TASTE BUDS

I initially started this blog as an ode to my culture's emphasis on great food and nutrition. However, I was VERY bad with keeping up with it. So now, it will be about my travels, tastes, and anything else that I feel like projecting into the vast online community for anyone that wants to read :) May it be noted though that food is still and will always continue to be a huge part of my life :)

Friday, July 30, 2010

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

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