1. d_kakavouli

    How is Mykonos for Solo Travelers?

    A friend of mine mentioned that her college-aged daughter is thinking about traveling to Mykonos on her own to meet up with some friends who will already be there. It got me wondering what the island is like for solo travelers, especially young women arriving independently before joining a...
  2. d_kakavouli

    Best Ladera Dishes for Summer?

    I've been trying to cook more traditional Greek ladera dishes this summer, especially since the local farm stands and farmers markets are overflowing with beautiful fresh vegetables. Every week something different catches my eye, and I'd love to make the most of what's in season rather than...
  3. d_kakavouli

    Tips for driving in Crete?

    I might be going to Crete in July, and I’m seriously thinking about renting a car because the island seems much bigger than I originally realized. Part of me loves the idea of being able to explore smaller villages, beaches, and mountain areas on my own schedule, but I’ve also heard mixed things...
  4. d_kakavouli

    Greek street foods for summer?

    I might be going to Greece in July, and one thing I’m really looking forward to is the street food. I’ve had gyros and souvlaki plenty of times here in the U.S., but I’m guessing the experience in Greece is completely different. I’d love recommendations for the best street foods to try during...
  5. d_kakavouli

    Favorite bakeries in Thessaloniki?

    I may make it to Thessaloniki this year, and one thing I’m really looking forward to is the bakery culture there. Honestly, some of my favorite travel memories come from grabbing a quick snack or light meal from a bakery and just walking around the city. I’d love recommendations for bakeries...
  6. d_kakavouli

    Thoughts on Regional Greek Olive Oils?

    I’ve recently started paying closer attention to Greek olive oil, and I’m realizing how much regional variation there seems to be. I always knew Greece produced incredible olive oil, but I didn’t fully understand how different oils from Crete, Kalamata, Lesvos, Peloponnese, and other regions can...
  7. d_kakavouli

    Places to go for the first time in Greece?

    A friend of mine is planning her first trip to Greece, and she asked me what she should prioritize for about 10 days. I’ve been lucky enough to go quite a few times, so I gave her a starting point: Athens for the history, Santorini for the views, and Mykonos for the energy and beaches. She...
  8. d_kakavouli

    Calamari: Fried or Grilled?

    Calamari is one of those dishes I’ll almost always order if I see it on a menu, but I’ve realized I go back and forth on how I like it prepared. Fried calamari is probably the classic way. I love it served with skordalia! When it’s done well, it’s hard to beat. \ I’ve also had grilled calamari...
  9. d_kakavouli

    Off the Beaten Track Beaches in Kefalonia

    I’m starting to plan a trip to Kefalonia, and while I know there are some famous beaches on the island, I’m much more interested in finding places that feel a little more off the beaten track. The kind of beaches where you might need to drive a bit farther, walk down a path, or just put in a...
  10. d_kakavouli

    Fasolakia with Frozen Vegetables?

    I’ve always made fasolakia with fresh green beans, but recently I found out my cousin uses frozen ones, and I’m honestly a little skeptical. Part of what I love about fasolakia is the texture and the way the beans absorb the tomato, olive oil, and herbs during the long simmer. I keep thinking...
  11. d_kakavouli

    What was school like in Greece?

    I’m Greek, but I never actually went to school in Greece. I only spent summers there growing up. Lately, though, I’ve become really curious about what everyday school life is actually like. I have close Greek friends who are moving back to Greece permanently, and they have two young children...
  12. d_kakavouli

    Yemista with rice only vs. rice and meat?

    I’m Greek and cook at home a lot, and yemista is one of those dishes I make regularly. But I’ve realized that people can feel very strongly about how it should be done. I personally prefer yemista with meat — usually beef — because that’s how it was made in my family. Every now and then I’ll...
  13. d_kakavouli

    Best Athens Restaurants with Acropolis Views?

    I’ve been to Athens many times over the years, but one thing I never get tired of is a great meal paired with an Acropolis view. I’ve already been to a few of the classic spots, but for my next trip I’d love to branch out and try something new, maybe somewhere a little unexpected, or a place...
  14. d_kakavouli

    Easy Greek Desserts for Thanksgiving?

    I’m hosting Thanksgiving this year and want to add a little Greek flair to the dessert table. I already have the traditional American pies covered (pumpkin, apple, pecan), but I’d love to serve one Greek dessert alongside them , something easy, reliable, and not too time-intensive on a busy...
  15. d_kakavouli

    How many days do you really need in Corfu?

    I’m thinking about planning a trip to Corfu sometime next year, but I’m still in the early stages of gathering information. For those of you who’ve been — how many days do you think you really need to experience the island properly? I’ve read that Corfu has a mix of stunning beaches, charming...
  16. d_kakavouli

    Getting Your Briam Perfectly Roasted?

    Lately, I’ve been struggling to get my briam just right, the vegetables never seem to roast evenly.! I love when the potatoes, zucchini, and eggplant are soft and slightly caramelized, but not mushy or crunchy. Sometimes parts of the tray cook too quickly while others stay underdone, especially...
  17. d_kakavouli

    Finding Cretan Lyra Music while Visiting?

    I’m heading to Crete in just a few weeks, and one thing I really don’t want to miss is experiencing live Cretan lyra music. I’ve read that it’s such a big part of the island’s culture, especially paired with the laouto and traditional dances. But I’m not sure where to actually find it as a...
  18. d_kakavouli

    Do you like dill in your Greek food?

    I have to confess something: I just don’t have the taste for dill. Plenty of people in my family love it. They’ll toss it into tzatziki, spanakopita, hortopita, even salads without a second thought. Whenever I see dill listed in a recipe, I usually skip it or substitute with parsley or mint. For...
  19. d_kakavouli

    Driving Advice in Kefalonia?

    I’m of Greek descent and visit Greece almost every year, so I’m no stranger to renting a car and getting around. but I’ve never driven in Kefalonia before. I’m thinking about making the trip next summer, though it’s not 100% decided yet, and I’m wondering what to expect. I’ve heard that...
  20. d_kakavouli

    Making a Greek Frappe - My Method

    I’ve been making Greek frappe for as long as I can remember. For me, the secret is all in the foam. Here’s how I do it: I start with a tall glass and add 1–2 teaspoons of instant coffee (Nescafé Classic is the traditional choice), 1–2 teaspoons of sugar depending on mood, and just a splash of...
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