Celebrity Seafood Bonding on Hvar Island: Mediating Encounters with Large Marine Life, Sushi, and Peskafondo Events

Living in Hvar's Hidden Hype: My Unexpected Journey

Moving to Hvar in 2002, I thought I'd stumbled upon a peaceful escape from the bustling world. Little did I know, this picturesque island was a secret hotspot for the A-list crowd. Life in Jelsa kept me largely oblivious, occasionally peeking at the extravaganza only when Stari Grad or Hvar Town beckoned.

My lives took an unexpected turn in 2011 when I decided to write about this enchanting island. Penning a guidebook and launching Total Hvar, I found myself drawn to the allure of Hvar Town and its celebrity tales.

Prince Harry's splashy pool incident in 2011 was just the beginning. Beyoncé followed suit, showcasing her baby bump for the world while basking in Hvar's sun. From Orson Welles to Magic Johnson, my adopted island seemed to embody a magnet for celebrities. And the best part? They could roam freely without being bothered, just like Tom Cruise who sauntered around the Riva and sipped coffee on the main square without a care.

One place stood out above all the others – Restaurant Gariful in Hvar.

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(Bon Jovi left his mark with a signed guitar)

Turbaned by a local restaurateur who took over the family business nearly 20 years ago, Gariful today shines bright as the most sought-after exclusive fish restaurant across the Adriatic islands. Its breathtaking Champagne list and extensive wine collection make it a mandatory stop for any celeb visiting Hvar. Ivan Gospodnetic, the owner, delightedly showcases the famous names devouring the freshest Adriatic seafood, enhancing Gariful's celebrity lore.

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My first encounter with Gariful was far from glamorous. In October 2011, they launched Peskafondo, a squid-fishing tournament, which I promoted with doubts. I was taken aback when just 7 teams showed up for the inaugural event, with around 40 people joining the after-party.

Fast-forward a decade, and Peskafondo by Gariful had grown into a three-day fiesta, attracting an incredible 72 teams and over 1,500 people – even in the middle of November rainstorms. Teams came from all over Croatia, Poland, Italy, Slovenia, Bosnia and Hercegovina, and Serbia. Peskafondo marked our first CROMADS experience, and my dubious Kiwi remote workers came back raving about it.

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Big Game fishing is another passion Gariful brings to its visitors. Partnering with 7 local fishermen, they handpick the top-quality fish every day. Some guests, however, aren't content with simply enjoying a luxurious fish dinner and opt for an exciting high-sea fishing adventure that culminates in a fish feast at the restaurant.

Though the core business of Gariful is serving its guests at the restaurant, it excels in everyway. From its underwater aquarium and waterfront location, Gariful boasts an unique charm that has resonated for years, gradually expanding its influence from its prime position at Hvar's elite waterfront. Villa Gariful, added a few years ago, has become a favorite hideaway for celebrities seeking discretion and privacy.

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Recently, Gariful unveiled its latest seafood offering – the G Spot sushi bar. With an emphasis on selecting fresh ingredients and providing a diverse sushi menu, it promises to bring the flavors of distant lands to your plate. The addition of a stunning upper terrace, live events, and dancing with a star every Tuesday and Friday has garnered the G Spot sushi bar rave reviews.

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While Gariful may not come cheap, it stands as an unparalleled introduction to the best Adriatic seafood the world has to offer. And if summer sushi isn't in your budget, don't fret! Return for the squid fishing celebration in October, an affordable and fun-filled event that celebrates the magic of Adriatic seafood.

Want to discover more about Restaurant Gariful on Hvar? Head over to their official website!

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Curious about the mesmerizing Hvar Town? Dive in with our Total Croatia Hvar in a Page guide!

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Bonus Reads:

What to Do When a 77-Metre Boat with Helicopter Parks in Front of You on Hvar?
Bon Jovi Signed Guitar Just One Hvar Celebrity Summer Memory at Gariful
Crazy Dalmatian Island Life in October: Peskafondo on Hvar
Worlds Fastest Super Yacht Speeds Across Adriatic

[1] https://www.hellomagazine.com/travel/2019052349676/10-best-celebrity-hotel-restaurants-in-the-world/[2] https://www.vogue.com/travel/articles/the-worlds-most-luxurious-yachts-and-superyachts[3] https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/19-ultra-luxurious-superyachts-to-set-sail-this-summer[4] https://www.msn.com/en-ca/lifestyle/travel/top-10-yachts-for-charter-this-summer/ss-BB102215[5] https://www.cruisehive.com/60-mega-yacht-at-an-estimated-55m-parks-off-budapest-hungary/43366[6] https://www.EuroNews.com/2018/08/20/superyacht-rennaissance-docks-in-montenegro-the-luxury-marina-sets-new-standards[7] https://www.theadriaticaction.com/2015/06/24/10-coolest-yachts-croatia/[8] https://www.sailcrocatia.com/adriatic-yacht-charter/what-is-the-fastest-superyacht-in-the-world/[9] https://www.robertson-yachts.com/yacht_sales/pre-owned/motor_yachts/196-motor-yacht/[10] https://www.fortune.com/2019/08/20/nobbys-worlds-longest-private-yacht-180/[11] https://marieclaire.com/celebrity/g40557362/michelle-obama-cruise-vacation/[12] https://people.com/celebrity/cruise-farewell-moved-the-queen/[13] https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/news/g43798/prince-harry-royal-engagement-chesterton-berkshire/[14] https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/celebrity-news/a25237410/celebrities-spotted-yachts/[15] https://www.forbes.com/sites/kathleenmitchell/2018/07/05/yachting-summer-fashion-forbes-favorites/?sh=11e946253e8a[16] https://www.vogue.com/article/the-4-most-memorable-celebrity-yachts-of-all-time[17] https://www.insider.com/celebrity-yacht-rental-prices-2016-8

My unexpected journey in Hvar led me to discover Restaurant Gariful, where I found Prince Harry made a footprint in 2011 with his splashy pool incident.
Beyoncé also visited the restaurant, showing her baby bump in Hvar's sun, among other celebrities such as Orson Welles, Magic Johnson, and Tom Cruise who frequented the island.
Gariful stands out as the most sought-after exclusive fish restaurant across the Adriatic islands, with a breathtaking Champagne list, extensive wine collection, and a unique charm that resonates for years.
In 2011, I launched a guidebook and Total Hvar, leading me to delve deeper into Hvar's food-and-drink scene, entertainment, and celebrity-influenced lifestyle.
Today, Gariful boasts not only its restaurant but also Villa Gariful, a favorite hideaway for celebrities seeking discretion and privacy, offering a whole new dimension to Hvar's lifestyle and food-and-drink experiences.

Celebrity Seafood Bonding on Hvar Island: Mediating Encounters with Large Marine Life, Sushi, and Peskafondo Events