I'm from the Zadar area... I know the brand your referring to but can't think of it now... Starts with an "M". When I was there last summer, they were saying that they are filing for bankruptcy. What a surprise! They are having a hard time adjusting to the new world they are finding themselves in. I am sure it's the same in Serbia and every other new democracy.

By "sira" I'm refering to paski (pronounced pashki). It comes from the island of Pag. We have it all over Dalmatia. It's funny that you mention the Italian influences... Most of the Dalmatian coast was under Italian rule for a long time. Also, I've read in some books that Croatia was settled by people that came from modern day Iran/Iraq and everyone knows about the Turks and Ottomans. You listen to these guys talk about the Middle East today and the surrounding lands and it's amazing how ignorant they can all be. Eastern Europe is the worlds first true melting pot. If you look at the surrounding countries / cultures it is clearly evident that they are. Most of the foods and customs are adopted. I laugh when I here Croatian's in Astoria call Greeks cigani and then they play a Croatian record with a Macedonian beat.

Ajvar?? That's the red pepper spread? I love that stuff. I'n in NY near Astoria and there is a family from Sarajevo that has a little shop that sells burek and cevape! I love going there!! It's like taking a lunch break in the real Sarajevo. Is there any place to buy Manastrika in the US? I'm not sensitive about that stuff... Me and my father in law like to take a trip in to Brooklyn once in a while with his Serbian best friend and to get some authentic burek from an Albanian he knows! Awesome stuff!

So when's the last time you've gone back? It is a great breath of fresh air. When I arrive, I am greeted by a jug of my uncle's wine, rakija, a plate of prsut, a sack of onions and a sack of potatos... I can already smell it! They have the real "simple life"!