica graduate, worked for Collegium and Schneider Electric before Jože came on board, almost moved to Barcelona, two children, used to travel a lot before they arrived, NYC, California, Hawaii, Malawi, Tanzania, in Kenia robbed by Police, Thailand, now enjoys camping in Bale, is always on the lookout and knows good hidden restaurants, is reading Zero Base Pricing, mountain biker and skier like a true Slovenian, was KGŠ president once and will one day invest all his talent and energy in water management and treatment. Crystal clear. 

Restavracija Lev, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Restavracija Lev - top location, top hotel, top restaurant. With a blog talking about it.

Sanja Pahernik - a well known personal trainer and becoming a big nutritional expert starting with ISSA licence, Ljubljana native with not many with same last name, lived in Mallorca for a while, started her sports career in primary school with rhythmic gymnastics at Športno društvo Moste, later also at Kettlebells club, prefers functional training with body weight and free weights, sissy squat is good for upper front thighs, is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese partly due to Nacao Capoeira group, runs Maxxfit in cooperation with Gašper Grom's from MaXXimum brand, also used to be web developer, recently did 6 hour spinning marathon, is reading Laurie Ashner's book of too much love and would without limitation stay the course while sticking to her tattooed motto.

Even the spoons get special treatment at Lev restaurant. Plates never felt so cosy and green.

Kavalino, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Kavalino - "Hidden in a sloping cobblestone alleyway between Trubarjeva and the river, this quaint Italian restaurant specializes in Tuscan food. The first thing you see upon entering is a tasteful dining area with an indoor tree in the corner that rises up to a skylight. Further back there's a smaller dining area under a vaulted brick ceiling, and upstairs is a café. The service might not be the friendliest, but at least it’s efficient, and the varied and tasty lunch specials are downright cheap." - by In Your Pocket Ljubljana

Nina Irt - PR lady at AmCham Slovenia, lives in Kamnik, roots in Metlika, part of her wider family is in Jordan, she visited Amman and Aqaba several times, worked for Porsche Slovenija, Amrop, TV Paprika and Stane Grah's TV Pika where she had her own show Sanjska Poroka, working on Gozdna Učna Pot, reading Brian Greene and Stephen Hawking and will one day devote her energy into renewable resources and kids awareness about importance of nature, local food sourcing and medicine alternatives. A big package for a big person.

Picerija Savlje, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Picerija Savlje - one of those nothing special places. They serve decent food. And that's about it. Not missing much if you don't stop by.

Kristjan Stamatović - managing family logistics business ALFA SP, Šiška resident, Zois grant receiver as Zlati Maturant, graduated management at Warwick with post graduate at LSE with thesis on how distance effects pricing on Gorenje case, had one semester at Chicago Booth, worked for OneWorldWeek and Warwick Economics Summit, thus competing for attention with TEDxWarwick, was president at Gimnazija Bežigrad, travels less now, reading Scott Peck and will one day buy-out all corruption and buy-in top quality staff into school system. Top. 

Success recipes - featuring Kristjan.

Element, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Element - one of the latest editions to Kaval Group family. Very stylish, not too pricey. Recommended to try. And return often. And again.

Tomaž Erjavec - product manager for OTC at Medis, born and raised in Celje, worked as lifeguard in Portorož, ate pizzas all summer, did not gain weight and still loves them, now lives in Ljubljana, graduated at FM in Celje branch, worked for Danone, Bosch and Top Farm, active skydiver with 20+ jumps behind him - including one from helicopter, doing 21km half-marathons, is expecting his first son soon, reading BCG's On Strategy and will one day have unlimited subscription to Amazon books while having his own skydiving business. Flying Kindle.

Pirates of the CAR-ibbean. Unique. Fair winds and following seas.

Na Gradu, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Na Gradu - "Decidedly upmarket in appearance and service, the prices are surprisingly modest - especially given the truly unique location and dining experience that goes along with it. Na Gradu's award-winning chefs pride themselves on the expert preparation of Slovenia's diverse range of traditional dishes, which have been developed over the centuries in the country's 24 separate gastronomic regions, with nearly all of the ingredients being locally produced." - by In Your Pocket Ljubljana

Andreja Lajh - the networking lady, most connected Slovenian on Linkedin and Ecademy, born and raised in Maribor, where they used to be the only Lajh family, part of Krajnčič family, as ALU was not yet shaped up, she studied architecture, but refused to finish, landed her first designer job with Lek and won in direct competition with Janez Suhadolc - her professor, worked for Eurodesign, McCann, Imelda Ogilvy and Domina Grand Media where she had an interesting private jet experience with T-Com project, running her Carpe Diem enogastronomy networking events club, currently engaged in Koppert Cress tour through Italy, speaks Italian, English and German, hijacked an evening at Identitagolose with top brass cooks and wine makers, knows that food is the new rock and roll and will strive to raise the level of "fooding" in Slovenia, EU and everywhere else. Carpe diem. 

Alaya, Portorož, Slovenia

Alaya - the hottest summer night place in Portorož. A must visit during high season.

Andrej Korošec - born and raised in Gorica, works at family company Projektiva Gorica, does not like to be photographed while eating, reads Little Secret given by Dejan, is an avid football player, is a straight talker and will one day become premier. With a purpose.

Mojca Žagar - works for Abanka in marketing, born and raised in Celje, studied at EF, Masters degree from FDV, apprentice at Delo, worked also at MDDSZ, is very much into antique restoration, renovation and recylcling, is reading Samarkand by Maalouf and will one day launch Stara Roba Nova Raba type of professional business. Up-cycling is the word.

Much later in Ljubljana. Much true everywhere.

Konoba Stari Podrum, Momjan, Croatia

Konoba Stari Podrum - if you want to eat really good in Istria, that's the place to go. Magic summer evenings take place hear. Also great for a warm up dinner before a major birthday party. 40 is the number, Momjan is the direction. Totally recommended.

Boris Vukobrat - great restaurant and great food connoisseur, born in Kranj with international blood, father from Nakovo/Kikinda, mother from Zagreb, grandfather from Maribor, works at A Banka, sporstman, big on football and basket, loves Balkan beats and good eats, reads Osho's Tantra Sexuality and Sex and will one day have his own set of restaurants to challenge Michelin on number of stars. Bon apetit!

Lotus, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Lotus - former ćevapi grill place Maratonec succumbed to the effectiveness of nimble Chinese restaurants sprawling in the city. This one is a really nice one. Recommended. Come quickly before the word gets around and it will be crowded.

Martin Wirtz - knows his onions in direct marketing at his own company MSC Adriatics and also serves as Slovenian first CCO - Chief Ćevapi Officer at his Ćevapi club of Slovenia, born Londoner, mother line from Lithuania, but always stating that she's Prussian, father line from Switzerland, now living in Vodice in Slovenia, was using BANT 20 years ago at JBA, used to be Dragracer, Mini racer, know Slovenian drifter scene, owned a Carver 36 motorboat, read Jaws - the book, interested in 101 airborn easy company story, had to refurbish a Merlin engine while working for Rolls-Royce, know also the Polish heroic aspect of the Battle for Britain and will more and more give to people that are in need. Of everything. 

(Cross posted also on Splet Okusov.)

Jurman, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Jurman - "Located on the outskirts of town, this popular family-friendly gostilna packs in the locals with a menu that seems to have a bit of everything and a somewhat kitschy atmosphere that manages to include knights, a waterfall and an video arcade all under the same roof. The logo features a waiter sprinting hands full to someone's table, and true enough the waiters are hurrying around making sure everyone is seen to quickly whether they are inside or out near the children's play area. It's a good budget-conscious option and the food isn't half-bad either. They've also recently opened am adjacent bar that's already quite popular with the locals.", In Your Pocket, Ljubljana

Marko Mlakar - managing partner at Amrop Adria, the executive search agency, born and raised in Ljubljana, while strategically running the company, sometimes he also needs to fix the A/C in the office, tennis is his favourite sport by far and he's really good at it, he organized Lions Rotary golf tournament with a charity spin, Boot Camp and Kettlebells at Vigorground keep him extra fit, read Sheth's Clients for Life and Nikola Tesla's biography, was active basketball player for 10 years, surf's well, but not as good as Filo and will one day give all his best to the best in sport. Connection-wise.

Gostilna Čad, Ljubljana, Slovenia

Gostilna Čad - 120 years and counting just under Rožnik hill. Grill on! No additional comment will be given, you need to pay a visit or two yourself. Trust tens of thousands. 

Rok Rupnik - assistant professor at FRI, Ljubljana native, moved to Logatec, likes Koren estate in Žužemberg, on top of "raising" students also works on IT projects where FRI gets involved,  fond of real and model trains, read a book on German electric sort with all digital controls, with unlimited sources  he would put back order and values in University system in Ljubljana or better yet, introduce private ones to raise the level and expectations. Thumbs (and level) up!