HEAD OF HOSPITALITY-Matjaž Zalar
Matjaž Zalar is an experienced Restaurant Manager and Sommelier with a distinguished international career in luxury hospitality and fine dining. For more than 15 years, he has worked in demanding hospitality environments, combining excellent operational leadership, in-depth knowledge of high-end service, and a refined appreciation for wine culture.
He has developed his expertise in renowned establishments such as Kempinski Palace Portorož, Kempinski St. Moritz, and Michelin-starred restaurants in the United Kingdom. His key strengths include team leadership, setting high service standards, organizing culinary and wine events, and ensuring an impeccable guest experience.
As a Restaurant Manager, he has also proven highly successful in delivering strong business results. During his leadership at Restaurant Fleur de Sel, his work and approach contributed to a 35% increase in revenue. His leadership style is built on professionalism, discipline, team spirit, and a commitment to excellence.
Key Achievements
- More than 15 years of experience in luxury hospitality, gastronomy, and restaurant management
- Leading teams and service operations in prestigious environments such as Kempinski Palace Portorož and Kempinski St. Moritz
- Professional experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in the United Kingdom
- Successful management of Restaurant Fleur de Sel, where he contributed to a 35% revenue increase over a three-year period
- Specialization in sommellerie, wine list curation, and the development of high-level wine programs
- Organization and coordination of culinary and wine events
- Implementation and maintenance of high service standards in both newly opened and established hospitality venues
- Experience in mentoring and training employees, as well as effective team leadership
- International WSET Wine & Spirits certifications (EQF Level 1 and Level 2)
- Multilingual with excellent communication skills in an international hospitality environment
Key Support to Hospitality Management-Simon perše
With exceptional attention to detail, unwavering dedication to the craft, and many years of experience, our hospitality department is led by a professional who is not only a seasoned practitioner but also a multi-award-winning expert. Our head of hospitality proudly holds a series of accolades that reflect his outstanding achievements in service, beverage preparation, and culinary excellence. To date, he has received eleven professional awards across various hospitality disciplines:
– 2 silver and 1 gold award for coffee brewing
– 1 silver and 1 gold award for cocktail preparation
– 1 silver and 1 gold award for menu service
– 1 silver and 3 gold awards for tableside food preparation
With his knowledge and remarkable sense of hospitality, he ensures every guest experience at our restaurant is thoughtful, refined, and unforgettable. A mentor to younger generations and a pillar of quality, he is the foundation upon which we build our hospitality offering.
HEAD CHEF-verica krnjić
Our head chef has always been passionate about cooking and exploring the harmony of flavors. Her culinary journey began right here in our restaurant 20 years ago, when she first stepped into the kitchen as a kitchen assistant. Over the years, she honed her skills, learned from experienced colleagues, and gradually developed her own distinctive culinary style.
Three years ago, the right opportunity arose, and we recognized her remarkable talent, dedication, and creative spirit — which is why we entrusted her with leading our kitchen. Today, she passionately creates dishes that are not only flavorful but also visually stunning.
Her mastery has not gone unnoticed — not only by her colleagues but also by many guests who return time and again for her exceptional culinary creations. She is the heart of our kitchen, an inspiration to the team, and a key part of our success — one we are truly proud of.
