Imagine yourself sitting at a table outside a white-washed taverna with family and friends as you watch the sun setting over the Aegean Sea. You enjoy manouri with fig spread, feta drizzled with extra virgin olive oil, and kefalotyri served with rich Greek olives and beans. The essence of good Greek cuisine is its simplicity!
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In Greece, dining is considered a social celebration, and it is rare to hear of someone eating alone. Most Greeks start by inviting many family, friends, and sometimes strangers. Story-telling, music, and even debates are accepted at their everyday dinners and the concept of conversation and togetherness is important.
While Greek cooking has been influenced by other cultures, as have the cuisines of most countries, of all of those countries, Greece must be foremost in the ranks of having a “fusion” cuisine which is easily traced back to 350 B.C.
- The first cookbook was written by the Greek food gourmet, Archestratos, in 330 B.C., which suggests that cooking has always been of importance and significance in Greek society.
- Modern chefs owe the tradition of their tall, white chef’s hat to the Greeks. In the middle ages, monastic brothers who prepared food in the Greek Orthodox monasteries wore tall white hats to distinguish them in their work from the regular monks, who wore large black hats.
- Many ingredients used in modern Greek cooking were unknown in the country until the middle ages. These include the potato, tomato, spinach, bananas, and others which came to Greece after the discovery of the Americas – their origin.
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Greek Wines
In a country where intellect first flowered and where the principles of the arts and philosophy were first worked out. It comes to no surprise to find that great care was lavished on the table around which the “symposium” would be held. The vine which loosened the tongues of the distinguished guests accompanied equally exquisite dishes.
Greek Coffee
Escape to your favorite relaxing place in Greece, whether it be a cafe in a small village or on a beach chair looking out into the sea. Enjoy a delicious cup of Greek coffee while picturing the olive tree-lined mountains of the mainland or sip a refreshing frappe while planning your next visit to the islands. Selected special Greek coffee blends are slowly roasted with artistry, to the coffee beans heart, allowing the aroma of the authentic coffee to be released. The aroma with its great history keeps offering you unique pleasure moments, Greek Style . . . Rich & Delicious!
Tyri: Greek Cheeses
According to Greek mythology, Aristaios, son of Apollo and Cyrene, was sent by the gods to give the gift of cheese-making to the Greeks. It was called a “gift of everlasting value,” and if the reputation of today’s variety of Greek cheeses is anything to go by, the value of that gift keeps increasing with age.
Saltses: Greek Sauces
In the sauce can be seen the reflection of the Greek cook. There is no room to hide. In the well-crafted sauce can be found the ultimate expression of simplicity-the cornerstone of Greek cooking- which leaves even less room to hide. The right sauce lifts the right dish to a wholly different plateau of dining than would be the case if the cook didn’t bother.
Mezedes: Greek Appetizers
The Greek cuisine is so rich in mezedes (appetizers) that there is a constant risk of never getting past them and on to the main dish; that, perhaps, is why the traditional school of meal-planning called for mezedes which were tasty but few in number; just enough to stimulate the appetite, not satisfy it.
Salates: Greek Salads
Although the ancient Greeks did not use the word “salad,” they enjoyed a variety of dishes with raw vegetables dressed with vinegar, oil, and herbs. Hippocrates believed that raw vegetables easily slipped through the system and did not create obstructions for what followed, therefore they should be served first.
Soupes: Greek Soups
Soup puts the heart at ease, calms down the violence of hunger, eliminates the tension of the day, and awakens and refines the appetite. From healthy vegetarian soups to rich stews, the Greeks have soups that will please any palate.
Ladera: Greek Vegetables
Greece is a vegetarian’s paradise. All year round the markets are crammed with high-quality vegetables of all kinds whose color and freshness challenge one to dare walk past without buying! The unique combinations of soil conditions and the mild climate mean that Greek vegetables have a unique taste all their own.
Psaria-Thalassina: Greek Fish-Seafood
The Greek seas seethe with the most delicious fish and seafood, a whole world of delights taken from the depths to grace our tables. The seafood caught in the Mediterranean Sea are the tastiest fish you will find anywhere in the world.
Kreata: Greek Meats
Meat doesn’t play a prominent role in traditional Greek cuisine nor the overall Mediterranean diet. It’s usually reserved for festivals and special occasions or used in small amounts as a flavor enhancer. The Greek diet is one of the healthiest and most natural ways of eating.
Glyka: Greek Sweets
What we would normally call desserts are eaten as a separate meal in Greece. Most times these are consumed at the local zaharoplastio or pastry shop. Here many Greeks meet friends and family either during the day or late in the evening for coffee and sweet treats. There is a breathtakingly enormous range of Greek desserts, cakes and pastries, which fall into several categories.