In Greek: τσαϊ του βουνού (pronounced TSAH-ee too voo-NOO) Greek Mountain Tea is made using the dried leaves and flowers of Sideritis plants (ironwort). The tea is aptly named: the plant used to make it is found on rocky slopes at elevations over 3,200 feet (1000 meters). These plants are hardy flowering perennials that have […]

Camomile (or chamomile) takes its name from the Greek words for “ground” and “apple,” because it grows close to the ground and its strong aroma is reminiscent of apples. It is one of the most loved teas in Greece and is regularly gathered in the wild, washed thoroughly, and laid out to dry at home. Greek […]

Some people say that Retsina, the resinated wine produced in Greece since ancient times, is an acquired taste. I’ll agree – I acquired it immediately. Not everyone agrees – the Epicurious Dictionary describes the flavor as “sappy and turpentinelike”. But cooking expert Sheila Lukinsbreaks ranks and calls it the “quintessential Mediterranean wine”, applauding it as an accompaniment […]

Ouzo, the national drink of Greece, is an anise flavored liqueur that packs a powerful punch behind a delightful licorice taste. Ouzo also brings a hint of that licorice taste, in a light and supporting role, to many recipes, adding a surprising freshness that enhances rather than overwhelms. Ouzo has a strong taste and high alcohol […]

There is an old Greek saying that “ouzo makes the spirit” and this is especially true in Greece. The Greek spirit or kefi (KEH-fee) is found in hearty food, soulful music, and the love of lively conversation. A glass of chilled ouzo is the perfect companion to all of these things. Most people would agree that ouzo […]

More than a Greek drink, it’s a Greek philosophy Ah, ouzo – clear, cool, fragrant, powerful. My first experience with ouzo or oyzo was not in Greece. A friend of mine had a taste for it and proudly introduced me to ouzo over ice, demonstrating its ability to turn cloudy with the cold. I was […]

Learn about traditional thick Greek coffee, aromatic (and therapeutic) herbal teas, and the wide selection of Greek aperitifs, wines, and spirits. Spirits: Ouzo:Greek philosophy Greece’s favorite anise flavored drink is potent and fiery and distinctly Greek. More than just an aperitif, ouzo is a social phenomenon and a cultural mainstay of Greece. Retsina: Greek Wine […]

The simplest of all salad dressings is a drizzle of Greek extra virgin olive oil and wedges of lemon on the side – squeeze to taste. For salads with feta cheese like the Greek Salad, I recommend straight olive oil (with a little water). For salads with cucumber, I like oil and vinegar. My favorite dressing, […]

Moussaka is a casserole made by layering eggplant with a spiced meat filling then topping it off with a creamy bechamel sauce that is baked to golden perfection. It is perhaps the most widely recognized of all Greek dishes and was made famous by the legendary Greek chef, Nicholas Tselementes. This eggplant version is the traditional […]

Ingredients for 4 people: 8 thick slices of halloumi 3 pastry sheets oil for frying pepper For the sauce 3 tbsp honey 3 tbsp vinegar 1 cup of coffee mafrosisamo Method: Take a pastry sheet and cut lengthwise in half. At the edge of each piece you put a thick slice of halloumi. Fold the […]