As soon as I arrived to Monemvasia I walked into a bakery to try the traditional hand made cookies made of almonds and sesame called Amygalota. It tasted as if it was made in heaven.
Eating with this scenery, makes you realize the wonderful pleasures of life.
My fascination for feta cheese drove me to ask for any plate that had feta everywhere I’d go. I had daily a Greek salad and continued eating feta in different ways: honey, figs, walnuts.
Even the menu was a work of art authentically made. Matoula’s tavern has been open since 1950. A family restaurant with traditional recipes that comes from generations to generations.
This pie was similar to a spanakopita made of spinach, leek, and cheese.
Fried Mullet, local fish from the water to the table, fished everyday.
Monemvasia wines are made with local sun dried grapes a Malvasia type produced in the area. A gold color with fruits and earths aromas.
Simplicity, local and fresh is the heart of much of the Greek cooking. Flavors are pure, amazing, unique and an unforgettable taste.
Simple pleasures of sitting al fresco enjoying traditional Greek cuisine.
Monemvasia is divided into two, the medieval town carved on a side of the rock and the modern side outside the rock where most of the locals live.
Local fish store. Fishes laid on marble counter with care and minimum manipulation.
Now I understand the difference between an Estiatorio and a tabepna…
In greece there many types of eateries:
A tavern may have no table cloth or just paper cloth, a psarotaverna is a seafood tavern, an estiatorio may have table cloth and acts as a formal restaurant. Olinomageirio are simple eateries, Mezedopoleia is a tapas bar, Zacharoplasteio is a patisserie, Kafenelo a coffee with limited food and Ouzeri a place for Ouzo.
Monemvasia
That means single entrance, a peninsula off the Peloponnesian east coast. At first glance it appears to be uninhabited, but following the edges of the cliffs we arrived to a gate entrance with fortifying walls that take you to a magical medivial little town totally authentic and antique…. that is where I spent my birthday, protected by walls and surrounded by a powerful natural scenary.
My concerns in advance were where we were going to eat on that special day. Making my research I arrived with two options: first I wanted to eat real and authentic food with no tourist adaptation of menus. One of the restaurant options was Marianthi, located along the main cobble path and the other was Matoula a taverna with a great view on the Clift over looking the sea. The food was extremely fresh, super delicious, the wine was local which complemented the meal. When a simple meal is glorious everything around shines and that is how I felt there.
Lindas fotos y un excelente menú una delicia,abrazos hugs,hugs.
I’ve not seen so much blue in a long time. That must be why the Greek flag is blue. What a great holiday you’ve had. A. :)
Dear Lola, What a wonderful way to spend your birthday. Happy Birthday dear.
Thank you for sharing these beautiful
pictures. It looks like heaven.
Blessings dearest. Catherine xo
What a fantastic place. It all looks and sounds great.
What amazing-looking food! And, the view. So beautiful. It must have been a great trip.
What amazing photos! I do love Greece, hope you had the best birthday ever!
What a beautiful post! It makes me miss Greece and remember the last time I was there :(
What a beautiful post! It makes me miss Greece and remember the last time I was there :(
Thank you for the amazing virtual trip!
WoW! El paraíso existe! Bellísimo post!
Hi Lola, what a wonderful post! Let me know if you prepare the rhubarb pie, I´m anxious to see it. Kiss,
Hi Maggie, I think the same as you there is nothing more exciting that experiencing another culture. For me it is part of life, even when I am home I try to recreate through food those momentos or even places I have never been. xoxo
These photos are so stunning, I feel like I was there with you! There is nothing more exciting than experiencing another culture, eating their food and basking in their sun. I can’t wait to get to Greece someday, it is at the top of my list!
Exquisita comida y bellas fotos me encantaría estar allí,todo luce increíble,abrazos hugs,hugs.
Great way to celebrate your life !!
Love the blues all over …
The pictures are amazing …….thanks !
I have always long to visit Greece, and your photos are making me more eager to just buy a plane ticket and fly out on the next flight out. It’s sure dreamy and love the back drop. Those lush aqua colour, and and hints of white here and there, makes me want to be apart of the sea. xoxo
I have always long to visit Greece, and your photos are making me more eager to just buy a plane ticket and fly out on the next flight out. It’s sure dreamy and love the back drop. Those lush aqua colour, and and hints of white here and there, makes me want to be apart of the sea. xoxo
Wow, wonderful views and food. Que rico habrás pasado el cumple.
I will love to seat in a Mezedopoleia looking at the sea. Tapas are my perdición ;-)
Besitos y felicidades,
Vero
oh these pictures are just stunning!
Oh, you’ve given me travel envy! The sky and sea are just breathtaking! And I’d be eating my weight in feta, too…wow, your food looks incredible!
PS…belated happy birthday wishes!
Wow. Stunning!!
Oh Lola what a great post! Greece…love it! You look gorgeous on those photos!
Fabulous all the way around! You got the Greek noshing spots down. I have never been to Monemvacia, but now I want. Hope your cumpleanos was wonderful!