At the Going Down of the Sun (coastline, Chania, Crete)
But life, as John Lennon and others before him said, has a way of happening when you’re making other plans and we never did buy that bolt-hole.
(Chania) Lighthouse in the Mist
Lighthouse in Chania iPad Mini Cover
DAKOS
It is a truth universally acknowledged that Crete has the healthiest diet in the Mediterranean. The island has the agriculture, the chefs and the recipes to make your stomach and your doctor very happy! The tavernas and cafés in the tourist areas of Chania, the nearest city to the village of Chorafakia — primarily round the Venetian Harbour — are, alas, not the place to find great Greek or Cretan food but venture into the cobbled streets of the Old Town or up into the mountains and you will often find places to eat that can fulfill your every Cretan dream.
We’ve probably all heard of Moussaka and Tzatziki but unless you are partly or wholly Greek or have spent many years having Greek holidays, you may not have heard of many of the staple mezes or snacks. One such are Dakos, which originated in Chania. These are barley rusks (twice-baked bread) topped with fresh tomatoes, feta or mizithra cheese, olive oil and oregano. Simple but delicious … and healthy!
Details of how to create Dakos at home can be found at Maria Verivaki’s blog, Organically Greek. She writes:
‘This is the healthiest salad snack you can imagine. It has been immortalised all over Greece and is famous for its Hania origins. It is served in practically every single restaurant, taverna, café or kafeneio in the province. It is extremely easy to make. I don’t know why it’s called dackos (or dakos, or dako for that matter); the same name is also used for the troublesome fly that infests olives and ruins olive trees.’
Take care and keep laughing!
Reblogged this on perfectlyfadeddelusions.
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My family is from Crete. The food is amazing there!
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Where are they from? It’s sad that tourists don’t get to eat the good food unless they’re constant visitors. You have to come over again!
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They are from Iraklion. We got the royal treatment! We stayed with them for a week and went to places I’m sure tourists don’t go. Lots of sustainable food and the MOST amazing lamb chops ever! Even better than my mom’s. Nice, crispy and cooked. Here in the U.S. they are too rare.
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I feel in love with feta cheese after holidaying on Mykonos many years ago. Greek salad is one of my favourites.
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Forget what’s sold in the UK! There are so many different types and some of them melt in the mouth. Yes, there’s nothing like a good Greek salad. Where we live, what we call Greek Salad, they call it a Country Salad.
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Excellent diet, warm climate, and lots of history. Good choice, Sarah.
(Not to mention the inspiration for some lovely cushions!)
Best wishes, Pete. x
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Thanks, Pete!
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I’m sold! What a lovely post, Sarah! I dream of Crete…
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When Corbyn takes over and the disabled are better looked after, come over!
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I’d love too! 😀
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Never been to Crete but did do the island hopping holiday when I was a student, loved it, you really can’t beat the Mediterranean whether it’s for the weather the scenery or the food, it’s all so good for you! have a lovely Mediterranean day Sarah!
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Sure can’t!
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Thanks for the background. I do love Greek food and Dakos sounds delicious. Must visit Crete soon.
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Do visit!
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Life has a funny way of working out for the best, even when you least expect it. 🙂
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It does.
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Fascinating facts for Greek food, Sarah. Now the ham sandwich I had for lunch seems sadly lacking. LOL. 😀
Odd tidbit here — when I lived in Albuquerque, I was amazed by how many Greek restaurants were there. Or it seemed rather strange to me at least. (shrugs…) Great big hug!
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As well it might – try adding honey mustard! I do know there is a huge Greek community all over America. Those with a Cretan inheritance come in their droves on bank holidays!
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OH wow when I saw your comment I had to get over here and look to see what I can get my mother for her birthday! She loves the bag I bought last year. I’m going over to your store now do you have any suggestions?
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How do I get there I forgot?
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Click on the Where to Buy category above. Can’t believe it’s been a whole year since you bought that bag! FAA and Redbubble do the bags where the design is printed all over.
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OH wow I love that! I loved that victorian looking design a lot! 😀
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Thank you, Mick!
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okay I’m headed there now! Thank you!
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I visited Crete some years ago and stayed in Chania, where I rented an apartment and went out for dinners in the evening. A wonderful and beautiful island 😀
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Indeed so, Irene. 😀
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I remember my week on Crete with such pleasure. The food was wonderful. This was many years ago. My friend and I made large sand sculptures on the beach. A great way to meet people. We went into the mountains and had the best meal of our entire Grecian escapade. You’re right, it has a different feel than the mainland. You’re very lucky to live there. I try to recreate those lovely meals whenever I can–so thanks for the Dakos link!
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Pleasure, Gayle.
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I adore Greek food, I spent part of my childhood on the Greek island of Cyprus, and got married on Kalymnos. In fact, there’s not much about Greece that I don’t like!
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Cyprus – how interesting. That was my only holiday abroad as a child! When Greek food is good, it’s excellent but we still continue to find the best cooking at the homes of friends.
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Thats always the way, good homecooked food! 😊
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