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A Greek Odyssey to Athens, Delphi, Olympia and Santorini

Andy De'

Page : 4

Given all the walking and the vigorous exercise, we felt intense pangs of hunger and the need to satiate it with the authentic, exotic version of the Greek cuisine served locally in Santorini. The El Greco Taverna is a modest, almost "hole-in-the wall" family run establishment that is unpretentious, yet endowed with a remarkable view of the Fira landscape and is adorned with some incredible photos of Santorini, shot by local photographers. Particularly interesting for our daughter Uma was the pet cat, Nick, who she made friends with, over the week we were in Santorini and needed considerable persuasion to leave behind when we flew back to Athens! The very friendly demeanor and service of the young and self-effacing Antonio, the head server, would invariably bring us back to El Greco for practically every meal, save breakfast until our departure on Christmas Day.
        Besides the ubiquitous and extremely well prepared Souvlaki, Gyro (pork and chicken) and the Moussaka, its seafood (fresh catch delivered every morning) was its pride and our joy!:-) The

seafood platter presented a combination of Mahi Mahi, Octopus, Scallops and Prawns, served with large potato wedge fries and Greek pilaf, grilled with their secret concoction of spices and herbs, especially oregano and cooked in extra virgin olive oil extracted from the choicest varieties of olives (like Kalamata and Amfissa) from the mainland of Greece, that left my wife Sanchita speechless! Equally well made were the gyro/souvlaki platters with pork and chicken souvlaki (kebabs), rice and Greek fries served with their local incarnation of Tzatziki and hot sauce. Savoring the fresh fish and the meat with their home-made bread spiced with their locally brewed Balsamic Vinegar, as well as the locally made Santo Nectarii White (like a Chardonnay) and Red Wines (like a Cabernet Sauvignon ) was such incredible joy and pleasure.:-)
         Santorini is a veritable "Mediterranean Shangri-La" that was awe-inspiring and truly touched us with its ethereal beauty – not for nothing has Santorini been called “The Most Beautiful Island Paradise” anywhere in the World! I was well and truly inspired to write my ode (poem) for my wife for Valentine’s Day which surprised and delighted her, ad infinitum! As well, the beauty of Oia and Fira has inspired some of the finest travel photos I have ever taken that I have chosen to chronicle on our Photo Blog, to share with family and friends worldwide.
          Savor the sensuality and romance of Santorini for yourself at least once in your lifetime and when you do, we hope you will take the time to relax, undulate and indulge yourself with the culinary delights of the El Greco Taverna in Fira, that hopefully, you will thank us for!:-)