Lifestyle – Ηellas Food World

Luxury Restaurants In Athens You Must Try

admin — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 15:27:53 +0000

Spondi: Created by Apostolos Trastelis in 1996, Spondi Restaurant is now a point of reference in the country. It has French cuisine and the food is prepared with the freshest of products, and thus the menu changes according to the seasons and, of course, the creative imagination of our chef. He treads skillfully between creativity and tradition, modernity and classicism. He delights the eye with artful presentation and the mouth with exquisite flavors touched by a hint of exoticism. Spondi is 2-Michelin-Star Restaurant and a proud member of Grande Table du Monde
Address: Pyrronos 5 – Pagrati, Athens, Greece 11636.

Hytra Restaurant & Bar: Hytra Restaurant has developed its culinary identity based on the approach and the redefinition of the rich cultural heritage of Greek gastronomy by giving a contemporary expression in execution and the presentation of dishes.High-quality service and hospitality, the creation of a high aesthetic, warm and homely atmosphere, the continuous update and development in the approach to the concept of food, and the emergence of Greek cuisine through Greek raw materials and recipes, are the main components of the philosophy of Hytra Restaurant & Bar.
Address: Leof. Andrea Siggrou 107-109, Athina 117 45.

Varoulko: located in one of the most beautiful places, the Mikrolimano marina, in front of the sea, has easy access from downtown Athens & Piraeus and provides its visitors an elegant atmosphere and an outstanding view. It provides fish plates with great imagination. Varoulko won its first Michelin star in 2002.
Address: Akti Koumoundourou 54 Mikrolimano, Piraeus.

Botrini’s: At Botrini’s Restaurant Athens, their focus is on a complete experience. In doing so, they want to highlight the relationship between raw nature, produce and our cultural history. It is a passionately run restaurant with a modern interior, a sleek modern cuisine, and verdant terraces. Botrini’s restaurant in Athens is awarded with a Michelin Star, for the second consecutive year, from the Michelin Guide Main European Cities 2017.
Address: Vasileos Georgiou B’ 24b, Chalandri, Athens.

Ithaki: The seaside location overlooking the Saronic Gulf is truly magical and is fitting for one of the best Vouliagmeni restaurants. Ithaki provides a large outdoor area to dine al fresco in summer and appreciate the view. With an impressive list of visiting celebrities including Bill Clinton and Sean Connery, Ithaki is one of the best established restaurants in Athens where many Athenians dine to impress special guests. The Mediterranean menu is infused with French and Japanese influences and you will be spoilt for choice with sushi platters and black cod marinated in miso on offer or the Chateaubriand for two.
Address: Apollonos 28 Vouliagméni, Greece 16671.

All senses: A provocative, emotional, international-level performance plays out on a table with 12 comfortable armchairs. In the specially designed space of this special restaurant in Glyfada, an ambitious project unfolds. Special displays, sounds, smells, flavors, all work as gastronomic stimulation.
Address: Lazaraki 12, Glyfada, Athens Greece.

Nolan: Nolan is all about our passion for tasty food, an urban-cool ambiance and a menu that looks beyond geographical borders. The food takes inspiration from “familiar” ingredients that bring out feelings and memories – A food that is coupled with our love and continuous search for raw materials and techniques; A creative bridging of Greek and Asian flavors – from street food of Beijing and Vietnam to the all-time favorite fried chicken.
Address: 31 Voulis Athina, 105 57 Greece.

CTC Restaurant: CTC restaurant in Ilisia is a degustation restaurant in Athens. The famous chef Alexandros Tsiotinis created CTC to offer creative Greek cuisine and gourmet tastes. CTC is a special space with minimal decoration, a European style, and an ambient atmosphere. Here, you can taste the award-winning exquisite corn lobster. CTC restaurant is ideal for both business lunch and romantic dinner as well as special events. Enjoy a unique gourmet journey, the unique flavors, aromas, and colors of CTC’s menu and make your dinner a memorable experience.
Address: 14, Oumplianis Str. & Diocharous 27, Athens.

Matsuhisa Athens: Home of the world-famous Nobu cuisine, the restaurant Matsuhisa Athens has brought the quiet power of Japanese culture and the charm of fusion philosophy to the gastronomic map of Athens. Beautifully nestled in one of the city’s most stylish and scenic locations, the Astir Palace, Matsuhisa Athens promises an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Designed by the famous Rockwell Group from New York, Matsuhisa Athens, with its minimal and organic design, lends beautifully to its natural surroundings. With magnificent views overlooking the Saronic Gulf, majestic sunsets and stunningly illuminated by night, Matsuhisa Athens is one of the city’s hottest dining destinations.
Address: 40 Apollonos Street, Vouliagmeni, Athens 16671 Greece.

GB Roof Garden Restaurant & Bar: The Acropolis and the Parthenon as well as Lycabettus hill and the Doric Greek Parliament at Syntagma Square, are located just one breath away and can be admired from every corner, giving a touch of unparalleled glamor to the classy GB Roof Garden Restaurant and Bar. The menu, based on the Mediterranean culinary tradition and the application of modern haute cuisine techniques, is created of premium fresh raw materials and inexhaustible inspiration.
Address: 8th floor of Hotel Grande Bretagne – 1 Vasileos Georgiou A, Syntagma Square Str, Athina 105 64.

Source: CEOWORLD Magazine

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How We’ll Travel This Summer

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2020 10:20:17 +0000

This summer travel will be radically unlike what we’ve done in years past. But with temperatures rising, and national parks and theme parks slowly reopening, there’s a glimmer of hope in the air. We might not be able to do that annual Europe trip or get the whole extended family together overseas, but there is still plenty to look forward to.

If these past few months have taught us anything, it’s that with a little creativity and a lot of pent-up energy, even the smallest of journeys can be thrilling. Biking one neighborhood over can be a revelation. Even a day hike promises new sights and sounds. Our backyards and balconies, tired as we may be of them, present new possibilities in the light of summer—from barbecuing to creating a beach day away from the crowds. Over the coming months, we’ll likely inch a little further afield, too, as some forms of entertainment and escape are back on the table, from drive-ins to private cabins in secluded destinations, and more.

Below, our editors on how we’ll travel this summer—and why we’re looking forward to it.

We’re investing in bikes

After years of living in Brooklyn and fantasizing about owning a bike, it only took a global pandemic to shock me into buying one. I have not looked back. With strict lockdown rules still in place and public transport off the table for non-essential workers, bikes have become both a source of exercise and the only real means of getting around. Finally, weekend activities are no longer confined to walking distance.

It’s no wonder, then, that cities around the world are considering expanding their bike lanes—an efficient way to simultaneously cut down on pollution and create more outdoor space for social distancing as the world begins to reopen. Milan, for example, is looking to introduce 22 miles of bike lanes this summer; Paris’s mayor Anne Hidalgo has proposed introducing bike paths that connect the center of the capital to the suburbs to help residents avoid riding the Metro. In the U.S., cities like Oakland and New York are temporarily closing streets to traffic, opening up previously busy roads to cyclists and pedestrians—just last week, the latter promised to add another 12 miles of open streets and introduce an additional 9 miles of bike lanes.

And while my own bike purchase felt a little quarantine-impulsive at the time, it seems I wasn’t the only person to make the leap. According to Bloomberg, bike shops across the U.S. have seen an overwhelming surge in demand, with some reporting as much as 300 percent growth since the pandemic began. Here’s hoping our newfound cycling obsession continues long after life returns to normal. —Lale Arikoglu

The return of the drive-in

By some estimates, there are just over 300 drive-in theaters left in the United States—a fraction of the thousands in operation in the 1950s. But if the past few weeks are any indication, 2020 is set to be the summer of the drive-in. From California to Texas to the tristate area, drive-in theaters have been selling out since many reopened this month. And no wonder: Standard movie theaters remain closed in many states, but drive-ins have been among the first businesses to open back up, drawing those looking to get out of the house while maintaining distance from others. In the privacy of your own car, the drive-in theater promises just that—plus a little (distanced) human interaction.

Some of these drive-ins are old classics, like Warwick Drive-Ins in New York, which has been in business since the ‘50s and just reopened with three screens and nightly showings (barbecues are also allowed). Newer, now-open theaters include Coyote Drive-In in Fort Worth, Texas (founded in 2011), and Mission Tiki in Montclair, California (founded in 1956, but fully refurbished in ‘06). There’s way more to the experience than popcorn and a show: Coyote has a dinner menu and full bar; Mission Tiki serves meals like carne asada nachos at its nightly showings. Other theaters, like the drive-in recently sprouted in the parking lot of Bel Aire Diner in Queens, New York, are operated as pop-ups—something we can no doubt expect to see more of this season. There will likely be a repurposing of the drive-in model for other types of events, like music festivals; its cousin, the drive-through, has also become a means of entertainment during the pandemic, for everything from Portland’s strip clubs to Six Flags’ safari attractions.

You’ll have to keep your mask on and social distance in line for the bathroom, but after months of streaming at home, the idea of sitting outside in the hot summer air, barbecue smoke floating past, is a whiff of normalcy we can all look forward to. Just prepare to book those movie nights well in advance—you won’t be the only one planning on it. —Megan Spurrell

Even small trips will feel like an adventure

Car trips are as low-risk as it gets for our return to travel. A drive to take a nearby hiking trail, for instance, feels feasible if you can avoid tight paths that require bypassing others. And weekend trips to see nearby friends and family will, slowly, start to make sense as small groups are able to gather again.

“More and more, people are deciding to get back in their cars and go places,” says Matt Clement of Arrivalist, a location data company that provides insights to the travel industry. “The trends are very clear.” Arrivalist’s Daily Travel Index measures automobile trips that exceed 50 miles or more. Nationwide, they’ve seen a 48.2 percent increase since early April.

How far we’re willing to travel—and where we’ll go—will vary tremendously regionally. “In places that haven’t been hit as hard, there might be a quicker return to longer road trips and a higher comfort level than other parts of the country,” Clement says. In a Condé Nast Traveler online study, 42 percent of responders said they would drive up to six hours from home for a trip. Forty-one percent said they would consider driving more than seven hours, and 23 percent felt that way about a 10-plus-hour trip. For those in harder-hit regions, shorter car trips—with added precautions like minimizing your drive time to avoid rest stops, sit-down meal breaks, and other public facilities—may be the norm for some time.

“In the Northeast, it makes sense to focus on the traditional day trip markets and convert those folks into overnighters,” says Clement. “But in Florida, everyone is waiting to see Disney’s and Universal’s decisions about reopening theme parks. They feel like once that happens, people will get on an airplane to go to Disney.”

For now, all eyes are Memorial Day weekend: “That will be the ultimate barometer for the first couple of summer months,” says Clement. “We’re talking more about the speed of recovery, the speed of people getting into their cars and going on trips, rather than whether they will. They definitely will.” —Stephanie Wu

A cabin getaway that ensures privacy

As the pandemic spread, so did short-term rental cancellations, with Airbnb, Homeaway, and VRBO hosts seeing huge swaths of bookings disappear in a number of days. But as travelers itch to get back out there, those same hosts—many with cabins that offer privacy, and enough room for the whole family to spread out—are making it possible to salvage summer vacation plans. In early April, new U.S. Airbnb bookings were down to just 245,000 during their lowest week, a 59 percent drop in new bookings from February, according to AirDNA. But, by mid-May, new bookings were back up to pre-pandemic levels, approaching 600,000 new bookings per week.

The data shows that travelers are looking for a specific kind of Airbnb these days, too: Cabins were the second-most searched listing in the U.S. during May, the company says. Since cabins are traditionally in more remote areas, it makes sense that social distance–conscious travelers would look to more secluded getaways, even if they’re just outside city limits. Beyond home shares, companies like Getaway are tapping in to our need for a mix of the outdoors and solitude, too. The tiny, minimalist cabin rental company, with options for two or four guests, just opened a new outpost in the Brazos Valley, one hour outside of Houston.

Travelers are booking much closer to their trip, preferring a more spontaneous getaway. Before the pandemic, just 30 percent of all Airbnb bookings were made less than a week out from a traveler’s trip. But in late April? Some 60 percent of all bookings were made within that timeframe, says AirDNA. And people are staying longer, too—likely thanks to work from home options that offer location flexibility. Property management software Guesty reports that the average reservation length across Airbnb, Booking.com, and VRBO doubled globally, from four nights to nine.

It seems like a week at a cabin may be in the cards for us all this summer. And we’re not complaining—we do love an A-frame view. —Meredith Carey

The backyard as a blank canvas

The word “staycation” has never been more relevant. Travelers are ready for quintessential summer activities like barbecues and cookouts, picnics, and days by the water (searches for “beach trip packing list” and “beach trip with friends,” for example, soared on Pinterest toward the end of April). The big difference, though, is that those activities may largely take place in our backyards this summer—especially for those living in areas where beaches and parks remain closed, or are too crowded for social distancing.

It makes sense, then, that people are prepping their outdoor spaces for more time spent unwinding at home. Home goods stores are selling out of floats and inflatable pools, and outdoor furniture sales are rising. Local retailers are seeing an increase in grill sales, too, and consumers are skirting around supply chain bottlenecks and meat shortages by getting creative with what’s on the grill: Sophie Mellet-Grinnell, a protein market specialist for Baldor Specialty Foods, says sales are up for plant-based meats, pastured- and grass-fed meats, guinea hens, pheasant, whole duck crowns, and organic pork.

Thankfully, these at-home experiences can still be infused with hints of wherever you’d rather be. Many smaller breweries who previously only shipped locally have expanded their reach, making deliveries from that Michigan cider house or Asheville brewery you love feasible. Restaurants are selling meat, sauces, and other ingredients in bulk, alongside standard take-out offerings, and online retailers like Goldbelly (which has seen order quantities increase by 30 to 40 percent since mid-March) will ship you that pie your family loves to share on the annual Fourth of July trip. Regardless of when reopenings are happening in your city, nearly everything you’d want for a picnic, cookout, or day at the beach is still within reach. —Madison Flager

Source: CNN Traveler

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Best Places To Travel In Europe 2020

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2020 09:32:26 +0000

Europe makes for a perfect summer destination. You’ll find stunning beaches, amazing landscapes, incredible cities and so much more to give you a fantastic vacation away. There are so many good spots throughout Europe it can be hard to decide where to go, so keep reading. Here is a selection of some of the top places to visit in Europe this summer from cities to beach destinations.

Cyprus

Cyprus is a beautiful island in the Mediterranean Sea which you’ll find towards the East of Europe. Around the island you’ll find white sandy beaches and turquoise seas. The Island isn’t that big and consists of two parts, the North and the South, and popular holiday spots include Paphos, Kyrenia, Larnaca, Limassol and Ayia Napa.

Average temperatures from June-August: 22-28°C

Malta

Malta is another island in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of various small Islands and is famous for it’s past and historic sites. A few things you should see and do during your visit include exploring the fortifications of Valletta, swimming in the stunning blue lagoon, and visiting the very cool Popeye Village.

Average temperatures from June-August: 23-27°C

Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is packed with things to see and is a must-visit destination in Europe. When visiting be sure to explore the architecture designed by Antoni Gaudí, such as Park Güell, Casa Batlló and the Sagrada Família, shop along the famous La Rambla highstreet, and enjoy lots of delicious Spanish Cuisine such as Tapas and Paella. The city also has an amazing nightlife with bars throughout the city, and a must do when visiting is to lounge on Barceloneta beach, maybe with a couple of cold beers.

Average temperatures from June-August: 20-24°C

Greek Islands

Greece includes an incredible 6000 Islands of different sizes, and some of them are perfect to visit during the summer. Some of the popular islands include Santorini, Mykonos, Zakynthos, Crete and Rhodes. When visiting relax on the beautiful beaches, go for boat cruises on vibrant blue seas, and enjoy delicious Greek cuisine such as Souvlaki, Baklava and Dolma.

Average temperatures from June-August: 22-28°C

Vienna, Austria

Vienna although a landlocked country is still a fantastic Europe destination for the summer. In the city you’ll you’ll find a large variety of summer things to do, from sightseeing, hiking, lounging at deck chairs along the canal, swimming in the outdoor pools, the beaches and much more. As well as this you’ll find gelato stores everywhere and the gelato you get in Vienna is next level delicious. Another benefit of visiting Vienna in the summer is that you may get to enjoy the Donauinselfest which is one of the largest open-air festivals in Europe.

Average temperatures from June-August: 18-19°C

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik is a top summer destination with some beautiful beaches, an amazing restaurant atmosphere and historic old town. When visiting jump on a boat and cruise around the local islands, walk the Old Town Walls, or head up the gondola for stunning views over the city and the Adriatic Sea.

Average temperatures from June-August: 22-25°C

Kotor, Montenegro

Not far from Dubrovnik and also worth visiting is Kotor in Montenegro. This city is within the Bay of Kotor and you’ll find beaches, mountains, historic architecture, and delicious seafood restaurants. It’s worth visiting both Kotor and Dubrovnik during the same trip as they are around two hours drive away, and as Kotor isn’t quite as busy as Dubrovnik it sometimes feels like a peaceful escape.

Average temperatures from June-August: 23-26°C

Ibiza, Spain

For those that like to party as well as relax then Ibiza has you covered. This beautiful Balearic Island in the Mediterranean Sea has some of the best nightclubs in the world. Ibiza isn’t just a party destination, you can also visit to just enjoy the stunning beaches, explore the landscape, or visit the historic Ibiza Town.

Average temperatures from June-August: 22-26°C

Albanian Coast

Albania is a lesser known tourist destination that is waiting to be explored. Here you’ll find lots of beautiful and quieter beaches along the coast with crystal clear turquoise water. A few of the best spots include Ksamil, Borsh, Jala and Dhermi.

Average temperatures from June-August: Approx 22-25°C

London, UK

The UK is famously known for being a cloudy, overcast destination, but if you visit in the summer you will be more likely to see some blue in the skies. When visiting London in the summer you’ll have longer days to see the sites while it’s light, and even if it’s not pure sun you should still have much better weather.

While there if you wanted to get away and see one of the UK’s beaches then why not jump on a train to Brighton. This city is South of the country and only around one hour by train.

Average temperatures from June-August: 16-19°C

Algarve, Portugal

The Algarve is located in the south of Portugal and is one of the sunniest places in Europe with over 3000 hours of sun a year. Along the coast you’ll find approx 200km of stunning beaches perfect for your summer holiday. Golf is popular here with a large number of scenic courses available, and the region is often voted as one of the best golfing destinations in the world. Also in this region of Portugal you’ll find water parks, cities including Faro, and pretty towns such as Tavira.

Average temperatures from June-August: 21-24°C

Sardinia, Italy

Sardinia is a large island off the west coast of mainland Italy and is an autonomous region of the country. Around the island you’ll find around 800 cultural spots, including historic buildings, museums, monuments, parks, churches and other sites. When visiting be sure to spend time relaxing on the beautiful beaches such as Porto Giunco, Cala Mariolu and Spiaggia Tuerredda.

Average temperatures from June-August: 21-25°C

Summary

As well as having a large choice of destinations that are perfect for the summer, Europe is also easily accessible and often affordable due to lots of fantastic transport connections, such as from easyJet, Ryanair and Flixbus.

Note: Average temperatures obtained from holiday-weather.com. Facts obtained from official sites. All content believed to be accurate at the time of writing.

Source: Travel and Destinations

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Traditional Dishes – Russian Cuisine

admin — Thu, 11 Jun 2020 07:39:11 +0000

Russian cuisine is one of the most authentic in the world. It has been formed under the influence of severe climate and abundant national traditions. This cuisine was born not under the palace vaults, but in houses of common modest people who had to feed large families. This is why traditional Russian dishes are nourishing and cooked of the cheapest and available ingredients. Nevertheless, this cuisine cannot be called poor and unvaried as its gustatory combinations can astonish even the most demanding gourmand.

The Four Pillars of the Russian Cuisine

Vegetables. Abundance of vegetables is one of the distinctive features of the Russian cuisine. Vegetables were pickled and preserved otherwise to supply vitamins for long winters. Cheap, easy to grow and able to be stored for a long time varieties was preferred, such as onion, cabbage, carrot, turnips, and radish. Russians also liked potatoes brought by Peter I at the beginning of the 18th century. Vegetables make the base of rich and nourishing soups, spicy appetizers and are amply added into meat and poultry dishes.

Fish. Russian rivers and lakes have always been rich in fish (perch, roach, pike, ruff, sturgeon), that is why it has an important place in the menu. Besides fish was caught in the winter season as well (the famous “subglacial fishing”), and rich and nourishing fish dishes could be served all year round. Those include soups, roasted and stewed dishes as well as baked food.

Baked Foods. “Bread is the staff of life”, says an old Russian proverb. No meal either at a rich or a poor house can do without bread. There are many kinds of bread with considerably different flavors. However, Russian people have baked, not only bread: Russian cuisine is full of appetizing recipes of baked and roasted dishes of dough. What can be more nourishing and tastier during a long and cold winter? Baked food has always been a distinctive feature of Russian holiday feasts and accompanied many religious and ritual celebrations. Pan fried blini and oladi, famous pies with dozens of various fillings — every housewife has her personal signature recipe.

Cereals. Grains in Russia were used not only for making bread. People have liked to process grains and eat them. Hot and rich Russian porridges are made of a variety of cereals (barley, wheat, buckwheat, semolina), each of which has its own unique taste. Porridge becomes even tastier with various additives: berries, mushrooms or stewed meat or chicken, and roasted onions.

Traditional Russian Dishes

Blini (pancakes). Thin roasted scones of plain dough made from flour, eggs and milk are one of the most beloved by Russian people’s dishes. A bit sweet or meagre, golden brown, hot and well-oiled, they are an essential attribute of any holiday. Blini are always served with various additives — from rich (e.g. Meat, salted fish, caviar) to sweet ones (e.g. Berries, honey, jam), so they can be either a main dish or a dessert. In the second half of February or early March Russian people celebrate Maslenita — a holiday when blini are cooked at every home. Making blini very thin, even and lacy is a matter of honor for every Russian housewife.

Blini (pancakes)

Oladi is another dish from dough cooked in a frying pan. Oladi is similar to blini, but they are thicker and have porous structure. They are served with Smetana (sour cream).

Borsch. This is a soup based on beet-root and cabbage with pulpy pieces of vegetables that has nice vinous colour and sweet and savory vegetable taste. Borsch is a dish that exists in many varieties: it can be nourishing, with pieces of meat or very light, based on vegetables only. Depending on the region of Russia borsch is cooked with tomatoes, sometimes mushrooms or even apples.

Shchi. It is a light transparent soup of boiled cabbage with pieces of vegetables. It is a very light and useful dish for all seasons. In spring it is cooked with new cabbage and has fresh and delicate flavor. The winter dish is the so-called “sour shchi” based on pickled cabbage. Sour shchi has very bright and nice pickle flavor. However the smell of sour shchi is not very pleasant (due to pickled cabbage) but real gourmands simply disregard it.

Borsch

Pirogi or pirozhki are baked food with various fillings. It is difficult to find a more diverse dish of the Russian cuisine! Pirozhki can be filled with meat, chicken, fish or mushrooms, boiled eggs, vegetables, fruits, berries or jam. The contrast of golden brown dough and delicate hot filling inside is very tasteful. Pirozhki is very popular “fast food”, they are often taken by people going on a long journey. Cooking of pirozhki at home is a real fun for the whole family, as even a child can easily make them. The most pleasant and unusual taste belongs to pies with mushroom (or potato and mushroom), apple or cherry filling.

Ukha is a transparent soup made from fresh fish, potatoes and carrots. Ukha is cooked from various kinds of fishes, mainly white ones. The sterlet ukha is a speciality, but ukha made from small river fishes is also very tasty (folks especially like ruffe ukha). Instead of bread ukha is often served with a traditional fish pie called rasstegai.

Ukha

Buckwheat porridge is a nourishing dish from boiled buckwheat grains that has been anciently beloved by Russian people. Its taste and appearance resemble brown rice. The classical buckwheat dish is crumby, it shall be boiled so that all the grains keep apart. Quite often buckwheat is cooked with meat or other (usually not sweet) ingredients to make its mild taste more piquant. One of the popular dishes called “Grechka po-kupecheski” (Merchant-Style Buckwheat) is cooked with roasted mushrooms and onions.

Pickled products have been part of the traditional Russian cuisine since ancient times as they gave the opportunity to add vegetables to the diet during the long winter. Especially popular are pickled cucumbers because they stay as crunchy as fresh ones, but get savory salt and sweet taste. Common people also like sauerkraut made of chopped and pickled cabbage leaves. After pickling they become crunchy and semi-transparent. The taste of sauerkraut varies from sour to sweet and sour, it is a great appetizer and a freshening side dish. Pickled mushrooms are a haute Russian specialty. Milk mushrooms (Lactarius resimus and Lactarius turpis) have an especially delicate taste and elastic body. They are pickled and served with onions or mashed potatoes. Brines for pickling are made with various herbs and spices able to add new interesting tints to dishes.

Pelmeni. Their recipe was brought to Russia from China but has been considerably changed under the influence of Russian culinary tradition. Dough for Russian pelmeni is made of wheat flour and is rather hard. The filling is minced meat. Pelmeni are most often boiled, sometimes roasted and served with Smetana. Pelmeni is a very substantial dish, so it is better to eat them separately.

Stroganina is a dish of the Russian North cuisine. It is really thin slices of frozen fish or meat that are dipped into a mixture of salt and pepper. Stroganina is a very unusual crispy appetizer.

Okroshka is freshening cold soup with pieces of fresh vegetables. Okroshka is made with traditional Russian beverages — kvass or kefir. It is a very tasty and light summer dish that feels good in hot weather. Usually okroshka is served with Smetana.

Russian Drinks

Okroshka

Kvass is a traditional summer beverage made of rye bread or flour and malt. Kvass has rye, sour, and freshening taste. It perfectly quenches thirst, but may seem too poignant to some people. In summer time you can find iron barrels, selling cold kvass in the streets of Russian cities. However, when eating at a restaurant it is advisable to order kvass made in wooden barrels. Kvass contains a bit of alcohol (up to 3%), that is why it is not recommended to drink it before driving!

Medovukha is a light honey based alcoholic drink with added grasses and berries. Medovukha is served hot and consumed slowly. It usually has a pleasant sweet taste.

Sbiten is a drink similar to medovukha but having less distinct sweet taste. Sbiten is often cooked with various herbs and serves a perfect prevention against colds. To some extent it resembles herbal tea with honey.

Mors is a drink based on water diluted berry juice (the most popular kind is cranberry mors). Usually it has nice red or ruby color and fresh, slightly acid taste. The history of mors counts several centuries. Cold mors perfectly quenches thirst and helps to clean taste receptors.

Russian exotic — the most authentic dishes and drinks

Borodinsky bread is made of rye flour. It has dark brown color, nice piquant flavor and thick body. Its taste is difficult to describe: it is spicy, sweet and sour with a tint of fermentation. Borodinsky bread is covered with spices, usually coriander seeds. Brown bread perfectly complements most dishes of the Russian cuisine. It is very tasty when cut into thin pieces and slightly dredged with salt.

Borodinsky bread

Kholodets. This dish is probably for the bravest and persistent followers of the Russian cuisine. It is cold jelly made of rich bone broth with pieces of meat and vegetables. Kholodets is dressed with cold sauce of grated horseradish. Kholodets has an impressive look — through transparent jellied broth one can see nice circles of carrots and potatoes. However, this dish is far from being popular even among Russians.

Kefir. A drink made by fermented milk having thick consistence and unique sour and creamy taste. The closest analogue is natural yoghurt. Kefir appeases hunger, perfectly refreshes in hot weather, and is very useful for digestion. However, many people who try it for the first time point out that its taste is unusual.

Vodka. This is one of the most popular among foreigners, Russian words and the main strong national drink in Russia. When choosing vodka it is better to give preference to well-distilled spirit. Pickled products and brown bread are traditional vodka chasers.

What is the right way of drinking vodka?

According to the Russian tradition a shot of cold vodka should be drunk at a gulp, then smell a piece of dark bread and only after that have a bite.

To some people Russian cuisine may seem too exotic; however, those who are open to new tastes would like it. First of all, this is home and not restaurant cuisine, so if you get a chance to try Russian dishes made by not a professional cook but a housewife do not miss it! However, one should take into account that a table fully covered with dishes is the standard of Russian hospitality.

Source: Russia

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A Guide To Russian Cuisine

admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 10:03:28 +0000

Main Russian dishes

Russian cuisine is famous for its festive dishes such as smoked sturgeon balyk, sturgeon with horseradish, slightly salted salmon, red, black and pink caviar, pickled and salted mushrooms. But this is, of course, only a small part of Russian national cuisine. Other popular and traditional dishes include kasha, a mixture of cereals and porridge, soups such as borsch, pancakes, pirogi pies with different salty fillings, and many dough based dishes. Poultry dishes are considered festive in Russian cuisine. Stews, meat and cabbage are popular daily foods, as well as goulash, an old traditional meat dish.

Bread and other wheat products are also an essential part in the food culture, especially brown bread. Other popular breads include olad’i, which resembles a pancake, shan’gi, white bread rolls, pyshki, tiny doughnuts dating back from Soviet times, baranki, and bubliki, similar to bagels, and kalachi, white baked bread. Russian bread products have a long history along with vodka, which first emerged in the late 1400s.

Vegetable and meat salads are also very popular. Salads are usually heavier than in Western countries, and consisting of potato, carrots, beetroot, mayonnaise etc. The most famous salad in Moscow is the Olivie, which was named after its inventor, a French chef of the Hermitage restaurant in the 1860s. It is made mainly of vegetables mixed with mayonnaise, and boiled meat or chicken. Everyone has their own variation of the salad.

History and the orthodox religion have also had a significant effect on Russian food culture. Soviet snacks and dishes still remain popular and Orthodox culture has had a big influence on which dishes are eaten at which time of the year. There are still special restrictions concerning the food during Lent, during which meat, poultry, and dairy products are not allowed, and so vegetables are used, for example the form of stews and soups. Fish is also used as a replacement for meat.

This can be seen also in Russian restaurants: during lent you might be offered dishes without meat, eggs and butter. However, they will have traditional fish, vegetable and mushroom dishes on offer.

Russian desserts

Kissels are popular desserts consisting of sweetened juice thickened with flour.

A kissel can be made from berries or other fruit. It can be made thick and jelly-like to be eaten with a spoon or it can be drinkable. It can be served both hot and cold, for example on pancakes or with ice cream.

Dishes containing curd, which was mistaken for cheese before, are a very popular part of the food culture. One special dish is oladyi, more commonly known as syrkini – cheese cakes, which are made of curd with eggs and flour and then fried in oil.

Pancakes have a special spot in the Russian food culture as they are a very old tradition. Pancakes were considered ritual food, representing the sun in the old pagan traditions.

The pancake week, Maslenitsa, is organised every spring to celebrate the sun and the end of winter.

Vodka is one of the most popular drinks in Russia, mainly because it is cheap. It is usually drunk very cold, and generally with food or some snacks.

Tea, surprisingly, is a very popular drink in Russia. Tea is drunk traditionally from the Russian Samovar, which is a heated metal container used for boiling water. Other popular drinks include Sbiten, a spicy hot drink flavoured with wine or honey, and Kvass, a drink usually made from black rye or rye bread.

Russians also drink Mors, which is made of berry juice and water, and birch tree juice, using extracts from the trees.
Home-made mint Kvass: Kvass is a Russian bread-based drink and an ingredient in many soups (light kind).

Source: Expatica

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A Guide To Russian Cuisine

admin — Tue, 02 Jun 2020 10:03:28 +0000

Main Russian dishes

This can be seen also in Russian restaurants: during lent you might be offered dishes without meat, eggs and butter. However, they will have traditional fish, vegetable and mushroom dishes on offer.

Russian desserts

Kissels are popular desserts consisting of sweetened juice thickened with flour.

Pancakes have a special spot in the Russian food culture as they are a very old tradition. Pancakes were considered ritual food, representing the sun in the old pagan traditions.

The pancake week, Maslenitsa, is organised every spring to celebrate the sun and the end of winter.

Vodka is one of the most popular drinks in Russia, mainly because it is cheap. It is usually drunk very cold, and generally with food or some snacks.

Source: Expatica

The post A Guide To Russian Cuisine appeared first on Ηellas Food World.

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

admin — Mon, 01 Jun 2020 13:00:25 +0000

[vc_row][vc_column][trg_recipe template=”recipe” img_src=”hide” summary=”For people who don’t cook pork tenderloin often, the cut can seem intimidating: It’s skinny, so there’s the fear of overcooking it, and it’s pork…so when do you really know for sure that it’s cooked through?! But turns out, pork tenderloin is surprisingly easy to make. We slather ours in a paste of brown sugar, cumin, paprika, and lemon zest and grill for about 20 minutes.
While it grills, get started on the chimichurri sauce. Is it necessary? Maybe not. But it’s amazing and makes everything tastes 1,000 times better. Round out the meal with some grilled vegetables like asparagus or zucchini to create a dynamite summer meal.” other_notes=”” recipe_cuisine=”Mexican” recipe_category=”Main Course” cooking_method=”Grilled” cook_time=”20″ total_time=”60″ ingredients=”%5B%7B%22title%22%3A%22For%20the%20Tenderloin%22%2C%22list%22%3A%222%20tbsp.%20brown%20sugar%5Cn2%20tsp.%20smoked%20paprika%5Cn1%20tsp.%20ground%20cumin%5CnZest%20of%201%20lemon%5Cn1%20tsp.%20kosher%20salt%5Cn2%20tbsp.%20extra-virgin%20olive%20oil%5Cn1%201%2F2%20lb.%20pork%20tenderloin%22%7D%2C%7B%22title%22%3A%22For%20the%20Herb%20Sauce%22%2C%22list%22%3A%221%2F4%20c.%20extra-virgin%20olive%20oil%5Cn3%20tbsp.%20red%20wine%20vinegar%5Cn1%2F2%20c.%20parsley%2C%20finely%20chopped%5Cn2%20scallions%2C%20finely%20chopped%5Cn2%20tbsp.%20fresh%20oregano%20leaves%5Cn2%20cloves%20garlic%2C%20minced%5Cn1%2F2%20tsp.%20crushed%20red%20pepper%20flakes%5CnKosher%20salt%5CnFreshly%20ground%20black%20pepper%22%7D%5D” extra_notes=”” recipe_yield=”4 Servings” suitable_for_diet=”” custom_nutrients=”%5B%7B%22level%22%3A%220%22%2C%22text_style%22%3A%22normal%22%7D%5D” hide_name=”true” hide_date=”true” hide_author=”true” hide_img=”true” hide_nutrition=”true” social_buttons=””][trg_recipe_method][vc_column_text]In a small bowl, whisk together brown sugar, paprika, cumin, and salt. Stir in olive oil to form a paste. Spread paste all over tenderloin.[/vc_column_text][/trg_recipe_method][trg_recipe_method][vc_column_text]Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill pork, turning occasionally with tongs, until charred and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the tenderloin reads 145°, about 20 minutes. (For larger tenderloins, bake in a 400º oven for 15 to 25 minutes more, until desired internal temperature is reached.)[/vc_column_text][/trg_recipe_method][trg_recipe_method][vc_column_text]Make herb sauce: In a medium bowl, stir together all ingredients and season with salt and pepper.[/vc_column_text][/trg_recipe_method][trg_recipe_method][vc_column_text]Let rest 10 minutes, then slice and serve with herb sauce.[/vc_column_text][/trg_recipe_method][/trg_recipe][/vc_column][/vc_row]

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Best Concept Bars In Lisbon

admin — Wed, 06 May 2020 17:57:46 +0000

Lisbon offers all types of bars for its drinkers and night owls: Rooftop. Cocktail. Jazz. LGBT. Neighborhood. But for this list, we cover a few with the best themes. For a unique night out, visit the city’s concept bars that are scattered across some of the coolest neighborhoods. Whether you’re in the mood for art, sky, color, and/or ambiance, this list has something for practically everyone.

Pavilhão Chinês

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Pub Grub

Five rooms filled with endless treasures await inside the Pavilhão Chinês (Chinese Pavilion) in Lisbon’s trendy Principe Real. This cocktail bar is considered one of the most beautiful venues in the city and nearly doubles as a unique museum of sorts, with an assortment of knick-knacks and artifacts making up the wall and ceiling décor. Not only does the venue have style (which includes comfortable cushion chairs) but it also has pool tables.

Red Frog Speakeasy

Bar, Cocktail Bar, Cocktails

Leave the Avenida Metro stop and turn down a nearby, nondescript side street to find one of the more sophisticated bars disguised as an apartment building. There is no sign, but the red frog by the doorbell will let you know that you have reached the Red Frog Speakeasy, a charming “American prohibition-themed” bar. Press the bell, wait for the unlocking “click,” and head inside to the dimly lit and romantic bar which reflects hints from the 1920s. The drinks are also classics but are given artistic additions.

The Old Pharmacy

Sometimes, a glass of something tasty is just what the “doctor” prescribes. Instead of medicine, this pharmacy-turned-bar has cabinets filled with hundreds of wine bottles. Located in Bairro Alto, The Old Pharmacy is perfectly situated to attract plenty of attention – and it does just that. From the small and intimate table arrangements to the alluring white walls and cabinets, this aesthetically appealing venue is definitely an eye-catcher.

Sky Bar

Bar, Hotel Restaurant, Portuguese, Pub Grub

Lisbon is known for its terraces and rooftop venues, but few can compete with Sky Bar in Avenida da Liberdade. Located at the top of the Tivoli Avenida Hotel, it is an open-air bar with phenomenal panoramic views over the city, creating a simple yet powerful celestial concept. Sophisticated and upscale, with a full cocktail menu and an assortment of delicious bites, this is the place to go if you don’t mind spending a bit more money and a lot of time up above Lisbon.

Park Bar

Bar, Portuguese

Park Bar is another trendy rooftop and one of the most popular hangouts in the city. Properly named, it is situated the top floor of a parking garage in lower Bairro Alto. Despite this location, there is an earthy feel about Park Bar with its decorative plants and wood seating areas. The view takes in the top of the Santa Catarina Church in addition to the Tagus River and 25 of April Bridge.

Lost In

Bar, Restaurant, Vegetarian, Mediterranean, European, Portuguese, Vegan, Gluten-free

It’s easy to forget that you’re still in Lisbon when at the Lost In Café and Bar, but don’t worry, the city’s iconic views will remind you. The multi-color seating and decorations, in addition to the greenery, create a bohemian vibe that’s unique in the Principe Real neighborhood. It is also a romantic and relaxing venue, mainly sought after for the outdoor seating, and blankets are even provided when the temperatures dip in the evenings.

Pensão Amor

Bar, Portuguese

In English, Pensão Amor means Love Guesthouse and hints at the location’s original use as a brothel back when Cais do Sodré acted as Lisbon’s red-light district. In fact, the entire bar honors the area’s colorful past with bright walls, brighter curtains fringing the doorways, dancing poles, and provocative art. Despite this exciting vibe, the venue is pretty relaxed and acts as a cool hangout spot for both couples and groups, and it sometimes hosts shows including (but not limited to) burlesque.

Source: Culture Trip

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7 Of The Best Bars In Madrid

admin — Wed, 29 Apr 2020 16:28:29 +0000

Madrid is a city that is full of character and charm and the bars here each have their own unique atmospheres. Wine is popular here. and there are many wine bars as well as trendy cocktail bars in Madrid.

Basically, boozehounds will be well looked after with some beautiful bars to kick off the evening.

Here are the seven very best bars in Madrid. We’ll cheers to that!

1. 1862 Dry Bar

1862 Dry Bar is perhaps Madrid’s most well-known bar, and for good reason. This bar has a very old-school feel to it that attracts nostalgic-bar patrons in search of great atmosphere and the best cocktails in Madrid.

Since you’re at a bar that embraces tradition, get yourself an Old Fashioned here.

2. Salmon Guru

Salmon Guru is another bar in Madrid that has its own fantastically different and trendy character. The bar is adorned with bright neon lights, hipster furniture, and cocktails that look more like pieces of art than drinks.

Immerse yourself in the Madrid bar scene and get the rum-base cocktail with ginger beer and kombucha, called ¿Porqué te ríes? (Why are you laughing?)

3. Vinoteca Vides

Vinoteca Vides is an unpretentious wine bar that has no frills, just great wines. With a vast list of wines to choose from (over 100 different bottles), you should have no problems finding a glass or bottle of wine to your liking.

Try one of their 70+ Spanish wines or ask the sommeliers to help make a recommendation for you.

4. Del Diego Cocktail Bar

Del Diego Cocktail Bar is an upscale bar that attracts Madrid’s thirsty business-people and curious tourists. The decor is bright and modern, and the bartenders here concoct some of the best cocktails in Madrid.

Swing by this classy bar for a glass of Spanish wine or a Martini.

5. La Venencia

La Venencia is an institution in Madrid bars and has been in business for nearly 100 years. There is a vintage vibe to this bar and rumour has it, Ernest Hemingway was a frequent guest here during his heyday.

Their featured drink here is local Sherry and there are a few different kinds you can try here along with some great tapas.

6. Sala Equis

Sala Equis used to be a cinema that has now been converted to a bar. With remnants of the cinema still here with the large cinematic screen now surrounded by cinema seating, it is absolutely one of Madrid’s hippest bars.

Grab a cocktail and walk around the different rooms in this cinema turned bar and even catch an old movie in the last screening room available at Sala Equis.

7. Café Berlín

Cafe Berlin is one of Madrid’s best bars if you want to have a drink and listen to some great live music. Come before midnight and be treated to a live music performance. After 1a.m. is when the DJ takes the stage and party goers hit the dance floor.

If you’re here before midnight, sit back with a Gin and Tonic or a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy some music.

Source: 7 Travel

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Best Bars In Athens

admin — Thu, 23 Apr 2020 11:50:01 +0000

Athens is a city rich with history and plenty of ruins to visit. What may surprise some people is that Athens also has a few of the best bars in the world. Whether you’re into fancy-schmancy cocktails, laid back beer bars or rooftop sundowners, you’ll find it here. Where better to sip a few bevvies than in this beautiful city? These are the seven best bars in Athens that you must visit while you’re here.

1. Brettos

If you only go to one bar in Athens, make sure you come to Brettos. Brettos is Athens’ oldest bar but you wouldn’t notice that once you step inside.

When you walk in, you will notice the brightly-lit, giant wall that is filled with colourful glass bottles and wooden barrels. Truly an amazing sight, with great drinks to match.

While you’re at Brettos, you must try their ouzo, Greece’s national aperitif.

2. 360 Cocktail Bar

360 Cocktail Bar has one of the best panoramic views of Athens on this rooftop bar. This place is great for a coffee in the morning or afternoon to soak up the heat and then a drink or two in the evening as the sun goes down.

Try one of their signature cocktails, the Fragola Spitz and enjoy views of the Acropolis lit up at night.

3. The Clumsies

The Clumsies has consistently been rated as one of the world’s best bars. People keep flocking to this bar because of the world-class service and interesting presentation of their drinks.

Order The Gatherers while you’re here. A drink that features rye whiskey and is served in a clay pot. Nice to look at, and even nicer to drink.

4. Drunk Sinatra

Drunk Sinatra is a classic gem of a bar with an obvious vintage feel to the place. It’s been a hot spot for locals and tourists alike since it opened because of its genuinely unique theme.

The drinks menu is inspired by the 60’s and cocktails can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors on their mini-patio area. Come here for the great vintage vibes.

5. Baba Au Rum

Another vintage-themed bar in Athens, this is known as one of the world’s best rum bars is Baba Au Rum. You guessed right if you thought they probably specialise in rum-based drinks. They do them amazing here, and add their own homemade syrups to their rum cocktails.

Get the 5-Star Zombie here, a drink that includes five finely-aged rums.

6. Couleur Locale

Another one of Athens best bars is the rooftop bar at Couleur Locale. This place is hip and trendy and is really popular among the locals. With amazing views of the Acropolis as the sun sets, enjoy live music bands and DJs playing on the weekends.

Come here for a beer and some classic bar food and just soak up the great ambience.

7. Six d.o.g.s

Bordering between a bar and a nightclub, Six d.o.g.s is a popular spot for thumping, loud music and great drinks. The space here huge, with lots of outdoor seating where you can enjoy your drinks and meet new people.

Come to Six d.o.g.s if you’re looking for the perfect spot to hang out with great drinks and a cool vibe.

Source: Big Seven Travel

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