The Silence of Flavours: An Evening with Chef Mario Mandarić at Restaurant Natali

In the enchanting setting of the Renaissance summer residence, Palace Natali, an evening unfolded that beautifully united friendship, passion, and exceptional gastronomy.

Last Saturday, as part of the Good Food Festival, we had the honour of hosting chef Mario Mandarić, who brought to Dubrovnik his imaginative play with local ingredients, creating a dinner that intertwined the Mediterranean, history, and contemporary elegance.

A Gastronomic Story Written in Friendship

Through seven courses, titled The Silence of Flavours, guests could enjoy a unique experience celebration of the culinary reunion of chef Mario Mandarić and our own head chef Duje Smajo. Their collaboration was far more than a gastronomic event — it was a meeting of two friends who share years of experience, trust, and understanding.

Their return to the same kitchen felt, as they described it, like coming home. That friendship added a special warmth to the entire evening, something Mario captured perfectly in his words:

“Duje and I grew up together in kitchens all across the world and have worked side by side for a long time. We haven’t cooked together for a few months now, and we have really missed it, so we decided to create this dinner together.”

Flavours That Tell Stories

Each course represented a thoughtful chapter in a wider narrative — of the Mediterranean, of the season, and of simplicity.  From the freshness of the sea and citrus to the gentle notes of herbs from our own garden, The Silence of Flavours celebrated the balance and the harmonious dialogue between nature and cuisine.

The evening opened with a mushroom tartelette, delicate and earthy, enriched with black garlic and kale crisp for a perfect contrast of textures. The cod ballotine took centre stage, while the lamb, served with celeriac and truffle purée, young onions, and a chive vinaigrette, showcased the beauty of simplicity.
The dinner concluded with a refreshing lemon sorbet, followed by a hazelnut crémeux with milk foam and a Petit Beurre crostata.

An Inspiring Ambience

The Renaissance gardens of Palace Natali provided the perfect backdrop for this rich culinary story. Among stone walls and lush greenery, with the gentle sounds of guitar in the background, every detail reflected the philosophy of Restaurant Natali: authenticity, respect for the space, and quiet elegance.

In a world where flavours often compete for attention, The Silence of Flavours reminded us that true power lies in simplicity, mindfulness, and connection with the world around us.