Grilled Soutzoukakia
One of my earliest fond food memories (1974) was noticing how Greeks (in the summer) were always eating outside. Of note were the tavernas that would come alive for the evening service: tables and chairs being arranged outside of the premise, tablecloths, plates, glassware laid out. Greeks eat dinner late (say 10ish) and menu items […]
Instant Ramen Mac and Beef
Some days are very busy and often one loses track of time and quick meal hacks are something I always look for. Enter instant ramen noodles, once only found at Asian markets but they can now be found even in regular supermarkets. There are several instant ramen recipes on the ‘net, some keep the seasoning […]
Pastourma With Figs and Greek Yogurt
Here’s a quick, delicious appetizer you can serve to your guests as the summer gently slips away from us. The days are still warm but I sense a little nip in the air as the sun sets. The star of this dish is pastourma, a salt and air-cured beef that’s coated in a spice blend […]
Gazoza and Vissino Refresher
Growing up Greek, one didn’t grown consuming that much soft drinks (soda as the yanks call it). We had pop (what us Canadians call it) in the house but it was there for guests or on occasion given to us. In Greece, there’s 7-UP, Sprite later arrived but for as long as I can remember, […]
Posh Cretan Dakos Salad
If you’ve been to Crete, you will have enjoyed a Cretan Dakos Salad. The base is a round Cretan rusk, topped with grated (or diced) ripe tomato and finished with fresh tart cheese (fresh myzithra). A garnish of dried Greek oregano, an olive and tuck in! For those not familiar with Cretan rusks (Paximadia), they […]
Eggs With Pastourma
One aspect of Greek cuisine that doesn’t get enough attention is charcuterie – yes, cured meats are a part of our cuisine. Mani and Messinia have Siglino and Pasto (smoked pork), the Cretans have Apaki (smoked porn loin), Corfu has Nouboulo (cured pork), Zamponi in Naxos. This is list is just off the top of […]
Mediterranean Tuna Tartare
For those that have been to Greece and other Mediterranean countries, you may have seen some modern takes on dishes, some international flare mixed in with local ingredients. Some of the fancier seafood tavernas are serving ceviches, crudo, cured fish dishes, even sashimi and sushi. Many of the dishes have foreign influences and techniques while […]
Greekish Nicoise Salad
A few years ago, I served up this salad at one of my Greek Supper Clubs. It was a Nicoise Salad with some Greek elements (to which I will get to shortly). A Nicoise Salad is French, originating from the southern French city of Nice. Basically it’s a composed salad of raw vegetables, canned or […]
Cherry Tomato Salad With Whipped Feta
Here in Canada, we have a short window of when we can enjoy local, sweet ripe tomatoes and the time is now. In abundance now are cherry tomatoes, sweet, inexpensive and even good in the off season (hothouse variety). The star of the salad are the cherry tomatoes along with an easy whipped Feta to […]
Cretan Summertime Stifado
Have you been to Crete? I’ve been three times and each time I return with much inspiration from regional Cretan cuisine. I also follow, fellow blogger Vaggelio of Cretan Gastronomy, featuring Cretan dishes. Sometimes the ingredients aren’t available but most are adaptable using what you may have at hand. We are definitely in zucchini season, […]