Food
Some places preserve traces of times gone by. Walter Benjamin would say that layers of history and collective memory can be read through architecture, Proust that scents and corners can summon entire worlds of the past, and Bachelard that the spirit of a place remembers presence in a way that cannot be erased. All of this is embodied in Salon 1905, located in the building of the Belgrade Cooperative, constructed in the early twentieth century and designed by Andre Stevanović and Nikola Nestorović, which today stands as one of the most beautiful fine dining restaurants in Belgrade.
Marija Tarlać guided us through another extraordinary experience she booked via Mastercard’s priceless.com platform, a private tour of the impressive Geozavod halls followed by lunch at Salon 1905. The restaurant first captivates with its Baroque and Secessionist grandeur, vaulted ceilings, marble and gold details, tall windows, elegant columns, and stucco work. White tablecloths, refined tableware, and impeccable service, every detail matches the celebratory atmosphere. During our conversation with “JRE – Jeunes Restaurateurs” chef Ivan Tasić, we learn that everything in this building has remained authentically preserved since its construction, a spirit that can be felt the moment you step into the Salon.
Photo: Franjo Matković
Before lunch, and on Ivan’s recommendation, Marija samples the Salon 1905 cocktail, only to reveal to him behind the camera, smiling over the first bites of the appetizer, If Salon 1905 had a little bakery, I would come here every morning to buy these rolls. Where does the inspiration for the menu come from? Everything starts with the season, but the concept is to honor local culture, history, and tradition through cooking, Ivan explains. Some of our dearest food memories are those weekends at our grandfather’s, when lamb and veal were cooked under the sač. That has stayed with me, he adds as he serves Marija the main course. The restaurant’s food is rooted in classic Serbian cuisine, reimagined in an innovative way. This is a spectacle, she says. You should eat here every day (laughs).
Earlier this year, for Vogue Adria, chef Ivan shared that he does not believe in hidden secrets that make a kitchen special. Instead, he believes in a consistent, sincere approach, in thoughtful simplicity. For him, everything begins with respect for the ingredient. He strives to work exclusively with seasonal and local produce, to know its origin, rhythm, and character, and to present it in a way that feels true to it, understated yet full of intensity. It should carry something personal, yet universal, speaking the language of the place it comes from. What connects everything they do is a sense of belonging, to an identity, a space, and a moment in time in which they create. For him, this is the very idea of fine dining, not just food, but a space where a certain culture is built.
The last of the seven carefully crafted courses is the dessert. For Marija, it is a chocolate bread mousse with homemade caramel sauce, composed of three elements. She savors every bite, just as this space teaches that being present in the moment can be just as meaningful as remembering.
Photo: Franjo Matković
What can guests who choose the Mastercard Priceless experience at Salon 1905 expect? They can expect much more than a meal. It is a journey through our culture, tradition, and passion for authentic flavors and carefully sourced ingredients. The seven course tasting menu is paired with a selection of local wines. We devote special attention to our dessert menu, which serves as the artistic finale of the evening. And as part of this unique experience, we will guide guests through the impressive halls of the Geozavod, a building rich in history and invaluable architectural heritage, chef Ivan Tasić tells us in closing.
Photo: Franjo Matković
Photo: Franjo Matković
Creative direction: Milena Kitić
Producer: Teona Milićević
Photography: Franjo Matković
This article was created in collaboration with Mastercard.
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