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Melomakarona in August. . . Traditionally, these soft, honey and walnut biscuits are made as a winter treat and given to guests at Christmas. My new pal, Yiayia Eirine (meaning “peace”) in Tinos had baked a batch because she loved them so much. . . I was eating @tothalassaki and eyeing up her beachfront home next door when she came to the window and waved me over. . . Having eaten a three course lunch didn’t deter me from saying YES to one of my favourite baked treats. Especially from a Greek granny. . . I now think a melomakarono is best enjoyed by the sea, in summer.
The sexiest man in south Corfu is dead. And a priest.
The shade of blue used in the Greek Γαλανόλευκη (galanolefki) flag has varied throughout its history, from light blue to dark blue, the latter being increasingly used since the late 1960s. Before that, it was officially adopted by the First National Assembly at Epidaurus on 13 January 1822. Its five blue stripes symbolise the syllables in the word "Ελευθερία" - meaning “freedom.” 🕊
If you are ever in Tinos, Cyclades, make sure to visit @tothalassaki for lunch and reserve in advance. This has been THE best place i have eaten in Greece EVER. It’s right on the water, so much so that the odd wave splashed onto and across the decking where diners eat - the food being so good that the odd flip flop lost to the sea goes unobserved. Seafood is what Thalassaki does best - with dreamy linguine vongole and delicious smoked herring dip being my favourites on the menu. For dessert, try the mastiha and loukoumi (Turkish delish) ice cream with a thick Greek coffee. It won’t disappoint. Reserve in advance - don’t expect a single free table come 2pm.
Number one thing to do when the Meltemi in Tinos is too strong? Take a tour of the villages. This one is Agapi. It’s beautiful, dripping in bougainvillea and its name means “love” in Greek. Beats being blown away by the sandy breeze on the beach...
“He always thought of the sea as 'la mar' which is what people call her in Spanish when they love her. Sometimes those who love her say bad things of her but they are always said as though she were a woman. Some of the younger fishermen, those who used buoys as floats for their lines and had motorboats, bought when the shark livers had brought much money, spoke of her as 'el mar' which is masculine.They spoke of her as a contestant or a place or even an enemy. But the old man always thought of her as feminine and as something that gave or withheld great favours, and if she did wild or wicked things it was because she could not help them. The moon affects her as it does a woman, he thought.” . . Hemingway
Afternoon deLight 🍅 the Dakos will never replace a traditional Greek Salad for me, but it’s having a damn good go. Creamy feta is a win - and only the freshest, juiciest tomatoes will do. This one was devoured at Tzitzikas in Syros.
@jaguar_shark_ took this picture and really wants the credit.
Oh brother where art thou?
Live and online over @granddishes - our delicious octopus salad recipe from Croatian granny Flora. Read her story, cook her recipe and if you fancy it, please follow the link in @granddishes bio to pledge to get yourself a Grand Dishes book and support our granny mission 🙏
Girls on tour in Croatia. Got my planning hat on for @granddishes Great Granny Roadtrip so we can finally get this @unbounders book wrapped up and out there in the world and on the bookshelves. Nostalgia - not for long @iskalupton
Heaven is a beach shack in 36 degree heat.
Made in Greece.
Wedding crashers.
City of contrasts.
Camping is fun. Fresh produce straight from the market - goats cheese X 2 plus very salty butter and a super soft baguette. Heaven.
Gone camping in France with @zoetheperson for @inkglobal EasyJet Traveller Mag. BRB.
Stumbled on this traditional Greek kafeneion at Aegina port and couldn’t help but pull my camera out to have a quick snap at the interiors. Aged photographs of local football teams clutter the walls, delicately painted chicken motifs border the room and locals cram in for Tsipouro from 11am. I opted instead for a Greek coffee - one slowly brewed “metrio” (with plenty of sugar) for a rare caffeine hit that gave me the shakes. Article on Aegina coming for @fivestargreece
The grand scale of things. Oregano, garlic, olive oil, lemon.
Surveying the remains. Article on Aegina adventures coming soon for @fivestargreece