As part of a prestigious initiative by the Istria Tourist Board, members of London’s elite Mark’s Club enjoyed an evening dedicated to Istria – a region celebrated for its exquisite delicacies, aromas, and experiences

Istrian white and black truffles took centre stage on the menu at Mark’s Club, one of London’s most exclusive private venues. The club was transformed into a stage for Istrian aromas, where white and black truffles, fine wines, and extra virgin olive oils came together to tell a sensory story of luxury, tradition, and authenticity.

Following the recent successful auction of Istrian white truffles at Sotheby's – which raised over £15,000 for the Pula Daily Rehabilitation Centre – the scents of Istria continued to enchant London, this time at one of the city’s most prestigious addresses: the iconic Mark’s Club in the heart of Mayfair. Organized by the Istria Tourist Board, with the support of Karlić Tartufi, Kozlović Winery, and Červar olive oil producers, the gourmet event held on October 22nd celebrated Istria – a region of exceptional flavours, natural wealth, and genuine authenticity.

In the elegant setting of the Greenhouse, known for its exclusivity and refined design, sixteen specially invited guests – members of London’s elite, business leaders, and gourmets – gathered for an evening devoted to Istria. Due to the exceptional level of interest, more than fifty members of Mark’s Club were placed on the waiting list, further highlighting the prestige and allure of the event.

Chef Tomas Lidakevicius crafted an exceptional four-course dinner in an enchanting atmosphere, with truffles taking the spotlight as the key ingredient in every dish. Guests savoured each creation while discovering the story behind the truffle – and were particularly intrigued to learn that the small Istrian peninsula is home to both black and the rare, highly prized white truffle, a revelation that sparked genuine delight and surprise.

The evening reached its crescendo with the ceremonial unveiling of the truffles, presented beneath glass domes. As the covers were lifted, the Greenhouse was filled with the intoxicating aroma of Istria’s earth and the forests of Motovun and Buzet – a sensory moment that drew spontaneous applause from the guests.

The truffles served at this gourmet event – met with genuine enthusiasm – were generously donated by Karlić Tartufi, reaffirming their reputation as one of the leading custodians of Istria’s truffle-hunting tradition.

The wine pairing, masterfully curated by Sergio Persi, renowned sommelier and representative of Kozlović Winery, one of Istria’s flagship vineyards, captivated even the most discerning guests. Each wine was introduced with thoughtful commentary on its terroir, grape varieties, and the philosophy that defines Istria’s vibrant winemaking culture.

Alongside truffles and wine, members of Mark’s Club also sampled extra virgin olive oils from the Červar family of Novigrad. To conclude the evening, each guest received a bottle of freshly pressed olive oil – a symbol of the vitality and richness of Istrian soil – produced from hand-picked olives harvested only days earlier and cold-pressed to preserve their full range of healing and antioxidant properties.

Most of the guests, many of whom had never set foot in Istria, eagerly explored the peninsula’s secrets and were enchanted by everything they discovered – from its unique flavours to its captivating stories. The evening drew to a close with a long, spontaneous round of applause, as attendees individually offered heartfelt compliments on the unforgettable experience.

“Mark’s Club represents the pinnacle of London exclusivity – an audience that recognizes the Istrian truffle as a symbol of authentic luxury. This gourmet event proved that Istria, with its distinctive flavours and character, can enthral even the most discerning international audience,” said Denis Ivošević, Director of the Istria Tourist Board, whose initiative inspired the creation of this prestigious gastronomic gathering for a select circle of guests and connoisseurs in the heart of one of the world’s most celebrated capitals. The aim was to showcase Istria through its exceptional products to those who appreciate nothing less than the very best.

The evening at Mark’s Club was a true celebration of Istrian identity – expressed through exceptional gastronomy, rich tradition, and refined sensibility – with Istria once again capturing London’s heart through its aromas, flavours, and emotions.