On this episode, Ragnar speaks with Ana Roš, a self-taught chef from Slovenia who helms the kitchens at Hiša Franko, a world-renowned three-star Michelin restaurant in the Soča Valley. Ana’s path to the kitchen was anything but traditional; a former competitive alpine skier and diplomacy student, she pivoted to gastronomy out of love, eventually being named the World’s Best Female Chef in 2017. Her journey reached a global audience when she was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, an appearance that served as a catalyst for her career and helped transform her remote restaurant into a world-class destination.
Ana’s culinary identity is deeply rooted in the nature of her surroundings, where she transforms foraged ingredients and traditional Slovenian products into incredible tasting experiences. Beyond the fine dining of Hiša Franko, Ana is a prolific entrepreneur, recently launching the casual dining concept Jaz and Ana Roš Drinks, a line of innovative, ready-to-serve cocktails. Tune in to hear Ana’s inspiring story of building a global gastronomic legacy and discover her philosophy on staying true to one’s creative spirit on Episode 145: Slovenian Terroir and Culinary Identity with Chef Ana Roš.
Tune in and LEARN:
- Building a Destination Through Identity: Discover how Ana Roš created a world-class culinary destination in a remote valley by connecting with the local community and using unique ingredients to craft a singular storytelling experience.
- The Power of Local Sourcing: Learn why Ana views local sourcing as a commitment to the legacy and the future, ensuring small farms survive by relying on traditional, local products and acting as a global ambassador for Slovenian flavors.
- Innovation Beyond the Kitchen: Explore Ana’s creative expansions, including her casual restaurant concept Jaz, her late-night sessions developing cocktails and her upcoming autobiographical fiction book.
Resources
“I want people to remember what they they had—not just, ‘Oh, do you remember that dish? Maybe yes, maybe not.’ No, you have to remember it. It’s important.”
The Growing World of Ana Roš
Ana Roš’s entrepreneurial spirit extends far beyond the walls of a single kitchen, reflecting a commitment to bringing the unique flavors of Slovenia to diverse audiences. From the remote Alpine landscape of the Soča Valley to urban centers like Ljubljana and coastal Istria, her ventures prioritize seasonal sourcing, unique flavors, and supporting local community. Whether she is mentoring a team of 40 at her three-star flagship or hand-harvesting bay leaves at 2:00 AM for her beverage line, Roš’s businesses are a testament to her belief that a chef’s identity should be felt in every detail.
Ana Roš Drinks: An innovative line of ready-to-serve cocktails and herbal drinks, such as mountain-herb cola and no-sugar-added Negronis, inspired by the Slovenian terroir.
Hiša Franko: A world-renowned, three-star Michelin destination in the Soča Valley that transforms foraged ingredients and traditional Slovenian products into a sophisticated storytelling experience.
Jaz by Ana Roš: A vibrant, casual dining concept centered on a seasonal sharing menu designed to offer a relaxed yet high-quality young dining experience.
Watch the episode:
Acknowledgments
Special thanks to Chef Ana for joining us.
World on a Plate is supported by Nestlé Professional and Electrolux Food Foundation.
Explore all episodes at https://worldchefs.org/podcasts/
