The Cheese Boutique
My blog has been trucking along since the Spring of 2007 and most of you are familiar with my travels to Greece and love of my native cuisine, Greek food. Being a Greek who lives abroad (Diaspora), I feel lucky that my parents chose Canada as the country of choice to start a new life […]
Melomakarona Cheesecake
Here in Toronto, I visit our Greektown (locally known as The Danforth) at least once a month. One of the reasons I head down there is to pick up the monthly edition of Gastronomos (included in Kathermerini). Gastronomos keeps me posted on new developments in Greek cookery and the issue is always good for resurrecting […]
Piquant Chicken Souvlaki (Πικάντικη-Κοτόπουλο-Σουβλάκι)
Be it in Greece or abroad, I’m finding more Greek restaurants offering chicken souvlaki as an alternative to the pork or lamb variety. Eating a souvlaki can be an indulgence as it’s in a red meat category, some pork fat is usually in the cut of meat and they are so damn delicious! I’ve rarely […]
Pastourma Takes Patience (παστουρμά)
On many occasions I’ve referred to the Greek eating experience as being centered around many sample plates of foods that are shared over drinks, conversation among family and friends. Greek cuisine has alot of appetizers, usually simply prepared but the array is great and the diversity even more so. One facet of Greek appetizers or […]
Ragu of Braised Lamb
This past Friday I drank & supped with some old and new friends and discovered a new eatery that’s operated in Toronto for years. I supped at none other than Gio Rana’s Really Really Nice Restaurant. Upon pulling up in front of what used to be a bank, you wonder if you’re at the right […]
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,
when all through the house, Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. We’re upon that magical day, Christmas. I feel it today…that state of mind, the Zone. It’s not just a holiday, it’s a state of being…almost out of body – surreal. Christmas, the holidays, the end of the Year all wrapped-up in […]
Chocolate Baklava
Perhaps one of the best known and popular Greek desserts is Baklava. Greeks have made & enjoyed Baklava for ages and it’s popularity is further evidenced by versions of Baklava appearing in Turkish, Middle-Eastern and Persian cuisines. Baklava is essentially made of layers of phyllo sandwiching a nut and spice mixture in the middle. A […]
Rabbit Stifado (Κουνέλι-Στιφάδο)
Lamb and sheep are cute animals, chickens are cute when they are born, calves are cute, turkeys are majestic with their plumage, deer are a adorable. All the above animals do not posess the “Fugly” gene yet we eat them. Rabbits are cute and sadly delicious! I just wanted to draw the parallel before any […]
Diples (Δίπλες)
My family comes from the northernmost province of Greece, Macedonia but today’s recipe is from the opposite end of mainland Greece, Laconia. Although Diples are home to much of the Peloponese, the Byzantine town of Mani is where these Greek fried turnovers come from. One would expect a rich heritage of cuisine and recipes to […]
Heads & Tales: Kefi in New York
During my stay in New York, my days were occupied by sightseeing (nothing too touristy) and the evenings were for dining and meeting new friends. My stay in New York and the exploration of the Greek food scene wouldn’t be complete without tasting the creations of Michael Psilakis. Michael has appeared on Iron Chef America […]
