Visiting “Fleur de Sel” and “Dogma Brewery”
Members of the “Taste Awards” jury and representatives of the event’s general sponsor, Metro Serbia, visited the restaurant “Fleur de Sel,” whose Chef, Nikola Stojaković, was named the best chef in Serbia last year, as well as the “Dogma Brewery,” producer of the beer “Hoptopod,” which won the title of Best Craft Beer in 2024.
Nestled on the slopes of Fruška Gora, with a magical view of the Danube, between the villages of Novi Slankamen and Slankamenački Vinogradi, lies the Šapat Wine Atelier, which also houses the restaurant “Fleur de Sel,” led by Chef Nikola Stojaković. Last year, Stojaković was named the best chef in Serbia. On 30 July, members of the “Taste Awards” jury and representatives of Metro Serbia, the competition’s general sponsor, visited “Fleur de Sel” and enjoyed specialities prepared by Stojaković, paired with some of the finest wines from this winery.
After 13 years spent in the most luxurious restaurant and hotel kitchens in Paris, Nikola took over the kitchen at Šapat Wine Atelier in 2022. He honed his craft in French establishments awarded from one to three Michelin stars, including the Four Seasons George V, Park Hyatt Paris Vendôme, Le Pré Catelan, and Lasserre – one of the oldest restaurants in the French capital. He identifies precision and discipline in food preparation as the core of his gastronomic philosophy. After more than a decade abroad, he decided to return to Serbia to bring his exceptional culinary skills home, blending French techniques with Serbian ingredients. He believes that details are what separate a good restaurant from an excellent one and is confident that “Fleur de Sel” will become one of the finest restaurants in this part of the world. For the past six years, he has been mentoring and leading top chefs.
The tour of the winery and restaurant for guests was organised by Dušan Vranić, Director of Šapat Wine Atelier. Since 2022, Vranić has served as General Manager of the Šapat Wine Atelier restaurant complex, returning to Serbia after 16 years in the United States to apply his knowledge at home.
More information is available at www.communications.rs/tasteawards2025.
He entered the wine world through the Wine School of Philadelphia, where he later became an instructor. Upon completing this school, he attended the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers, becoming a certified sommelier and continuing on to the advanced programme, which allowed him to perfect his skills during visits to some of the world’s most renowned wine regions.
On 6 August, members of the “Taste Awards” jury and representatives of Metro Serbia visited “Dogma Brewery,” whose beer “Hoptopod” was named “Best Craft Beer in Serbia” last year. Guests were welcomed by Dragan Stojković, the brewery’s Sales Director, who shared the story of its beginnings and introduced the brands they take pride in. “Dogma Brewery” is located in the former sugar warehouse of the Old Sugar Factory in Čukarica.
The “Taste Awards 2025” competition will officially open on 30 September this year, with restaurants, chefs, winemakers, brewers, and food producers able to apply in 25 categories.