If Dalmatian cuisine is a ceremony, sucking on a shrimp is a holy sacrament of the Eucharist where only fingers and mouth are involved. When a relationship between man and food has reached its peak, no mediator is needed, right? It is an act of bliss where the hunter and the hunt become one. Stained, mottled, spotted one. And it’s well known when two become one, things can get out of control. Hands up to the elbows in sauce, face messed up from the neck up to the nose, stains everywhere, on the tablecloths and napkins, even the good old Persian rug. In war and sucking, everything is allowed.
At the heaven’s gate
This voluptuous act ensures a catharsis, placing us straight at the gates of heaven with the shrimp acting as a communion wafer that throws us into a gourmet trance and guarantees the spiritual bliss of nirvana, i. e. the hearty post-meal nap. In becoming one with the Adriatic shrimp, nothing is done by accident – shrimp pincers and tails are broken, the shell is smashed to capture every blessed particle of juicy, sweet meat, bread is dipped in the amazingly delicious sauce, fingers are licked, and the general mussiness is completely ignored in the process. It is but an insignificant obstacle, a temptation on the way to paradise.
Doctor Shrimp
Adriatic Shrimp, patron saint of sucking, is a god-given delicacy of our sea. It literally takes away all the worries and pain with its miraculous healing powers. It’s unbelievably low in calories, but this lack is compensated by a high protein content: as little as 100 grams of Adriatic shrimp is enough to provide half the recommended daily protein intake. In other words, you’ll be full for a long time without your scale showing it. Shrimp is also excellent for hair, skin, bones, nerves, and thyroid as it is rich in phosphorus, iodine, selenium, zinc, and magnesium. Then there is an abundance of fatty acids that will keep you safe from depression and heart conditions. Astaxanthin, responsible for the shrimp’s irresistible pinkish color, takes care of the cardiovascular and nerve system in general, but also helps with diabetes and gastrointestinal conditions, enhances eyesight, and provides the skin with vibrancy and texture. Shrimps are definitely to be found on the menu of pregnant women and children as it’s scientifically proven that they stimulate children’s cognitive development. B vitamins, iron, copper, calcium – to cut the long story short, shrimps are #everything!
Shrimp Universalis
But let’s go back from the infirmary to the kitchen where Adriatic shrimp is valued for the universality of preparation. Shrimps in a sauce will give you the most enlightened (read: messy) experience of eating, but if you like things neat, you can braise, fry, toss into a delicious stew and risotto, or simply have it grilled if they are large enough. You can also marinate it in citrus juice if you want it raw. Even though one should suck out every part of the shell, the most delicious pieces of meat are hidden in the tail. So don’t hesitate to use scissors and simply separate it with one longitudinal cut. Once you’re on it, don’t forget to keep the shell for a sensational fish stock. The possibilities are endless and nirvana is guaranteed.
The imperial enjoyment of cooking
If you’re our almighty chef, you’ll use shrimp to give seafood that X factor, that inexplicable je ne sais quoi that will leave you speechless. Sorry, we can’t reveal the recipe for his miraculous shrimp oil; that’s a secret very well kept to serve only our chef. If you wish to taste it and enjoy its incredible sweetness and tenderness, you’ll have to come by and ask either for Adriatic squid or the sea bass filet. On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for shrimp meat, have a ceviche! Feel free to ask our educated staff to spoil you with a full arsenal of shrimp specialties and keep sucking as long as your heart desires. Here, in the middle of Diocletian’s Palace, imperial sensations of exquisite cuisine await. So come along, enjoy the ceremony, and discover the bliss of Dalmatian nirvana.
The night’s catch is ready for your sacred ritual, so book your table and get ready to suck away towards the heavenly bliss.