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Old 12-09-2008, 10:31
bagginsmum
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Hi All,

I am off to Cephalonia in a fortnightand am a bit of a novice at Greek food having never been there before. Any suggestions of things that I really must try while I'm there? (except ouzo as I HATE aniseed)

baggins x
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Old 12-09-2008, 10:59
foxydog
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i went in may, the food was fantastic and the wine that is made there Robollo i think its called. Stuffed Peppers are a must as well as the fish.
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Old 12-09-2008, 11:13
Millie Muppet
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I lived in Greece for a year and can heartily recommend real Greek salad, saganaki (fried cheese), souvlaki (chicken/ pork/ lamb skewers), and any little mezes (Greek-style tapas) like pitta with taramasalata, tzatziki, htipti, etc. Also try the cheese/ cheese & spinach pies.

At the risk of sounding really patronising, good on you for wanting to eat authentically while you're abroad. Real fresh Greek food is unbeatable. I hope you have a lovely time.

PS I don't know your location but if you're anywhere near London, there is a restaurant chain called The Real Greek which does pretty good grub, in case you need a fix once you get back.

PPS Final word of warning, the olive oil used in Greek cooking is much more intense than what most people in the UK use. For my first fortnight living in Greece I couldn't leave the toilet so maybe pop some Immodium in your bag.
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Old 12-09-2008, 11:25
the ravenous priest
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It will depend very much on what you like to eat & how daring you care to be... there are a number of dishes worth trying if you like to be adventurous.

Kokoretsi is made from sweet meats, liver spleen etc. Its threaded on a large spit & wrapped in the intestines with lots of spices & roasted til the intestines go crisp, & then served in thin slices.... You could also try roasted lambs heads (sounds awful I know but the meat is so tender & the brain is delicious & full of protein), & also what is quite literally translated as 'unthinkable' - its a certain part of the lamb, sauted with oregano... (maybe ask the locals about that one )

For more normal dont miss out on youvetsi (beef with kritharaki pasta & tomato sauce baked slowly in the oven), pastitsio (kind of like lasagne but better), dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), & octapus or cuttlefish cooked in any way that you can find it.

Cheese & spinach pies have already got a mention, & also dont forget the desserts too - the patisseries there are pretty good.... baclavas, loukomades, galaktoboureko.... or even just a good greek yoghurt with honey & walnuts.

I lived there for 8yrs & miss the food terribly.........

Enjoy!
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Old 12-09-2008, 11:38
JOHNOR
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oh i love greek food!

dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) king prawns in garlic, hot pitta bread, houmous, taramasalata, and tahini are among my favourites. i also like a bit of calamari with a sqeeze of lemon.

i've always wanted to go to kefalonia, you lucky DS'er!
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Old 12-09-2008, 12:42
lizjane
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When we were in Kephalonia we went to a restaurant in Agia Efimia by the port where they served 'piglet in the oven', it was yummy, but don't tell Pooh!
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Old 12-09-2008, 12:52
Minky_Bum
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Love Greek food. OP, go for a meze and try a bit of everything.
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Old 12-09-2008, 12:55
RAINBOWGIRL22
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Kefalonia is my favourite Greek Island! Where about's are you going OP?

I love, love, love it there!!!

I love Greek food (best friend is half Greek and her Dad is a fab cook).

I lived on Mezze's (love all the dips - esp Tzaitki!!), Souvlaki, Greek Salad, Saganaki (grilled Feta), fried halloumi, fresh fish, Dolmades, Calamari etc... and there was a wonderful ice-cream parlour we came across!!!

Enjoy OP, you wont be disappointed
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Old 12-09-2008, 12:56
Madridista23
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Hmmmm.... Sheftalia and Kelftico... or however it's spelled!! Absolutely mouth-watering!!
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Old 12-09-2008, 15:13
ruthykins
 
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Stifado and a meat meze at a local greek restaurant. yummmmmmmy
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Old 12-09-2008, 18:49
bagginsmum
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Kefalonia is my favourite Greek Island! Where about's are you going OP?

I love, love, love it there!!!

I love Greek food (best friend is half Greek and her Dad is a fab cook).

I lived on Mezze's (love all the dips - esp Tzaitki!!), Souvlaki, Greek Salad, Saganaki (grilled Feta), fried halloumi, fresh fish, Dolmades, Calamari etc... and there was a wonderful ice-cream parlour we came across!!!

Enjoy OP, you wont be disappointed
We're staying in Fiskardo. It's our first child free holiday for over 5 years so am looking forward to a few long lunches in restaurants

All the recommendations sound yum. OH is a bit more adventurous than me and would no doubt try the sheeps head I can't wait it's going to be a feast. Just got to try and crack a bit of Greek language before I go (I love a challenge)

baggins x
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Old 13-09-2008, 03:18
maimou
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little mezes (Greek-style tapas) like pitta with taramasalata, tzatziki, htipti, etc. Also try the cheese/ cheese & spinach pies.
Htipti? I live here and don't know what this is?!

I'd say in general stick with the vegetable options, meats tend to be very salty and fatty here, and obviously eating things like fried cheese has to be a one off (it contains about a million calories for starters!); go with the locally grown produce that's seasonal (the horta when it's in season is amazing!), and avoid anything cheap: it's cheap for a reason.
The fava is a reliable dish in almost any tavern as is the grilled octopus (especially at a port).
You might want to try patsas if you're brave - ok it's tripe in a soup, but it's very traditional, especially if you're drunk!

And try raki, or if you're not a hardened drinker rakomelo (raki, which is like ouzo without the aniseed taste, brewed with honey and cinnamon) - it's an exceptional drink and if you don't mix it you won't get a hangover!
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Old 13-09-2008, 10:15
Millie Muppet
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Htipti? I live here and don't know what this is?!

Gia sou Maimou. No, I never saw htipti when I lived in Greece either to be honest, so it may be a 'specially manufactured for British palates'-type of Greek dish- but nevertheless - it is a roasted red pepper and feta dip, and quite divine.
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Old 13-09-2008, 11:54
geordiegump
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I lived in Cyprus for a couple of years and loved the mezes - you get so many wonderful selections of food.

I haven't had one since I left there and this thread has made me all nostalgic thinking of all the lovely little village tavernas we visited mostly in the Troodos mountains. The food was simple and fantastic as were the hosts!
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Old 13-09-2008, 21:01
maimou
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Gia sou Maimou. No, I never saw htipti when I lived in Greece either to be honest, so it may be a 'specially manufactured for British palates'-type of Greek dish- but nevertheless - it is a roasted red pepper and feta dip, and quite divine.
It sounds nice! I think I've had it in the UK from M&S actually! Sometimes you get the long sweet red peppers stuffed with tyrokafteri (a semi spicy feta based dip) here so I guess if you popped that in a blender the outcome would be similar.
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