QUICK BITE: What is Peka style cooking?

Stayed overnight in Vis Croatia last night.  This is a quaint village with an old monestary and bell tower.  We had dinner in a restaurant called Konoba Dol that specializes in Peka style cooking.  Also known as "Iron Bell", it is where the food that is to be cooked is placed in a large, shallow, cast iron pot. Then the bell or doke is placed on top.  And then it is covered by the coals.  It is then left to braise until the meat in is tender.  This is much like the braising style used in other cultures.  There was a choice of lamb, veal or octopus.  When octopus is on the menu, I will always order it.  This is what came to our table.  

A succulent stew with potatoes, carrots, onions, bay leaf and other aromatics.  And what about the octopus?  Three large pieces which were the most tender octopus I have ever had.  So flavorful!!  They several bread on the side and it was the required vehicle for sopping up the stew.  

We ordered a great local dry rose which went so well with the hearty stew.