I had a great time in Greece! It was nice and warm and sunny most of the time though it did rain a few days. I saw lots of ruins and monuments and I did all of the touristy things. Most importantly I ate lots and lots of great Greek food! I got to try all of my favorite Greek dishes and a few new ones. Unfortunately it seems that I was more interested in enjoying the food than in taking pictures of it and I did not end up with many food photos…
One of the first dishes that I tried was a simple Greek salad. Boy, was I surprised when they set the bowl down in front of me and there was this absolutely massive slab of feta on top! It was a great salad and I enjoyed many more like it over the next few days. One thing that I noticed while in Greek was that the tomatoes were always perfectly ripe and full of flavour.
Of course I could not go to Greece and not eat a gyro or six. I had some that were amazing and some that were not so good. Sometimes they were served like I have always had them, wrapped in the pita, but other times they were served separately on a plate with sliced pitas instead of wrapped. One that I had that I really liked had red peppers layered in with the meat on the rotisserie and they were effectively roasted as the meat cooked. This gave the gyros an extra kick of flavour.
While I was in Greece I came across a lot of pastry shops and I found it hard not to go into each one and come out with an arm full of baklava. In the end I ate a lot of baklava and I enjoyed every bite of it, though I think I might be a bit baklava’d out for a while. 🙂
I was lucky to be in Greece just at the end of the fig season and I was able to pick up some fresh ripe figs. The figs were as big as a small fist and so full of flavour! The figs that I can get locally are pretty small and they usually only have a touch of flavour. I enjoyed snacking on about 2kg’s of figs while I was there. I also saw some fig yogurt in a grocery store that looked really good though I did not get a chance to try it.
While I was in Meteora I visited one of the monasteries on the cliffs. As I walked into the monastery there was this amazing smell of oregano. They were selling some oregano that they grew right there in the monastery. The oregano filled the room with its amazing fragrance and I immediately purchased some. My entire suitcase and everything in it smelled like oregano by the time I got home. I can’t wait to try using it!
I tried eating a few meals that where there were several mezes or appetizers that included things like eggplant salad, dolmades, saganaki, spanakopita, etc. These meals were quite nice as I got to try a few different dishes at a time.
I have always used tzatziki as a condiment and I was thus a bit surprised to see it served as a dish by itself. Given that tzatziki is so tasty and that I am used to eating fruity yogurt I quite enjoyed the cucumber and garlicky yogurt. It is always nice to find new ways to enjoy some of your favorite foods.
I also got the chance to enjoy moussaka several times and I even managed to get a hold of a few new moussaka recipes that I will have to try some time soon. All of the recipes seem to call for a layer of potatoes on the bottom which sounds nice and one called for a layer of zucchini.
Some other dishes that I got to try include: chicken avgolemono soup, stuffed cabbage, pasticio, etc.
While I was on Crete I got the chance to visit an olive farm and I got to see how they made some of their olive products. They had a donkey going in circles to grind the olives to get the olive oil, though I think that was more for show. I did end up picking up some olive oil and some nice looking olives, capers and honey while I was there.
On my last day in Athens I had some free time and I just walked around the area near the hotel. I came across a street that was full of vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, and fish that went on for blocks. There were a lot of vendors and each of them had a ton of fresh produce that was in season in Greece. It all looked so amazing. In amongst the fruits and vegetables were a few olive dealers and they had dozens of different varieties of olives. It is too bad that I could not read the Greek labels on all of those olives. It sure would have been nice to be able to sample them all.
Overall I had a great time. I did not even miss not having access to a computer or the internet or a tv for the duration of the trip. I did miss cooking though. I do not normally eat out and for the last few weeks I was eating out every meal of the day. I am looking forward to getting back to cooking and trying some new Greek dishes soon.
I have been rambling on long enough. It is time to start going through some of the many photos that I took in Greece.
Update: View Album
That sounds like a fantastic time Kevin! I recall when I went to Europe (2004), there was practically no use watching television– there was just so much to see and do before collapsing an exhausted wreck in bed! And it looks like you managed to get a good feel for the good life in Greece, especially with all the rich food 🙂 I am loving the pictures, too– it looks like they came out of a movie 🙂
Welcome back Kevin! I’m delighted to hear that your trip to Greece was enjoyed, memorable and delicious.
You covered alot of ground during your first stay but no worries, Greece is most hospitable, awaiting your return.
Welcome back, Kevin! Can’t wait to see what Greek dishes you’ll whip up.
Welcome back Kevin!
I have to say I missed your daily posts.I always look forward to seeing what is it that you made.
Regarding th etrip, I am glad you had a good time. When I went to Greece I actually put on weight, I ate sooo much. I know what you mean about beign tired of eating out. But now you’re back and can cook some nice Greek dishes and share with us!
Welcome back! I can’t wait to see some of the recipes you have gathered while you were there.
yay i’m glad you’re back! i have recently started reading your blog and i love it. wow, the pictures are beautiful and the food sounds amazing. I’ll have to go to Greece someday too. can’t wait til you start posting recipes …. 🙂
Welcome back! Your trip sounds (and looks) lovely! I must say that I missed you, though 🙂
Welcome back, Kevin! You were sorely missed! I’m so glad that you had a great trip. I can’t wait to see what you’ll be cooking up next!
Great photos, Kevin! Did you go swimming at all? I love the sea in Greece! Almost as much as the food!
Welcome back! I’m glad you had a good time in that wonderful country! I love Greece!
Cheers,
Rosa
Welcome back ,the pictures you posted are beautiful.
We’re glad to have you back! I am drooling over your pictures of Greece. What a gorgeous place! Thank you for sharing and I look forward to hearing even more about your trip!
welcome back. It sounds wonderful. and love the new picture of you.
Kevin-sounds wonderful! I love your descriptions of all you did!
What a trip Kevin. I’m so glad you enjoyed every minute of it. Can’t wait to see what recipes you are going to come up with. Beautiful pictures!
Welcome back! I’ve always wanted to visit Greece and your pictures and food descriptions give me all the more reason to go buy a ticket now!
Welcome back Kevin! Wow, those photo’s are beautiful!
What a wonderful and delicious trip! Can’t wait to see more photos and what you do with your cooking goodies. I like the new profile pic in your sidebar, too.
welcome back!! glad to hear you had fun and ate your fill of greek cuisine ;p can’t wait for more updates and greek-inspired recipes 😀
Welcome back Kevin,
So glad to hear that you enjoyed your vacation. Beautiful photographs and I also like your new look on the side bar. I’m looking forward for your next Greek recipes. Cheers,
Glad you enjoyed it. Greece is probably my favourite holiday desitnation. In fact we’re just booking up for next year to go to Rhodes
Welcome back! Sounds like you had a wonderful trip. I enjoyed reading your post; it was great fun reading so much about you and your trip. Sounds like you took full advantage of exploring Greece. Looking forward to seeing some of those trip inspired recipes! Oh, and I like your new avatar photo, too!
Good to have you back Kev! I’m glad you had a good time and ate so many wonderful things!
Welcome back Kevin! It sounds like you had a great time!
What a great trip! welcomd back 🙂
WELCOME BACK, KEVIN!!!! I’ve missed your posts!! So glad that you had a spectacular trip :0)
Welcome back Kevin. 🙂
I also like your new profile picture – very nice!
great photographs kevin! you definitely captured much better pictures than i did when i was there a few years ago!
greece is definitely such a beautiful place with so much history. and the food is absolutely amazing!
Welcome back Kevin! It’s nice to hear how you had such a wonderful time. I know exactly what you mean about forgetting to take pictures of food. Before you know it, you’re already halfway through with the dish and then it hits you. Eating out and trying new dishes is fun, but after a while, it does feel a little too much.
I like your updated pic.. how do you manage to stay so thin with all the delicious food you’re cooking all the time!
Welcome home, Kevin! Sounds like Greece was wonderful! Beautiful pics too, and nice new profile pic too! Can’t wait to see what you all come up with now! 🙂
wow what a fantastic trip u had and picture is awesome.Welcome back!
It sounds like you had an amazing time in Greece! Welcome back!
Welcome back! Good to hear you had such a great trip and like every one else here I can’t wait to see the inspired dishes you are going to try! And your pictures are always so awesome! I hope we see a few more of greece from you!
Glad to have you back. Sounds like you had a foodie’s dream holiday!
Welcome back Kevin! It sounds like you had a beautiful trip and gorgeous food. I enjoyed reading about it as I have never been to Greece (it’s on my list of places to visit).
Welcome back Kevin! One of my friends said the same thing as you about the amount of feta cheese the Greeks put on salads is way better than Americans do. I wish they would adopt that here.
That last photo is breathtaking. I would love to have dinner right there with a nice bottle of chilled white wine. :::sigh:::
Welcome home. I really enjoyed your pictures and descriptions of the food etal.
I love Baklava, and always look forward to the Greek festival held in my community each summer so I can indulge.
Wow – welcome back!
Beautiful photos, and the food sounds amazing. What a great trip!
Glad to see you back Kevin! Great to have a constant daily updated blog back in action!
You had a great time, didn’t you?! Envious! I want more photos! 😀
Welcome Back – I am so glad that you had a great time – Greece is an amazing place – Looking forward to seeing more pics and of course seeing your yummy creations!!
Oooooo…Your trip sounds delicious! Can’t wait to see all of the yummy recipes inspired by it. Welcome home:)
Welcome home! Love the photos and recap! Sounds like you had an amazing time. I really want to go there, it is on my list!!
Sounds like it was an amazing vacation! I’m jealous – I hope to make it to Greece one day!
You’re back!
Welcome: I like very much the second picture…
Hey Kevin, welcome back! Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip to Greece—your new head shot is a great way to commemorate your trip!
Welcome back!
Reading your post is like feeling the Greece spirit! Thank for this feeling!
And for comment on my blog too!
I wish it was me eating all that good food. The pictures that you took there look beautiful. I’m glad you had a good time.
I’m so jealous, I would love to visit greece and the food! Welcome back!
Oh Kevin, your holiday sounds magical!! Greece is one of the few western-European countries that I have not visited and now I cannot for the life of my think why not. I demand to know where that second picture was taken because I HAVE to go there!!
Isn’t it funny how the fresh produce in southern Europe tastes riper and more flavourful than anywhere else in the world??
Good to have you back 🙂
Welcome back!! Looks like you had an amazing time and had some wonderful food! Is that Santorini in the bottom picture? I was dying to go there last year, but didn’t make it.
Hi Kevin, I loved your pictures. Let us know if you post them some where. Your picture from Santorini’s are beautiful. I’m going next year and can’t wait.
Welcome back! I’m so very jealous. It sounds like you had a fantastic time. Beautiful photos!
Welcome back Kevin! Lucky you to have the opportunity to spend some time in Greece. You have been missed. I look forward to your upcoming creations and photos.
great pictures… 🙂 and you were truly missed… welcome back… cheers!!!
a few weeks…dang thats my kind of vacation….I would have decided to live there after that long….
Welcome back and very glad to hear that you had a great time. One of these days I’ll get to experience Greece
thank goodnesssssssssssss Kevin!!! we are all hungry for more of your wonderful cooking…
I am so happy you had a great time away….
the photos are wonderful…thanks for sharing them….
Saganaki is my favorite….nothing like flaming cheese! yummm
I can’t wait to see your next dish…
Hugs and welcome home….
Diana
What a fantastic teaser, just to whet our appetities for your upcoming Greek posts! Welcome back!
Kevin, it’s gorgeous! I totally enjoyed hearing about the things you ate and the places you went.
Good to see you back!
Good to see you back!
Sounds like you had a great time – I just love Greece.
Can’t wait for your Greek dishes!!
Wonderful post! Welcome back; love your last picture especially, with the vivid flowers and sky!
Wow, sounds like a fantastic trip! Interesting about the tzatziki being served by itself. The market with the produce, fish and olives sounds like a wonderful way to shop. Welcome back Kevin! Now start cooking, please 😉
Glad you are back and it sure sounds like you enjoyed it!
I’m so glad to see a photo of Santorini up there! I visited last November and just loved it.
A few of the most interesting things I ate were included in the hotel’s breakfast buffet; in addition to the usual meat, bread and cheeses there was a lentil dish, poached chicken and stuffed tomatoes. Not sure if this is common… ~Britta
I forgot to mention about the photos. The first photo is of the acropolis with the parthenon in Athens and the second was taken in Santorini.
Thanks for sharing about your trip. It all sounds so wonderful and you gave such great descriptions of all that food shopping you got to do. Your photos are beautiful! Would love for you to share some of the recipes you came across while there.
Welcome back, Kevin! Glad to hear you had a good time! Sounds like you ate some great food and went at the perfect time – fig season is my favorite!
Sounds like you had a fantastic time Kevin. I envy you for being able to have those fresh figs right off the tree.Santorini was beautiful wasn’t it? and Meteora breathtaking!!!!!!!!I have yet to travel to Crete….I think that Greece is waiting for us both again:D
You’ll need to keep telling us more about your trip – at least to keep that holiday glow alive.
welcome back home! Seems liek you had so much yummy food on your trip! I was a little surprised when I went to greece and there was a huge block of feta cheese on the greek salad too! haha but its soooooo yummy! cant wait to see more photos!
Welcome back, glad you had a wonderful trip. Looking forward to seeing the inspiration from Greece materialize on your blog!
What a delightful trip. It sounds like a little slice of heaven. Thanks for sharing this with us mere mortals.
Looks like you had a fabulous time. Welcome back.
Greece is definitely a dream vacation for me. Someday…. In the mean time I will enjoy it vicariously through you and Peter of Kalofogas.
Like your new pic! More cheery!
I found your blog just as you had left and I’ve been so anxious to see you reports of the trip. I love Greek food. A trip to Greece has always been on the list, but after reading about the olive farm and all the food I think it moved to the top.
Thanks and welcome back!
Hey! Welcome back!! I love baklava too but there is only so much of it you can eat, yeah? 🙂 Thanks for sharing the photos.
Wow, I so wish I was there! I now am craving Greek food and some baklava in particular. Some day I hope to get to Greece to try the foods you mentioned. Welcome back!
Good to have you back, I am so happy that you had such a wonderful time in Greece. The pictures are amazing.
Absolutely stunning. Welcome back!
“Of course I could not go to Greece and not eat a gyro or six.” :)) Sounds like an awesome trip… Great photos!
Welcome back! Glad to year you had a fabulous time.
WElcome Kevin!!!! really miss you and your yummy recipes!!!! Beautiful pictures, waht lovelu place is Greece!! Fantastic.!!!Gloria
Welcome back! Sounds like you had fun.
What an exciting trip! I was looking forward to reading your recap of your travels. I’m so jealous, I’ve always wanted to visit Greece!
Welcome back! You make me want to go on a vacation.
Good to have you back! I’m glad you had a good time!
Welcome Back Kevin – we missed your daily yummy food posts!!!
Great photos…would love to see more!
Welcome back Kevin! You were missed! Sounds like you had a great trip…can’t wait to check out those pictures on your sidebar!
wow, those photos are stunning! i hope to visit greece someday…
So glad to see you are back! I love the new profile pic… so many entries to catch up on!
Being from Bulgaria, I’m so glad to read about favourite local food and especially Moussaka and Tzatziki. About Athens – I really hope you went to Lucavittos – the highest hill there, really beautiful place.
You are back from Greece!
Welome…welcome.
Great looking food is back. I am chewing all those Greek goodies in my dreams!
And a cuter pleasant lively happy Kevin is smiling at us.
Wow !
Satyajit
P.S
Who was that photographer, by the way… A Greek?
Nikolay: Yes, I did get a chance to climb Lykavittos hill; what an amazing view!
satyajit: I did a tour and all of the photos of me were taken by friends in the tour group. I took the ones not of me. 🙂
I’m so jealous! It’s so beautiful. I can’t wait to try all of those yummy looking recipes you have posted on Greek food!