Meet Vasko — The Cook Behind Cook with Vasko

I grew up in southwestern Slovenia, where the Italian Alps meet the Balkan hills. One side of my kitchen speaks the language of olive oil, seafood, and pasta. The other brings smoky meats, hearty stews, wild herbs, and soulful Balkan flavor. This blend of cultures shows up on every plate I make — simple ingredients, deep flavor, and a strong respect for tradition.

My culinary journey began at Hiša Franko with Ana Roš, where I worked as a young waiter and first saw how food can tell stories.
Since then, I’ve done it all — from mixing drinks behind the bar to leading service as a head waiter, and in the kitchen, from scrubbing pans to wearing the chef’s apron. I’ve had the privilege of being part of teams that designed and launched kitchens from the ground up, learning what it takes to build something that works under pressure.

But then came COVID. Like many in the industry, I had to step away from professional cooking. These days, I work as a salesman in a construction store, and on weekends, I return to my roots by stretching pizza dough and keeping the fire alive in a local restaurant. More importantly, I’ve found a new joy — cooking for my family, spending time with loved ones, and sharing what I know with home cooks like you.

Through Cook with Vasko, I share what truly works in a real kitchen — clear techniques, efficient habits, and honest Mediterranean cooking, shaped by the meeting point of Slovenian, Italian, and Balkan traditions.

From my kitchen to yours, let’s cook with purpose, simplicity, and confidence.