In addition to the Adriatic Sea, coastal Croatia shares centuries of history with Italy. That said, you shouldn’t be surprised to learn that rice is enjoyed as risotto in Dalmatia. In fact, a few recipes are practically identical. One of the hallmarks of Dalmatian cuisine is crni rižot (TSR-nee ree-ZHOT), or ‘black risotto’. Known in Italy as Risotto Nero di Sepie, traditional black risotto calls for cuttlefish meat and ink, the latter giving the characteristic black color and silken texture to the broth.

Gule and Ivica decided to make a red risotto with chicken and langoustines in the courtyard one Sunday in Marina. Once the finished risotto was placed lovingly in the alley, Jakov set up a DJ booth on his balcony and played classic pop and soul 45’s from the only record player in the village. Neighbors who crept out of their houses into the alley to see what was happening were answered with a plate of risotto, a beer and a lot of smiles. Ivica reveals the ingredients for his risotto in this video from the happening: