#1 2013 @ Nicosia 2013 #1. @ Nicosia
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CONTENTS
HISTORY 6-7 The Roots by Lionel Worrell 7-8 Cypriot traditions
EXPLORE NICOSIA 13-14 Walk around 14-15 Shop and Eat 16-23 Around & About 26-37 Food Bazar and Old city
BRUNCH TALKS 40-45 Interviews 46-51 Picnic
THE POEM 54-55
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#1 1st issue of A-Z magazine is dedicated to Nicosia. People, food, culture and architecture makes this city so special that it won’t leave you indifferent. This magazine is a little help for you not to get lost and enjoy all hte beauties of the city. Sincerely yours, A to Z team
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THE ROOTS by Lionel Worrell
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icosia was first inhabited over 5000 years ago. It was first known as Ledra during the Hellenistic period, but later the name was changed to Lefkothea under the Ptolemists. Till the Middle Ages the city was only known by the Greek name of Lefkosia; when Cyprus came under Latin rule it was renamed Nicosia but the Greek population continued calling it Lefkosia. As a result of Arab raids on the island after the 8th Cebtury, many people abandoned the coastal areas to seek refuge inland; it was during this period that Lefkosia (Nicosia) became capital of Cyprus. The Patron Saint of the city is Saint Tryfilios, the first Bishop of the island. Along with the rest of the island, Nicosia continued to pass through different hands. The Knights, the Lusignans, including Cyprus’s last queen, Katerina Kornaro, developed the culture and architecture of the city, while the Venetians fortified it by building new walls. Nicosia was then taken over by the Ottoman Turks in 1570 and its development languished. The Turks called it by its Greek name of Lefkosia and over the years this developed into its current Turkish pronunciation of Lefkos(h)a. In 1878 the administration of the island was taken over by the British and the capital flourished and developed its European character; churches were built and first public schools were founded. Government buildings and court houses were built as well as new roads and the city expanded outside the walls. Now Nicosia became the
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commercial centre of the country and the zone around Ledra Street was the busiest. In August 1959 Cyprus was declared an independent Republic. In 1964 the city was divided when Turksih Cypriots barricaded themselves into their neighbourhoods after a brief intercommunal conflict. This division line was called the ‘green line’. In July 1974, a coup by extremist Greek officers with close links to Greece conducted a coup against the government which was at the time presided by Archbishop Makarios. They set up a puppet regime and Makarios fled the island aided by the British who maintain two bases oon Cyprus. Turkey used this situation as a pretext to invade the island, using a clause in the tratey of estabslihment of the Republic of Cyprus, allowing the guarantor powers (Greece, Turkey, UK) to intervene to restore the status quo if the constitution was under threat. Not only did Turkey not restore the status quo ante, it created a total division of the island, occupying 38% of its territory and forcing the vast majority of the population from the occupied territory to move south; since then Nicosia is de facto divided into two parts. For many years Greeks were not allowed to cross over to the north but in recent years the Turkish authorities are permitting this.
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CYPRIOT TRADITIONS Welcome
Plate smashing
Worry Beads
One of the first aspects of the Cyprus culture experienced by foreigners to Cyprus is the warm welcome. Cypriots are known worldwide for the genuine and sincere hospitality and friendliness. The words ‘Kalosorisate’ (Welcome!) and ‘Kopiaste’ (Come join us!) are frequently called to locals and foreigners alike.
The smashing of plates is an old time Greek tradition which spread around many of the Greek islands including Cyprus. Demonstrated at weddings, and other parties and celebrations, plates would be thrown to the floor and smashed whilst singing and dancing. Previous to the plates, knives were thrown, in particular towards the feet of performing artists on stage, with the thrower shouting “Opa!” to signify respect to the artist and enjoyment of their performance. This practice soon died out due to many mis-haps and injuries, and soon the throwing of plates took over. It is said this custom is an expression of ‘Kefi’, which roughly translated means ‘the spirit of joy, passion, enthusiasm, high spirits, or frenzy’. Plate smashing can still be found in some parts of Cyprus, and in Greece, however this tradition has also now mostly been replaced, in this instance with the throwing of flowers, due to the obvious ‘safety’ problems associated with many plates being smashed. In many bouzoukia or other modern establishments, girls with baskets or plates with flowers will go around the tables and sell them to the customers, who then throw them to the performers on stage.
The kompoloi, or string of beads, is a familiar sight in the hands of many Greek and Cypriot men. It became a popular form of plaything amongst men in Greece and many of the Greek islands. The word komboloi incorporates the word kombos, meaning the knot. The fascination and magic derived from these knots running through ones fingers may well have come from the thoughts conjured up from playing with the string of beads, which are always made with an uneven number of beads. The kompoloi is said to be more than just a means of passing time, it reflects a way of life. They are certainly relaxing, with the sound of the beads clocking together combined with the feel of the smooth beads between once fingers. The beads can be bought in many weights, sizes, colours, and materials and can make a nice cost effective gift, or a very expensive one.
Tuesday 13th Unlike the western belief, in Cyprus the unlucky day is Tuesday the 13th, and not Friday the 13th.
Evil Eye Some Cypriots believe that someone can catch the evil eye, or ‘matiasma’, from someone else’s jealous compliment or envy. After a person has caught the evil eye, they usually feel bad physically and psychologically. To avoid the matiasma, those who believe in it will often wear a charm; a little blue marble glass with an eye painted on it or a blue bracelet. Blue is believed to be the color that wards off evil eye, however, it is also believed that people with blue eyes are the givers of the matiasma.
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explore nicosia do SIGHTSEEINGS go SHOPPING eat FOOD get LOST
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and many many more
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walk around & Discover
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reater Nicosia sprawls for kilometers on end, but the Old City is small enough to navigate on foot. Traditional Greek Cypriot shops line the streets of the Old City, and with very narrow footpaths/walkways, traffic must always be observed. GPS Satellite navigation systems have yet to hear that Cyprus exists, so don’t go looking for the Cypriot version. A paper map can be picked up from the Nicosia CTO (Cyprus Tourism Organisation) Information Office (in Laiki Geitonia) which should more than suffice. Nicosia is developing a more extensive network of bus services that connect the ever expanding sprawl. Transport is inexpensive. Private taxis abound, they are usually Mercedes cars, and always have a number plate starting with the letter T and a TAXI sign above. Unlike other world cities, they are not in a distinctive colour. Make sure the meter is turned on the second you enter, as tourist expoitation is as common here as everywhere else in the world! A cheaper alternative to buses and taxis is to use the bike sharing system Bike in Action. Smart card needed. Nicosia’s sights are concentrated in and around the Old City, surrounded by a picturesque star-shaped city wall whose moat has been converted into a pleasant park. Wandering around the Old City is an interesting experience in itself, although some buildings (esp. those near the Green Line) are derelict and crumbling. Note that many sights in the Old City close early, so try to get an early start - also a good idea for beating the heat in the summer. Explore the smaller City Streets, small enough to easily do this on foot. Visit a traditional Cypriot Cafe, and sample a Cypriot Coffee. Greet the locals. Make sure you visit the green Line and view all of the City from the Watch tower (next to Debenhams store on Ledra st.), into both North and South Nicosia.
Look around The new Nicosia developed outside the walls became a contemporary, business and cultural centre. The architectural style of Nicosia represents a mixture of modern offices, apartment blocks, detached houses and buildings dated by the 16th and 18th centuries erected during Venetian and British rule. The old walled city of Nicosia is unique and definitely the place to head for first. The central part is dotted with museums, ancient churches and medieval buildings preserving the nostalgic atmosphere of years past. To walk through the old city is to step backwards in time. Narrow streets and old houses with ornate balconies jut from weather beaten sandstone walls, smell of jasmine flowers in those long summer evenings, and craftsmen in small workshops practice trades unchanged for centuries. The heart of the city is enclosed by the 16th-century wall built by the Venetians to protect the city from the Ottomans. The 4.5 metres thick wall used to have three gates. The Kyrenia Gate in now used as a Tourist Information Centre. Nowadays the medieval walls represent a border dividing the city into the historical centre and the modern areas which has been built beyond. The centre of the city is the liveliest part of the city crossed by narrow streets, shops, cafes and restaurants. The walls also reveal a splendid gallery of historical places. Selimiye Mosque representing an outstanding example of Gothic architecture dated by the 14th century, The Great Inn (Büyük Han) dated by the 16th century, looking marvellous especially at the night time. The Selimiye Mosque (former Cathedral of St. Sophia built between 1209 and 1228 A.D.) is the chief mosque in Nicosia hosting big religious festivals such as Bairam. Other famous mosques of the city are Haydarpasha Mosque, and Arabahmet Mosque.
You can cross over to Northern Cyprus and the northern side of Nicosia on foot or by car via the checkpoint near the Ledra Palace hotel, on the western side of the city wall. A more convenient checkpoint if you’re on foot is the Ledra Street (Turkish: Lokmacı Caddesi) crossing which opened in 2008 which runs through Nicosia.
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shop, eat & relax
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he main shopping areas in Nicosia are Arch. Makarios Avenue, the parallel street behind it, Stasikratous Street, and Ledra Street. In addition to shopping for handicrafts, embroidery, pottery and other local made items, visitors to Nicosia might like to take advantage of the capital’s modern commercial centers to buy such items as the latest design fashions, prescription eye wear, perfumes and liqueurs, many of which are less costly here than in Europe. Stasikratous Street is known for its attractive and rather expensive boutiques, selling high quality clothes and shoes as well as silverware, fine porcelain and imported oriental clothes. If you follow Makarios Avenue until the end and then turn right, you will get to Eleftheria Square, which leads to the central part of the town. Most of the shopping area in the old part of Nicosia is now pedestrian way so it is easy to ramble through the zigzag streets of the town especially Laiki Yitonia which is of particular interest to travelers who want a taste of Cypriot culture. Laiki Yitonia is a renovated eighteenth century enclave where local artisans and craftsmen display their wares along cobblestone lanes. Here too bougainvillea laced restaurants beckon with the aroma of roast lamb and Greek coffee. If you go back to Eleftheria Square and follow the walls past the Town Hall and Post Office you will arrive at Eleftherios Venizelos Square, otherwise known as “OHI” square. There, an open market takes place every Wednesday. It is particularly colorful and worth a visit. It is a good idea to shop around before buying and once you begin you will realize just how much there is to see. Take your time and relax while shopping. From shoes to spectacles to clothes, you are bound to find something to suit your taste and pocket and at the same time you will discover a little of the daily life in the capital. Before shopping remember that in winter, shops open from 8.30-13.00 hrs and from 14.30-17.30 hrs. They are closed
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on Wednesday and Saturday afternoon. In the summer, shops open from 8.30-13.00 hrs and 16.00-19.00 hrs; again no shops in the afternoon of Wednesday and Saturday, except sometimes in Laiki Yitonia. Eat & Talk Europe’s last divided capital, Nicosia, Cyprus, is experiencing a renaissance with more and more venues catering to the artistic set. No longer wary of the demilitarized United Nations Buffer Zone that bisects the ancient walled city between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, young Nicosians have reclaimed their old town. Emboldened by falling real estate prices, arty cafes, boutiques celebrating homegrown fashion and buzzy restaurants have opened among the Venetian fortifications and Byzantine churches on the Greek side. While beachgoers have long flocked to the coasts, the rebirth of the inland capital is evidence of a historic city in transition. A-Z magazine went on a gastronomic trip and discovered delishious and cozy places for you to visit. Dance your shoes off Nightlife is not that exciting in Nicosia as it is in major European capitals. Going out is the biggest passion in Cyprus but finding a night club will be imposiible task because there is not any. Cypriots dance only at bouzouki (traditional cypriots place with greek singinks and sirtaki dancing). Situation with bars is much better. There is a big number of cozy bars where you can enjoy traditional wines and popular cocktails. Basically they are all situated in old city centre so take a walk and enjoy. We would reccomend you to chill at Pi Kai Fi, Pieto cafe, Weaving Mill, Kleidia and Vino Cultura. Yet if you still want to have a fun night out check Klubd ( techno and minimal music), Teez (R’n’b), Moe (pop,greek and R’n’b), Ochio air (club mix) and Svoura bar (music depend on invited Dj).
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ABOUT & AROUND A-Z team walked around Nicosia and noted most beautiful and interesting places in the capital of the sunny island for you to visit. Follow our advices and you will experience the unforgivable time. Europe’s last divided capital, Nicosia, Cyprus, is experiencing a renaissance with more and more venues catering to the artistic set. No longer wary of the demilitarized United Nations Buffer Zone that bisects the ancient walled city between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot sides, young Nicosians have reclaimed their old town. Emboldened by falling real estate prices, arty cafes, boutiques celebrating homegrown fashion and buzzy restaurants have opened among the Venetian fortifications and Byzantine churches on the Greek side. While beachgoers have long flocked to the coasts, the rebirth of the inland capital is evidence of a historic city in transition.
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EAT OUT 4
1 3 Silver pot 3E, Themistocli Dervi [Mon - Fri] 08.30 - 17.30 Sat: 10.30 - 15.30 One of the few places that, not only offer breakfast and brunch, but (almost) everything is also made from organic ingredients. The breakfast is served until 12:00 daily, and until 15:00 on Saturday, while after that there is a small selection of creative lunch dishes like roasted vegetables topped with cheese and pomegranate, blue cheese quiche with spring onions and usually a salad and a meat course. Apart from breakfast and lunch, the fantastic selection of sweets and herbal teas makes it a great place for an afternoon as well. The only disadvantage (that is also an advantage), is its small number of tables.
2 Get Fresh 4, Andrea Dimitriou Street We believe that a balanced meal is what you love to eat. Instead of eating a heavy meal and missing out on your favourite dessert, our menu allows you to combine a green salad with an irresistible dessert - or a roast beef sandwich with a fresh fruit salad. And you don’t feel guilty! #1 @ Nicosia 2013
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Ermou 300 Ermou 300 [Mon-Sun] 17.00 - 11.00
Scarabeo 4 Nikokreontos Street [Mon-Sun] 10.00 - 2.00 Bar/Cafe/Restaurant open all day and great for a quick lunch, afternoon coffee, afternoon beers or evening drinks and party. Being in an old house with a garden adds to the very casual and relaxed mood. It is not part of the posh and high life scene, but more on the alternative side, which is also one of the reasons why the place is so popular. There is a little something for everyone since the theme changes every night and includes metal, R&B, reggae and electronic music. I particularly like the chill out garden, the fact that it is an old house, the separate rooms, that you can go any time for anything, the relaxed atmosphere and cool people.
It works as a café, or “kafenio”, as they call it offering the standard frape at (finally) 2.50€ and not the usual 5€, soft drinks and some alcohol. The only food offered is a platter and a couple of desserts so don’t go expecting a heavy dinner. What I particularly liked is the fact that it is full of bright colours and that there is actually something to see and even buy as well (I almost left with a SMEG fridge). There are high stools, “kafenio” chairs as well as a couple of sofas at the back and most of the space is open air. My only problem is that I don’t know when I would go, as I am not very big on afternoon coffee. Perhaps an aperitif of ouzo or beer? They do serve a type of mojito and a couple of other cocktails as well as Cypriot wine so that could be an option although I would have preferred a wider choice. The space alone is definitely worth seeing, especially in the afternoon when it is less packed and one can have a relaxed coffee in a courtyard of a house in the old city of Nicosia. It was actually one of the few places in Nicosia where I was happy to be by myself away from it all
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Patio 55, Great Alexander [Mon-Sun] 19.00-2.00
Sabai
It is situated in a small, old house right by Ledras street in a beautifully renovated house that looks like it was built exactly for this purpose. Even though there is a cool bar right by the entrance the backyard is where the buzz is. Despite the fact that it is small and rectangular there are a few touches that make it very interesting: firstly there is a variety of plain or colourful chairs and tables making it less boring. Secondly it is covered with trees with a made-inCyprus metal “wall” also known as “tsingos” at the very end. Last but not least, I must mention the highlight of the décor: a tall wall covered with colourful window covers, which I will leave as a surprise.
Spyrou Kyprianou ave.
Vino Cultura
[Mon-Sun] 10.00-2.00
Kyriakou Matsi 20
All-day café, bar/restaurant place opens up with quite expected and “seen-before” decorative elements, one expects that the food will be quite “commercial” as well. This is also what I expected the first time I went to Aperitivo, or Q-Lounge. In the case of Sabai, not only was the food not really “commercial”, but it also included quite innovative, interesting and unique dishes, which were impressive in terms of taste, in my opinion. I expected nothing less from Petros Andrianou, the French trained and well-travelled chef that prepared a memorable 10-course meal for 8 people at our house a couple of months before.
[Mon-Sun] 18.00-1.00
What is even more surprising at this hidden gem which we discovered only 6 days after its opening, was its menu. Firstly it is well presented, secondly it is short and to the point, thirdly it doesn’t include a Caesar salad, a pork chop or a burger but a selection of creative tapas and a whole page of cheese and meat platters. At first glance the only thing that was missing from the menu was a good vegetarian selection.
The menu is immediately inviting. The mushroom starter with blackberries, almonds and scamorza cheese and different types of small and large mushrooms which we shared, was excellent and quite coming from the chorizo that accompanied the mushrooms, while the smoked salmon with yuzu ginger aroma and cashew nuts with beer had an interesting presentation and a light and lemony taste. No-one wanted to share the foie gras cubes with strawberry emulsion, a starter I am definitely trying out next time.
This modern Spanish wine bar/restaurant has had mixed reviews in terms of food and service from other people. However, I for one find it quite consistent, particular and a place whose “identity” is quite clear. If you ignore the plastic covers around its terrace and keep your eyes on the inside space, Vino Cultura is one of the most elegant, modern, hip and happening bar/restaurants in Nicosia with a very unique menu, that I believe can be appropriate for mostly any occasion.
Occhio Air Alkeou 23, Engomi
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Tue-Sun 19.30-01.30 Fri&Sat 19:30-03:30 The cuisine is Japanese with some extra additions. The minimal décor with both high and low tables for dining or drinking makes it appropriate for the type of food. The menu is sufficient, without being too long or complicated. We went for a combination of dishes to try as many as possible.
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9 Midnight talks at Pi Ke Fi Aischilou st., Nicosia, Cyprus Bar, cafe
Cafe during the day and bar at night time Pi Kai Fi is one of the most popular places in Nicosia. It is not easy to find as it is situated in one of the streets of old town, use map or ask fr directions, there two other nice places in the neighborhood - weawing mill and 7 Kleidia. Overall it looks nice, with nice features like post-its on the wall, funky posters and a very nice (and massive) garden although I did found myself on a couple of occasions feeling like something is missing. Upon entering, there is a large bar where one can enjoy their drink, and a few small tables. The dark wood effect automatically makes the room cosy, while the colourful post its (where you can add your own), the life size Charlie Chaplin on the wall and the drawings on the wall add a “younger” feel to the place. The garden is of a respectable size, half covered half open air with a long bench in the middle which people can share and small wooden tables all around. The whole vibe has “relaxed” written all over it as the waiters are quite chilled
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out without them being annoying (in my opinion) and all the ornaments and even the cutlery and mugs reminded me of a grandma’s house. The fact that it has a food menu which contains very well priced food like 5€ meatballs, 2.50€ toast, salads at 6€ and main dishes including kebab, burger and chicken fillet from 6.50€-8€ is very positive and probably one of the reasons why it attracts so many people in the evenings. My “halloumi & lountza” in pitta bread that I had at 6 in the afternoon was fairly good with fresh ingredients, although I am not sure how representative of the food quality that would be. All in all I can’t find something bad to say about Pi ke Fi even though I do find there is something missing. Perhaps it is a stronger buzz, a more attractive drink’s list or something that I still have to define. I didn’t go on a Friday or Saturday night but I have heard that there is much more going on than in the afternoon, so maybe that is when I have to go, instead of 6 o’ clock in the afternoon.
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Meet you at Pieto Aischilou st., Nicosia, Cyprus Bar, cafe
This small and cute café is right next to it in the Klokkari Arcade in between Onasagorou and Ledra street. It might be small but its content definitely carries some history as almost all the furniture is vintage. We are talking about 1920’s sofas, 1930’s lighting and 1940’s original chairs! It could look French but everything is actually local and carefully selected. It works mostly as a café and offers excellent coffee in a very retro ambiance. I liked the fact that the cappuccino freddo comes in a small glass and finally tastes like real coffee rather than a cup of something bitter that is distantly related to coffee. It also offers home-made cakes as well
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as a few sandwiches and salads with the prospect to offer a few carefully selected daily dishes. The fact that it has free wi-fi, daily newspapers and magazines and comfortable sofas and small tables makes it attractive to, not only to those would like a coffee break but to some that would like to work or relax for longer. The truth is that, although it offers alcoholic drinks too, I would have loved to see this place as a proper wine bar with platters and nibbles and aged pork legs hanging from the ceiling. Anyhow, this is me who prefers drinks over long afternoon coffee but still appreciates something different.
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Food bazar
Charge your camera and go for an adventure like A-Z team did. Start at the OXI roundabout in Old City and go to a food market which will be on your left. Plan your trip from before because market works only on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Abudance of goodies, good mood, fresh fruits and low prices will make up your mood. After you done with market come back to the roundabout and go deeper in the old city. Walk around and enjoy the old architecture, abandoned houses and beautiful views. If you are not into listed above go to Ledra street and have a Frappe in one of the coffee places or go to Nicosia Observatory (behind Debenhams) to see the city from above. We wish you a great day!
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Old city
walks
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Brunch talks It is in a human nature to be curious how other people live. A-Z team invited local people for a brunch in the woods to show you what cypriots eat, what do they do and how do they live.
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Anton Yakovishenko Tell us a little bit about yourself Originally from Odessa, Ukraine I currently live and study MBA in Cyprus. I moved to sunny island in the end of January 2010 and feel like it is my second home already. You quickly get used to comfortable climate, delicious food and friendly people. Do you like living in Nicosia? What makes Nicosia stand out for you. I’ ve been living in Nicosia since I first moved in Cyprus. It was difficult to get used to the city because it had a lot of disadvantages back then like lack of public transport, different culture and laziness of people. But after a while you understand that what you thought are disadvatges are true advantages. And public transportation rutes are fixed now. I believe that Old city makes Nicosia unique, I love to discover new areas and get into abandoned places. Do you find it easy to live in Nicosia as a foreigner? In some ways yes but not really. It is difficult to get a permit to stay but it is easy to live on the island because there are first of all a lot foreigners and second almost everyone speaks fluent English. What is your favorite place in Nicosia? Avo. Delicious, fast and cheap.
Lionel Worrell Tell us a little bit about yourself I am Lionel Worrell, a Graphic Designer currently living in Nicosia. Can you describe Nicosia in 5 words Culture, history, architecture, creative and young. What makes nicosia stand out for you? Although I was originally raised in Larnaca, I moved to Nicosia four years ago and have never regretted it. It is a city with hidden gems and there is always something new to discover. The city centre had a chance to grow with an array of independent cafes, shops and restaurants and isn’t impersonal like other places on the island which is more focused on meeting the tourists needs rather than the inhabitants. How would you recommend to spend a lovely day in Nicosia? I would recommend setting aside some hours to explore the old city. Let yourself wander around its small cobbled streets and you will surely discover something interesting and greet a few of the locals. What is your favorite place in Nicosia? One of my many favourite places to go is the Weaving Mill, a small cafe-bar in the old city with a beautiful and relaxing ambience and atmosphere. I usually go with my laptop and sketch books to catch up on my workload, allowing me to be creative in a different environment. Give me a cappuccino and a nice beat playing in the background and I am content.
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Stalo Panaidou Tell us a little bit about yourself I’m Stalo, 26 years old, raised in Nicosia, Cyprus. I’m an freelance artist and a photographer. I’ve studied Graphic Design at University of Nicosia. Do you like living in Nicosia? What makes Nicosia stand out for you. Yes I like living in Nicosia but for me one day I’m going to live in London because I like the culture, the atmosphere and the old buildings also I like the rainy weather, I’m more into the Winter season. Nicosia is a beautiful city but that doesn’t help me to follow the steps where I want to go or to follow my dreams that I want to do in my life. It makes me to stay where I am like now. That’s why, I want to live in London and follow my dreams. Your art work is outstanding. Does Nicosia inspire you in a way? In some ways yes but not all of them. I’m more inspired by England because my art work fit there because the culture is dark and that’s why my most art work is more into it also I usually use in black and white on photography which I like the most because I like melancholic and the B&W make artistic itself and it speaks itself when for example to take a picture outside or indoor. And I mean, Nicosia is more happy, sunny, and hot so it’s really opposite because Nicosia is a simple country and not so creative. Although England is creative and you can do anything to get inspired by. What is your favorite place in Nicosia? There are many. But the most favourite one is Patio.
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Halloumi Pie
what do cypriots eat
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Homous Greek Salad
Kioftedes
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Wedgies with spices
Taramasalata
Pitta bread
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Horiatiki salata or Greek Salad
You will need:
2 juicy tomatoes
2 cucumbers
iceberg salad
1 bell pepper
feta cheese
olives
extra virgin olive oil
Preparation: A Greek salad is the perfect companion for lunch and dinner. Greeks typically eat a Greek salad with every meal when the main vegetables comprising it are in season - typically between May and September. Once the cold weather rolls in, the Greek cuisine changes completely to accommodate seasonal vegetables so a Romaine lettuce salad is typically eaten in the fall and early winter, again with olive oil and vinegar dressing. Greek salad is served throughout Greece during the summer and is prepared to order. It can be the perfect light lunch all by itself with some feta cheese and a loaf of bread. In this case, it is also light on the pocket since it is an inexpensive and healthy meal. Greeks typically use one salad plate as communal dish. A plate of Greek salad would reside in the middle of the table and everyone is free to dive in with their fork or to dip their bread in the oil. Communal salads and appetizers are often found on family and close friends meals, but it’s not out of the question for someone to take their own portion on their own plate. Most restaurants will accommodate guests with extra plates to divide the salad, especially in areas where tourists frequent. Original Greek salad ingredients are juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sliced red onion, green pepper, crumbly feta cheese and plump kalamata olives. We decided to experiment and create our own interpretation of Greek salad. Enjoy! Hint: for a greater taste use extravirgin olive oil
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Halloumi cheese & Halloumi Pie You will need:
4 juicy tomatoes
Preparation: 1.
Unfreeze and roll out the puff pastry in a form of a square. Put pastry on oven tray, use baking paper or olive oil so pastry won’t stick to oven tray, Pierce the base with a fork.
2 eggplants
4 champignons
2. Wash and slice tomatoes and egg plant in circles, champignons in small slices. Cut Hallomi cheese in thin slices and olives into halfs.
handfull of green olives
250g Halloumi cheese
3. Preheat oven to 200 degrees
tomato paste
puff pastry
4. Layer the veggies on pastry starting with egg plants and ending with hallomi cheese and olives.
extra virgin olive oil
5. Bake for 30 minutes.
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Maga-zine
The Poem by alina popa
Exactly four summers ago I met a girl, on the coast of southern France. I remember her so vividly because you see, she ended up being my summer romance and to think it all started with a simple glance. Oh summer romance, summer romance. Look what you’ve done to me! Whenever i passed by her house, she never appeared to walk— but always seemed to dance. It took me a while to start to talk, around her I felt like I was in a never ending trance. I didn’t even think that she— would ever give me a chance. But soon enough, my walk, seemed very much like a dance. Her house was rather peculiar, its garden looked kind of familiar. I couldn’t quite place her in my memory, somehow I connected her with celery. As she opened her mouth and spoke to me, it all came flooding back and I fell to the ground, for a moment I thought I had broken my knee. She simply smiled when I mentioned, I had seen her face in my red dream. But her smile looked so inviting— it awkwardly boosted my self-esteem. Oh summer dream, summer dream. Look what you’ve done to me! You’ve made my heart gleam. I’ve since tried to return to that place, to once more try to hold her gaze— but dear dream she’s never there. I’ve looked all over and its not fair. I need her here, bring her back, at least help me get on the right track.
Alina Popa