August 2019 in Dzhulyunitsa, Bulgaria

Leskovo Carving Festival: A Celebration of Culinary Traditions

Join us for the annual Leskovo Carving Festival, themed “Lyaskovets – A Colorful Capital of Vegetables and Gourmet Gardening,” featuring the much-anticipated chutney festival. The 11th edition of the National Culinary Festival “Motley Dining” brought together master chefs showcasing authentic and original dishes, including homemade chutney, in a competition that has become a staple of the event.

This year’s festival, held for the eighth consecutive time, was organized by the leader of the Carving Festival and aimed to select the best master of traditional Bulgarian homemade art. The rewards and certificates provided to the winners serve as a testament to their culinary excellence, and the winning recipes are often published for public enjoyment in subsequent editions.

The professional jury, tasked with finding the best chefs, included Bozhidar Dimitrov (Judge Silver Star of ICU), Chief Penyo Ivanov, and Vanya Tabakova. This year, the festival featured 170 meals prepared by nearly 100 cooks. The collective award for Ethno Vision at the Stand was given to the culinary team of the Leskovskiye Fountain Club for their beautifully arranged meal. The Bash Master of the Festival award went to the ladies from the second stand of the vegan food shop.

Special awards were given to Krasimira Koleva for her dish, Merdanya’s Forgotten Coffee, and to Kozarevka Deshka Milanova for her Corn Maize Cake, which won Best Dessert by Old Recipe. The “Most Delicious Meal” award was given to Maria Draeva from the Zora Pension Club in Leskovac for her dish, “Vegetables Monarchs.” Rositsa Yordanova from the village of Vladislav received recognition for her authentic recipe, Harmansky Manda. Additionally, 15 awards were given in the Taste category.

The Lutenitsa contest, judged by Anushka Nedeva and Elena Koleva, featured 35 different entries. As the jury evaluated the dishes, a song and dance marathon entertained the audience near the fountain.

Festival-goers also enjoyed the intricate creations of carving artists, displayed at a special booth. Sisters Victoria Afzali and Nedelina Dimitrova, along with Kozarevchanka Center Dimova and ICU Members Ivelina Jeleva and Dimitrichka Yankusheva from Varna, showcased their impressive carving skills.

All prize winners were greeted and awarded by the organizers. As per tradition, the festival concluded with a tribute to all participants, the jury, and a special thanks to the festival’s founder, Chef Penyo. The Bulgarian Giulianci returned the Bulgarian Pugach to the Boss, and the event ended with a celebration, including a delicious cake for the kids.