I’m not going to sugar coat it – it would be a difficult task to find rougher towns in Europe than some of the towns of Dalmatinska Zagora, such as Sinj, Trilj and Imotski.

But there are still hidden gems out behind the hills to be discovered. Take Restaurant Premijer.

Having given up searching for a restaurant recommendation between Sinj and Trilj, we took a gamble and decided to try it for lunch.

The first pages of the menu were given over to the specialties of the house. The restaurant had researched food from the period (late 2nd Century – early 3rd Century) of Roman Emperor Diocletian, a local lad. The main source was a text written at the end of the 3rd Century by Caelius Apicius.

Dishes included -

Cucurbitis Farsilibus – Zucchini Stuffed with Veal Brains

In Ovis Hapalis – Eggs with Pine-nut Sauce

Piscibus – Roasted Trout with a Sweet Herb Sauce

Globos – A Dessert with Honey

Muslum - Wine with Honey

They also offered other local foods – Aklie went for the Grilled Frogs with Pršut (prosciutto).

Split celebrates its patron saint’s day – Sveti Duje (Saint Dominus) – every 7th May. Duje was martyred in Salona’s arena by Diocletian. Restaurant Premijer, during the day, hosts, in the field next to the restaurant, an annual Romans versus Dalmatians soccer match, and, in the evening, they prepare their Roman food for a feast held in the basements of Diocletian’s Palace.

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