Vila Herberstein

A new challenge for a new ‘old’ chef

Vila Herberstein, housed in an old manor on a hill in Betajna above Velenje, stands guard over Slovenia’s ‘youngest’ town. It could be a representative building for the strongest Slovenian brand name, in which only the hallowed are allowed, since such grand halls usually stand empty in Slovenia. But Gorenje’s villa doesn’t force Velenje’s locals into merely looking upwards. Prior to the arrival of Andrej Kuhar, Igor Stankovič was Herberstein’s chef, who – as a professional and with the correct attitude – didn’t want to be average and similar to others. Following two years of schooling with Kuhar, the only Slovenian chef who had been in the Michelin guide for many years (with one star), Igor has got another chance. Therefore, a new challenge for a new ‘old’ chef.