Rok Smonkar

A young culinary talent, awarded the Gault&Millau Young Talent 2024 award, who spent two years honing his skills at the Gjerkeš Estate, where he and his team achieved 3 Gault&Millau toques and received 92 Falstaff points in their first year.

I am a simple guy who started his culinary journey in Maribor, continued at a college in Austria, and then upgraded his knowledge at the renowned Italian culinary academy ALMA. I also gained experience in several Michelin-starred restaurants, including St. Hubertus and Steirereck, where I realized that nature, the environment, and the seasons inspire me most in my creations. That's why my menus are always tailored to the best seasonal and local ingredients.

I live for gastronomy—not just for the taste, but for the entire guest experience. That is why I also invest heavily in my knowledge of service and sommelier skills, where I have obtained numerous certificates and diplomas, including WSET 2, wine sommelier, beer sommelier, bartender, barista, kosher certificate, and more.