Food for Life

Foodforlife

Armonia Experience

Cooking, Nutrition, and Greek Culture

About the Food for Life retreat

Learn to cook authentic Greek food and live as a Greek for a week.

My Story

On my culinary journey, I discovered the magic of combining traditional Greek flavors with the hospitality that brings people together.

My passion for gastronomy and the exceptional products offered by the Greek land has led me to collaborate as a project manager with Explore DMS and Ellines in the Emirates. We organize forums for companies, where they can showcase their premium Greek gastronomy products in Dubai, UAE. Additionally, I serve as the editor of the Explore Greek Gastronomy magazine, primarily introducing people to the delights of Greek cuisine.

Chrisoula Farmakidou

My name is Chrisoula, and I am not a professional chef.

I acquired my culinary skills at a very young age, learning from both my mother and grandmother. It is this knowledge and experience that I wish to impart to you.

A grandmother's love for her family is infused into the meals she prepares for them. Love is, indeed, the secret ingredient! The finest dishes are often the simplest ones, and the key lies in using high-quality ingredients and showing them respect throughout the cooking process.

Explore Greek Gastronomy magazine

When you cook with me, you will have the opportunity to master traditional recipes from my Grandma's cookbook, just as I prepare them in my own home. I will guide you through each step, making the process easy to replicate once you are back in your own kitchen!

The Program

The program consists of three enjoyable stages:

Step 1

Picking the products.

Together, we will walk around the 'Agora' of the town of Ermoupolis to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers, as well as meat, fish, fresh cheese, herbs, and anything else we need to cook our dishes.

Step 2

Cooking

Following our tour of the Agora, we will head to the villa's kitchen, where I will guide you through every step of preparing healthy traditional Greek recipes. You are welcome to join, cook alongside me, or simply watch.

Step 3

It is time to enjoy what you made!

Together, we will set the table on the beautiful terrace and enjoy the food we made with so much love, paired with a wonderful Greek wine.

The menu

Authentic Greek Recipes

My cooking class menu, features the world-renowned Greek salad, "Horiatiki", a selection of appetizers including the classic "Tzatziki" dip, and an array of mouthwatering Greek cuisine dishes, like "Briam" (Mixed roasted vegetables), "Gemista" (Stuffed vegetables), mouthwatering pies, prepared to complement the season's finest ingredients.

Homemade Bread

Studies have shown that the smell of baking bread can have positive psychological effects, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being.

Picture waking up to the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread, unable to resist spreading some homemade butter and local honey on it once it has cooled down.n it once it has cooled down.

There are numerous methods to create Homemade bread, but I will present you with an exceptionally simple recipe that will have you baking your own bread frequently. The dough is prepared the night before and left to proof on the counter overnight (for approximately 10-12 hours), and then baked in the morning.

Hortopita

Wild greens and spinach pie

Greek pies, known as "pites," are a cherished part of Greek cuisine, featuring a variety of delicious fillings, all enveloped in layers of phyllo dough, offering a delightful and satisfying culinary experience.

Hortopita It is on Greek diet.

Hortopita is a combination of wild greens, spinach, and feta cheese. Wild greens "Horta" are good sources of various antioxidants, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, and the consumption of wild greens contributes mainly to the diet's benefits. In my recipe, I am using a lot of aromatic wild greens like myronia (wild chervil), kafkalithres (Mediterranean hartwort), wild fennel, dill, and many, many more, along with homemade phyllo pastry to wrap it all up

Gemista

Stuffed vegetables

I can confidently say that my grandmother's recipe for Gemista stands out as the best rendition of this delightful dish.

When discussing the Mediterranean diet and Greek food, Gemista is an indispensable topic.

Gemista, which consists of vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant filled with rice and herbs, then baked in the oven, is not only healthy and authentic but also incredibly tasty, making it the quintessential summer dish.

Tasting

Cheese tasting

Greek cheeses, with unique flavors; some spicy, some fresh, and some aged, all from small producers.

Wine tasting

A unique opportunity for wine lovers to explore the various aromas and flavors of the best Greek varieties.

Olive oil tasting

You will try various different olive oil varieties on bread like our grandparents used to taste i

Honey tasting

A honey tasting of various types of amazing Greek honey. Thyme, Wildflower, Sage, and Heather

Like Greeks

The tradition of hospitality is a timeless characteristic of Greek culture.

Local spirits and meze

The taste of Ouzo and Tsipouro, the aroma of the spicy appetizers, the sight of the sea, and the warmth of friendship, is a sweet memory that I'll hold forever.

Greek coff d di i l sweets

Greek coffee and spoon sweets are a warm welcome and represent Greek hospitality, as well as being a reminder of a beautifully summer evening on the terrace.

Mediterranean Diet

The Mediterranean diet it's more than just a diet; it's a way of life that encompasses health, happiness, and strong social connections.

The foundation of the Mediterranean diet is simple - it centers around the consumption of wholesome, natural foods such as olive oil, fresh fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fish. These nutrient-rich foods provide our bodies with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, contributing to overall well-being and preventing a range of health conditions. But it's not just about the food.

The Mediterranean lifestyle encourages us to slow down and enjoy life's pleasures, especially when it comes to meals. Sharing a meal with friends and family is deeply ingrained in the culture, and this communal approach to eating has a profound impact on our health. Moreover, the social aspect of the Mediterranean lifestyle contributes to mental well-being.

Engaging in meaningful conversations, laughter, and bonding during mealtime can reduce stress, anxiety, and feelings of loneliness. It's like food for the soul! So, it's not surprising that scientists view the Mediterranean diet as more than just a diet - it's a lifestyle that contributes to the prevention and treatment of many diseases, promoting both physical and mental well-being.

Embracing this way of life can lead to a longer, healthier, and happier life

GreekCulinary Experience

Food of Life is for food and wine lovers who want to experience Greek cuisine in an authentic way.

Pastitsio

Pasta dish with ground meat and béchamel sauce

Armonia Experience ChF