PRELUDE 2: GREECE

Obviously, the best part of being Greek is that all your family members are AMAZING cooks... However, this is about my experiences dining out.

Skepasti

Souvlaki in Heraklion

First and foremost you have to try the Greek Slovakia. Make sure they are with the pita and french fries and all the goodness! They are 1431264 times better in Greece, because they are cooked on a spit. WONDERFUL!

However, an even better interpretation of those is the "Skepasti". Its basically a larger version of the Slovakia, with two pitas (top and bottom) mixed with typical Slovakia stuff, plus peppers, and cheese, and more condiments, etc.

Crepa with Nutella and Biscotto

Last summer I discovered another love of mine... "Yiourtou- Yirourlou"! We went to a rakadiko right before we were going to go out for dinner, and my cousin order it. Out came a crock with some sort of meat balls, cheeses, tomato sauces, and a think layer of Greek yogurt, served with pita bread! It was so warm and wholesome we had to order another one!

Waffle with Nutella and Ice Cream

Another must in Greece is going to the village bakery and getting some freshly baked bread. Again, they stay true to their ingredients, and you can taste it! In addition, if you get there early enough, you are able to get a tiropita (cheese pie) or spanakopita (spinach pie) fresh, but of course, its "while supplies last"...and they sure go quickly!

In relation to breakfast food, which can be found just about anywhere is the "Tost"...or toast. Though very simple, this is good anytime of the day! It includes sandwich bread, a type of bologna and cheese, smothered in butter and grill on the panini grill. Try this with a Greek "Fanta" (tastes completely different in Europe) and you're set to go!

A Little of Everything!

Ice Cream

Just remember, if you are going to a restaurant, and don't know what to order, just ask your order to give you a big plate with a little bit of everything! They know exactly what to give you, and will bring you the house specialties!

And, while you are shopping, feel free to buy some fresh fruit from the produce stands/trucks...all is locally grown and amazing! My personal favorite over the summer are the prickly pears, called "fragosica"...delicious! Just don't eat too many!

Amazing Desserts!

Freddoccino

Now, later on at night, after diner of course, visit any cafe' and have a Frappe, Greek Cold Coffee, or Freddo, Greek Cold Cappuccino. They are amazing! and one of Greece's best kept secrets! (McDonald's is trying a hand at this, but not quite there yet!) For dessert, ask them about what they are known for... if they don't respond confidently, go elsewhere! lol... Every place should know its specialty... Just, be sure to try the loukoumades (honey puffs) or the crepes with Nutella (and strawberry is my fav) and ice cream! But, you can't go wrong with anything you order!

DRINKS: When in Crete, you MUST try Raki... Ouzo has nothing on this!!! But remember, drink it slowly!

Kali sas oreksi!
Your Tasty Bud

PRELUDE: ITALY

So other than growing up in a Greek Family, where there is always food available, I have had many amazing meals elsewhere.

My First Meal in Rome!

Nutella Gelato

Obviously, my top meals have been in Italy, where I traveled to two years ago (Rome and Florence) and had amazing pizza, pasta, meats, wine, and gelato! My favorite in Italy had to be this amazing french onion soup (insane, right?) served in a little crock in corner restaurant in the Piazza del Palio in Siena. It was a cold rainy day, and nothing was more soothing than this soup! Not only were the onions perfectly cooked, but the cheese was phenomenal and the crostini perfectly crisp yet soft!

In addition, we traveled to Montalcino one day were we visited a restaurant that was able to seat us in their wine cellar (amazing experience). Here, we drank a delicious bottle of red wine, and had phenomenal panini. My choice was tuna, and it was perfectly crisp and fresh!

Of course, the gelato every night was always a treat as well! It was simply fascinating to me how different you feel after eating a meal that's made with wholesome fresh ingredients, as opposed to processed foods we are used to in America. Not only are you less bloated, but you feel fuller quicker. Not to forget, the taste difference between the two is enormous!

Small Cafe in Todi

DRINK: When you think Italy, you think wine...and I had plenty of amazing wine everywhere we went. If your traveling to Tuscany, remember that each town has its own wine that it is famous more. I just recommend that wherever you go, 1) visit a winery 2) as for their house special. Especially at restaurants, asking for the house special not only saves you money (normally the cheapest option), but also ensures that you get great wine!

First Round of Tiramisu Shots

Besides the wine, I will never forget my Tiramisu shots. One night we decided to go out to a bar called "Barrone Rosso". Unfortunately, our find ended up being one of the All-American pubs in Rome. I was soo upset that Americans visiting Italy actually want to go to American places. Anyways... we shortly discovered that the bartender's specialty was a "Tiramisu" shot (pictured right). They were sweet, and complete with foam and cinnamon! You must try them!! ADDICTING!

One of the Many Pizzas I Ate

NOTE: I did not mention Pizza from Italy because I could not choose my favorite...ANYWHERE you go it is PHENOMENAL! :)

Il Corallo, Rome

Pictured to the left is a "Shrimp Salad" pizza I tried at a place in Rome called Pizza Design! They do various specialty pizzas! This was our go to place, close to the hotel, and great service! The owners were Middle Eastern, and spoke both English and Italian! All food was amazing! and they would always put on some AMAZING music for us while we were there!

Arrivederci,
Your Tasty Bud