The Chef's Cookbook » eating

Holidays in Greece: Top 5 Food Dishes to Try

guest blogger — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:47:19 +0000

People choose to visit Greece – the oldest city in the world – for many reasons including its Mediterranean climate, rich cultural history (it is home to many key historical monuments), its many idyllic and post-volcanic beaches (with respective white, red and black pebbles and sediment), relaxing thermospring waters and the country’s unrivalled nightlife. Another very good reason for people to visit Greece is to tantalize their taste buds with the delicious food which is on offer there.

Certain Greek dishes (or at least; a number of Greek-influenced dishes) may be available to buy from your local supermarket and a number of restaurants may claim to specialize in such cuisine but to experience the truly authentic taste of Greece, one must go directly to the source.

Should you ever happen to take a holiday in Greece, these are the five dishes you simply must try:

Moussaka

Image accreditation: greek-recipe.com

Moussaka – a dish comprising aubergine (AKA eggplant), potatoes and meat – may not have originated from Greece (there is debate to whether it stemmed from the Mediterranean or Middle East where the dish is served in the form of a salad) but the Greek version of the dish is definitely the best known variety. This variety is traditionally made with three layers; the ground layer is sautéed slices of aubergine whilst the middle is lamb mince cooked with chopped vine-ripened tomatoes, onion, garlic, herbs and spices which is then topped with béchamel sauce or an egg custard, depending on the chef’s/diner’s preference.

Moussaka is usually served warm – often with a side salad – to allow the flavours in the dish to really come through.

Strapatsada

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Strapatsada (also known as ‘strapatso’) is a dish that is often eaten across all regions of Greece for lunch or as a light snack. The dish is popular due to its simple preparation method and low cost ingredients. Chopped tomatoes and olive oil are cooked in a frying pan to create a thick sauce and then beaten eggs are slowly added to the pan to create strapatsada, to which feta cheese and herbs such as oregano and thyme can also then be added to taste. And you thought standard scrambled eggs were good!

The dish can be served both hot and cold (depending on preference) and can be found in many Greek cafes and restaurants during the summer months, for this is when Greece’s tomato crops flourish.

Loukoumades

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Also known as “Greek honey dumplings”, this dessert comprises balls of dough which are flash fried to become crispy and golden brown on the outside, whilst remaining light and fluffy on the inside. Although there are several cuisines globally which have desserts containing fried dough, the Greek variant sees these balls spiced with cinnamon and lightly dusted with icing sugar once cooked.

The Greek often serve these delicious dough balls warm with a drizzle of honey and an optional dollop of natural Greek yogurt (a famed accompaniment for honey) on the side. Loukoumades are sold to locals and tourists from more than a handful of street stalls, sweet shops and restaurants dotted around the country.

Fasolada

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Often referred to as the “national food of the Greeks”, fasolada is a hearty, meat-free soup dish which is made from stewed white and/or lima beans, olive oil and a selection of vegetables. Typical ingredients of this nutrition-rich and healthy meal include plum tomatoes, carrots, onion, celery, bay leaf and parsley but the dish is such a staple in the Greek diet that many different recipes for it exist across the islands. The soup’s high bean content means it is a thicker broth than many other soups making it filling. Many also like to add a sprinkle of feta cheese to the surface of this soup.

Fasolada is often served hot with crusty bread during the winter and on occasion; cold during the warmer months. There are Brazilian and Italian versions of the dish but each of these is typically not suitable for vegetarians.

Souvlaki

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Whilst exploring a new country, sometimes it can be hard not to give into the tempting accessibility of fast food. If a quick but tasty meal is required whilst on holiday in Greece, you are sure to find somewhere the sells souvlaki – typically lamb meat and chopped vegetables grilled on a skewer (though chicken and pork variants are sold for those tourists less familiar with lamb) – close by.

Souvlaki can be served straight from the skewer on which it is cooked, wrapped in pita bread with garnishes and sauces added and/or with a side helping of chips. Yes, this dish is basically a kebab but when cooked in the traditional manner, Mediterranean flavors are sure to dance across the tongue instead of merely serving the purpose of filling in a hunger hole temporarily.

The author of this guest post – Ella McKenzie – tried all five of these dishes whilst on a luxury villa holiday to Greece that she booked with Simpsons Travel. She would recommend them to anyone planning on taking Crete holidays.

The Best Buffets on The Las Vegas Strip

TheSaltyChef — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:00:00 +0000

There are numerous buffets on the Las Vegas Strip. Las Vegas might be renowned for their entertainment, but the food buffets are legendary. These smorgasbords offer up extraordinary food and excellent service. Bring your appetite and a desire for superb food.

Best Overall Buffet

The Bellagio Hotel next to the “O” Theatre offers a world of magnificent flavors on display for your optimum satisfaction. The Bellagio Buffet features live cooking stations and a level of quality and presentation only experienced in Las Vegas. American and International cuisines, offered daily with a superb champagne brunch available on the weekend.

This casual dining restaurant has remarkable character brimming with bold flavors and fabulous ambience. The Buffet at Bellagio is highly recommended by visitors, food critics and locals.

Best Upscale Buffet

The Sterling Brunch at Bally’s is a memorable site for Sunday brunch. Bally offers it Sterling Brunch only on Sundays. Bally’s Steakhouse makes a magical transformation to serve a buffet style brunch. The fare ranges from typical breakfast items such as omelets and waffles to Maine Lobster with unlimited champagne.

The selection of delectable desserts and pastries is unsurpassed. Linen tablecloths to waiters in tuxedos, it is a classy deal. This is clearly a place for dedicated buffet fans. This is one buffet where no one walks away hungry or thirsty.

One certainly finds that they get a bang for their buck at the Sterling Brunch. This is heaven. Reservations are highly recommended.

Best Value Buffet

The Buffet at the Wynn Hotel Las Vegas is nothing but the best. This buffet delivers both taste and quality in a scenic atmosphere. The buffet is certainly worth the price of admission. The buffet features countless varieties of delicious homemade pastas, fantastic curry dishes, amazing pizzas and authentic Mexican food.

There is so much more included such as prime rib, sushi, and Caesar salad to round out the meal. Even breakfast at the Wynn Buffet is an exceptional treat. Their apple smoked bacon and apple sausages are perfection. Save room for dessert.

Their mouthwatering varieties include Crème brûlée, crepes, brownies and assorted cakes along with a nice cup of coffee.

The Most Unusual Buffet

Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon Buffet is different from any other Las Vegas buffet. However, everything about Cosmopolitan is different. For someone who is looking for something different and remarkable, the Wicked Spoon is it. The atmosphere is extremely contemporary and sophisticated.

The buffet specializes in top quality familiar staples ranging from sweet potato fries to steak. The food served is in small portions, but diners can take as much as they want. The fare features imaginative and seasonal cuisine along with original selections for any appetite. The Wicked Spoon Buffet satisfies cravings and invites discovery.

The Most Diverse Buffet

Harrah’s Flavors Buffet is the most diverse buffet on the Strip. This buffet has something for everybody. This buffet boasts an array of mouth-watering dishes. The fare ranges from fresh seafood to traditional comfort food.

Flavors feature cuisines from all around the world. This is the buffet for anyone with a craving for crab legs. Flavors them nights are popular offering Italian night, prime rib night, seafood night, smokehouse night, and steak and seafood night. There still is a variety of offerings on theme nights to appease a wide variety of tastes.

John is a travel writer currently working on a new guide to Las Vegas. See his recent post on the best nightclubs in Vegas.

His personal favorite is the Bellagio buffet – what’s yours?

Fall Foods to Be Thankful for

TheSaltyChef — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 15:05:54 +0000

There’s something about favorite fall foods that speaks to our hearts as well as our stomachs. It’s tradition and celebration and comfort food all rolled into one spectacular season.

These are among the autumnal goodies that make fall fun!

* Apples, cider, and applesauce
* Biscuits
* Butternut squash
* Casseroles
* Chili
* Cranberries
* Potato pancakes
* Pot roast
* Root vegetables
* Stews
* Sweet potatoes and sweet potato dishes
* Roast turkey
* Stuffing
* Mashed potatoes and gravy
* Pumpkin pie
* The whole Thanksgiving day dinner

No matter what fall foods you hold close to your heart, you can enjoy them as part of a healthy eating plan.

For Your Health!

TheSaltyChef — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 03:03:34 +0000

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