A Taste of Bread and Wine

As twilight drapes over Greece, summer evenings unfold in a symphony of cicadas’ song, the Mediterranean whispering secrets to the shore, and the air, fragrant with oregano and sea salt, invites souls to dance under the stars—each moment a verse in the poem of summer. People gathering for dinner and aromas of seafood and wood-ovens gets in the air. This collection introduces three exquisite dishes that embody the spirit of Greek summer, blending traditional flavors with sophisticated cooking techniques to embody in your summer evenings and get a WoW! moment!

First, we explore the Greek Seafood Orzo Salad, a harmonious blend of seafood’s lightness with orzo pasta’s satisfying texture. This refreshing salad combines shrimp and squid with vibrant Mediterranean staples like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta, all dressed in a zesty lemon-olive oil vinaigrette. Fresh herbs like dill and mint add an aromatic finish, making this dish a quintessential summer delight.

Next, the Lamb Kleftiko offers a journey into the art of slow cooking, a technique that brings out the lamb’s tender and juicy best. Marinated with garlic, lemon, and a medley of herbs, then slow-roasted to perfection, this dish is accompanied by potatoes and vegetables that absorb every bit of the flavorful juices. Lamb Kleftiko is a testament to the timeless elegance of Greek cuisine, ideal for a sumptuous summer feast.

Lastly, the Stuffed Squid with Feta and Sun-dried Tomatoes redefines seafood elegance. This dish marries the delicate texture of squid with the bold flavors of feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, all brought together with herbs and breadcrumbs. Grilled or baked, this stuffed squid is a stunning centerpiece for any summer table, offering a taste of the Mediterranean’s depth and diversity.

In Greece, a land where the sun kisses the sea, every sweet tooth finds its haven; here, the passion for desserts is a thread woven into the very fabric of life, crafting a tapestry of flavors that dance under the Mediterranean sky, celebrating the art of indulgence in every sugary delight.

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Honeyed Figs

A Greek twist on the classic Italian dessert, this Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta offers a lighter, tangier flavor profile, perfectly complementing the richness of traditional panna cotta with the refreshing zest of Greek yogurt. The dessert is topped with figs that have been gently simmered in honey and a touch of balsamic vinegar, enhancing the figs’ natural sweetness and adding a depth of flavor. This not only introduces a delightful texture contrast but also a beautiful aesthetic appeal. The figs, with their luscious color and tender consistency, sit atop the creamy panna cotta, making it a visually stunning dessert. Garnished with a sprig of mint or a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, it’s an elegant end to a summer meal, combining the sophistication of gourmet dining with the traditional flavors of Greece.

Wine in Greece? Of course!

For each of the sophisticated Greek dishes ideal for summer, we asked an experienced Som, to pair them with a Greek wine or spirit that complements their flavors beautifully, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Greek Seafood Orzo Salad & White, crisp wine

For the light and refreshing Greek Seafood Orzo Salad, a white wine that can balance the delicacy of seafood while complementing the pasta’s texture would be ideal. An Assyrtiko, known for its crisp acidity and mineral notes, is perfect. Assyrtiko wines, especially from the island of Santorini, have a unique profile that echoes the Mediterranean sea breeze, making them an excellent choice for seafood dishes​​.

Lamb Kleftiko and a deep red

Lamb Kleftiko, with its rich flavors and tender texture, calls for a wine that can stand up to its robustness. A Limniona wine from mainland Greece or Xinomavro would pair beautifully with this dish. Limniona offers a more aromatic experience with red fruits and floral notes, while Xinomavro, with its firm tannins and acidity, complements the lamb’s richness and the herbs’ aromatic profile, creating a harmonious balance​​.

Stuffed Squid with Feta and Sun-dried Tomatoes with a spirited Rose

The complexity and richness of the Stuffed Squid dish, enhanced by feta and sun-dried tomatoes, would be wonderfully matched with a Rosé, such as Mylonas Mandilaria Rosé. This wine, with its blend of Malagousia and Mandilaria grapes, offers a medium body with spice and refreshing crispness. Its floral aromas and crisp finish cut through the richness of the squid and the tanginess of the feta, making it an excellent companion for the dish​​.

Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Honeyed Figs with a Floral Muscat

To accompany the Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta with Honeyed Figs, a dessert wine that can complement the sweetness of the honeyed figs without overpowering the subtlety of the panna cotta is ideal. A Samos Muscat, with its sweet floral notes and hints of citrus, would enhance the figs’ natural sweetness while balancing the yogurt’s tanginess. This pairing creates a delightful contrast between the creamy dessert and the wine’s sweet complexity.

And a cocktail!

For a unique Greek cocktail to round off your sophisticated summer dining experience, consider crafting the Ouzito (Greek Mojito). This cocktail infuses traditional mojito elements with Greek flair, primarily using ouzo, which adds a sweet licorice undertone, diverging from the need for simple syrup. It’s an effortlessly refreshing drink that’s both simple to make and delightfully punchy, embodying the spirit of Greek islands​​.

Dive in Greece’s Culinary Heritage

Dive into the heart of Greek culture and savor the essence of Athens by exploring our “Bread and Wine” (ἄρτος καὶ οἶνος) category. Here, we have meticulously curated the finest experiences that highlight the rich flavors and traditions of Greek bread and wine. Discover the city’s most revered bakeries where the aroma of freshly baked bread fills the air, and visit local wineries that showcase the best of Greek viticulture. This category is a celebration of authenticity and flavor, designed for both aficionados and those new to the culinary delights of Athens. Allow “Bread and Wine” to guide you to the ultimate gastronomic delights, uncovering places where the warm embrace of Greek hospitality and the joy of simple, exquisite tastes come together. Experience the true essence of Athenian cuisine through the simple yet profound pleasures of ἄρτος καὶ οἶνος.