A Taste of Istrian Spring: Truffles, Wine & Seasonal Decadence
- Description
An Exclusive Istrian Truffle Dinner - A One-Night Culinary Experience Celebrating the Season's Finest
Step into a one-night-only culinary adventure that brings the heart of Istria, Croatia to Toronto—where fresh, forest-foraged truffles, exceptional seasonal ingredients, and the joy of gathering come together at a shared table.
Hosted by Truffle Expert Wanda Srdoc, this evening is a personal invitation to experience Istria not as a destination, but as a feeling—warm, abundant, and deeply welcoming. A region long admired not just for its ingredients, but for the generosity of its people and the way food is shared: openly, proudly, and always with more than enough at the table.
Often described as Tuscany's northern cousin, Istria is quietly one of Europe’s most extraordinary and gastronomic distinct regions. Its mineral-rich soil and unique climate produce award-winning olive oils, expressive wines, deeply flavoured indigenous meats like Boškarin, and an abundance of wild herbs, asparagus, mushrooms… and the prized truffles that define its forests.
Alongside Croatian Executive Chef, Petar Budisa —renowned for his extraordinary risotto—and his passion for Croatian cuisine, this multi-course Spring experience blends refined technique with regional dishes that showcase the finest of seasonal ingredients.
Limited seating. One shared table.
The Experience
There are dinners… and then there are evenings that linger long after the final course.
Watch a signature Carnaroli risotto come to life—prepared live and finished before you with freshly shaved Istrian Black Truffle.
Throughout the evening, truffles are thoughtfully woven in each course, alongside interactive moments such as assembling elevated ćevapi at the table -bringing a sense of connection and fun to the evening.
From your welcome Istrian spritz to the final sip of traditional honey liqueur, every detail reflects a style of entertaining that is elegant, generous, and designed to bring people together in an authentic and welcoming atmosphere.
A Glimpse of the Menu
Welcome Istrian Spritz
Warm Rosemary & Herb Focaccia — Served with whipped citrus ricotta and award-winning Istrian olive oil.
Elevated Ćevapi Sliders — Freshly grilled beef & lamb ćevapčići, bringing a sophisticated twist to classic Croatian street food.
Pesto Triestino Grilled Shrimp — Fresh, sea-to-table shrimp that captures the essence of coastal dining savoured along Istria's seaside towns.
Mediterranean Skewers — Locally sourced, seasonal grilled vegetables with a decadent truffle balsamic glaze.
*Main Course*
Teran-Braised Beef — Slow-braised beef in a rich, Teran-wine infused jus, served over creamy stone-milled polenta.
Accompanied by: Roasted Seasonal Vegetables, finished tableside with freshly shaved Istrian Black Truffles.
Dessert & Nightcap
Istrian Muscat — A perfectly sweet, aromatic liquid finale to pair with dessert.
BYOB or Optional Wine Pairing
Enhance your evening with a curated selection of regional wines, thoughtfully chosen to complement each course and reflect the character of Istria's terrior.
Full Pairing — $65 per guest
Three beautifully balanced pours accompanying the risotto, salad, and main course - designed to elevate the experience without overwhelming the palate.
Exclusively priced. Highly acclaimed regional wines from award-winning wineries.
BYOB – In addition to our wine pairing, we’re pleased to offer an optional BYOB (bring your own wine) option. Guests are welcome to bring their favourite bottles, with a flat corkage fee of $20 per evening, per group booking (whether one or multiple tickets), payable to your server (credit or cash).
To take advantage of this option, simply select “A Reserved Seat at the Istrian Table – $185
The Setting:
Tucked within the private event space at Summerhill Market, the evening unfolds around a single, elegantly styled shared table—bringing guests together in the spirit of an Istrian home. Refined yet relaxed. Elevated, yet inviting. Designed to be shared.
The Truffle Marketplace
As the evening concludes, you’ll be invited to explore a curated Truffle Marketplace, featuring exceptional products from Istria, including selections from Wanda’s family’s 5th-generation Pietro&Pietro collection.
**Event Details**
Summerhill Market Event Space
1054 Mount Pleasant Rd, Toronto
June 4
⏰ 7:00 PM – 10:30 PM
$185 per guest
Wine pairing available as an upgrade
Note: Vegetarian options are available for the Ćevapi experience, as well as an alternative to the beef course. Please contact wanda@root44.ca upon booking to advise of any food allergies or dietary restrictions. Thank you.
Reserve Your Seat
Because of the intimate nature of this shared table experience, seats are very limited. This is an invitation to slow down, connect, and taste a truly authentic Istrian dinner.
Once the table is full, the doors to the forest close. :)