Paroshep

Taste the Place: Travel to Eat Well



Posted: Saturday, June 16, 2007

by
http://www.parosparadise.com

We are used to the concept of seasonal foods both from the standpoint of what ingredients are available and what is appropriate for the climate. Examples are hot, hearty soups on cold, damp days; refreshing fruits and salads on hot days. I would add to that the idea that many foods taste better when consumed in the locale of their origin or in sensual surroundings.

Perhaps we have all enjoyed the best hamburgers at an outdoor barbeque with the sun shining, the sound of children playing and smells of other food. I can attest to luxuriating at a Greek island beach taverna with a cold beer and grilled calamari while watching sail boats, listening to the gentle surf lapping the shore and feeling the slight breeze caressing my skin. All five senses enhancing the taste of the food.

We live in a small village on the island of Paros . Most of our food comes from local sources and believe me we can taste the difference. I am not a fan of vegetables but I enjoy those given to us by our neighbors. Every morning during warm weather when our windows are open I am rudely woken by the crowing and cackling of chickens on three sides of us. I hate the noise but I love the flavor and color of the eggs. When we visit family in Oregon we are amazed how tasteless the store bought eggs are, even free range ones. We don’t have our own garden space but we managed to transplant a couple artichoke plants. Now a rare delicacy most places is picked in our own yard.

Another example is the popular menu item of yogurt, fruit and honey. Many people here have it for breakfast or for a light lunch on a hot day. The fresh fruits are usually from the restaurant owners own trees; the honey from Crete or possibly the mainland. Local honey is too prime for mere tourists but Cretan thyme honey is a true nectar of the gods. The yogurt is full fat and strained, that is thick and rich. Oh, you say, we have Greek yogurt, fresh fruit and good honey. True, but those who have visited Greece and then gone home to purchase the items from the supermarket, prepare them in their own kitchen and serve them on their patio testify that something is definitely missing. I say that missing ingredient is the ambiance of Greece ; the air is magical.

So the conclusion is simple. To eat the best food you must travel. To fully enjoy Greek food (and wine) you must visit Greece . See you soon!

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» left by Susan Thom 4 years 216 days ago.
174 fans.
hi Paroshep, i didn't know how to e mail you, so i did it this way. you were absolutely right on my aricle "learning How to be by yourself. i got carried away somewhere in the story. i changed the title to Learning how to be alone with MYSELF. thanks for the helpful hint. best regards, susan thom
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