Rediscovering Tradition: Slow Food at Hotel Castle Park, Berat
Rediscovering Tradition: Slow Food at Hotel Castle Park, Berat
In a world that moves faster each day, where convenience often trumps quality, the Slow Food movement stands as a gentle reminder of what truly matters: authentic taste, sustainable practices, and a deep connection to local culture. At Hotel Castle Park in Berat, we don’t just serve food—we share a story. And it’s a story rooted in the very soul of Albania’s heritage.
What Is Slow Food?
Born in Italy in the 1980s, the Slow Food movement began as a response to the rise of fast food culture. Its mission? To protect regional cuisines, promote sustainable farming, and preserve traditional cooking methods. It’s about taking time to enjoy food—not just for nourishment, but for the joy, history, and community that comes with it.
Slow Food in the Heart of Berat
Nestled on the hills just below Berat’s historic castle, Hotel Castle Park embraces the spirit of Slow Food in everything we do. Our location is rich with history, nature, and culinary tradition, and we take great pride in reflecting that in our kitchen.
Alma Spathara plays a central role in the local Slow Food movement. As the owner and manager of Hotel & Restaurant Castle Park in Berat, she is the co‑founder and president of the Slow Food Berat Community, forging strong ties between local producers and both residents and visiting guests. Under her leadership, the community promotes healthy, traditional, and locally sourced food through cooking classes, educational activities with schools, local fairs, and international culinary events—such as the “From Land to Table” exchange with Chef Tiffany Derry and Slow Food Berat’s participation at the Slow Food Arberia festival in Italy.
Here’s how we bring the Slow Food philosophy to life:
- Locally Sourced Ingredients
Our chefs work closely with farmers, shepherds, and foragers from the Berat region. Whether it’s wild mountain herbs, sun-ripened vegetables, or free-range lamb, every ingredient tells a story of the land and the people who care for it. - Traditional Albanian Recipes
Many of our dishes are passed down through generations, prepared just as they were decades ago. From tave kosito pispili me lakra, our meals honor the flavors of the past, adapted gently for modern palates. - Seasonal Menus
We let the seasons guide our menu. This ensures maximum freshness and minimal environmental impact. When you dine at Castle Park, you’re tasting what’s in season now—just as nature intended. - A Dining Experience, Not a Rush
Meals at our hotel are designed to be enjoyed slowly. Whether you’re sitting on our terrace overlooking the Osum River valley or inside our traditional stone-walled dining room, we invite you to pause, savor, and connect—with your food and with your companions.
Preserving More Than Just Recipes
At Castle Park, Slow Food is more than a culinary approach—it’s a way of life. It reflects our dedication to sustainability, cultural heritage, and responsible tourism. We believe that by honoring the old ways, we offer something truly meaningful to our guests—an experience that feeds the body and nourishes the soul.
Visit Us and Taste the Difference
When you stay at Hotel Castle Park, you’re not just visiting Berat—you’re stepping into a deeper tradition. Let us take you on a journey of taste, story, and Albanian hospitality, one slow bite at a time.
Come hungry. Leave inspired.
Book your table or room today and discover the taste of authentic, slow-living Albania.
