Recent content by k_tsoukalas

Great advice. I would also say start small. Do the easier things, like village salad, tzatziki (especially easy if you have food processor). Them pick one or two things that you love that are a little more complicated, like spanakopita or braised lamb shank, and work on those until you feel...

I would suggest that if you are staying in Mykonos for an extended period of time that you rent a car. It will make getting around so much easier. I find it so much easier to get around myself. Finding transportation was stressful to me - the tax stands and bus situation wasn't obvious to me -...

My wine experiences in Greece have been more random. I had fun visiting a few of the wineries on Crete. Other than that, I enjoy drinking the Greek wines that are put in front of me. Sometimes, that means someone made it at their farm house and brought it to their restaurant to serve. For me...

Yes to the Lava jewelry - I agree, Deborah. I can't help myself - every time I go there I try to hunt down the jewelry made of lava stones because to this day, they are still some of my favorite pieces. They are unique and fun to wear and I love saying they were made of beads taken from the...

When I was must in Thessaloniki, I couldn't believe how many Starbucks I saw. I didn't go in any of them - I have them at home! I loved the area by the waterfront and when I was there, I focused on that. There were some street food options, which were delicious. I don't know too much else...

Good tours are fun! I've taken a few of them. One of the most memorable was a walking tour I took on Chania, Crete. I unfortunately don't remember the details. The hotel we stayed at recommended them and this was several years ago. My advice is - ask at your hotel if you're staying at one...

This sounds so good. I'll be going to that area this year I might have to track it down! Thanks for the advice! For me, the advice is similar - but I don't remember the names of any of the places. I've had the best experiences randomly in out of the way places. My greatest piece of advice is to...

I haven't done it yet either, but this is on my list to do. I ran a marathon once, it would be fun to see where it all originated.

The concept is called Philoxenia - the art of hospitality. In Greece, hospitality is more than a practice, it's a point of national pride deeply rooted in history and mythology. The term 'philoxenia' literally translates to 'love of strangers'. It's a value that dictates kindness and...

I found some facts and did some research. I was curious, too! Origin Story: The exact origins of the Greek flag are a bit of a mystery, but it's widely believed to have gained prominence during the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The revolutionary flag featuring the blue...

Recipe looks pretty good to me - thanks for sharing! Do you know if you can use ground sesame seeds (texture of flour)? I know the ones that use tahini - the proportions are all different.

I am named after my maternal grandmother (my baptized name). It's Kalliope, one of the muses. I tend to think about the muses whenever I think of my second name. I think their role, and what they do, is so cool!

I have heard great things about this place but I haven't been. I did some research for you: Explore Lixouri Town: Take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Lixouri to soak in the local atmosphere. Explore the town square, where you'll find cafes, tavernas, and shops selling local products...

I have some advice for you. I love Rhodes! It has such a vibe for Romance. Explore the Old Town: Take leisurely strolls through the cobbled streets of Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover medieval architecture, quaint shops, and cozy cafes tucked away in hidden corners...

I think I read somewhere that the "spoon sweets" (gluko) were an ancient technique for preserving food that is alive and well today. Now with refrigeration, we've moved away from a lot of it. Perhaps salt brining olives and sun-drying tomatoes is another old method of preserving food?