Savor the Flavor

Savor The Flavor Greek cuisine has been influenced by more than 3,000 years of history, making the food both simple and colorful, as well as incredibly nutritious. (Of course, climate has played its role too!) It has a reputation for being heart healthy with its heavy use of olive oil, fish, lean meats, fresh ix ix Georgia Georgia is a country in Europe, the name of which is spelled just like the state in US. While there is no evidence as to how Georgia got its name, there is believed to be a direct link to St George. There are over 365 churches in the country, named after St. George. Georgia is located on a crossroad where Europe meets Asia. Even though it is a small country, it presents large mix of various landscapes, from valleys in the east, where they grow wine, to Black Sea resorts in the west, to the mountain region with excellent winter resorts. Its history is as old as Greek mythology - According to the famous Greek myth about Jason and the Argonauts, Georgia was the home of the Golden Fleece. Primary religion in Georgia is Orthodox Christianity. Christianity was first preached in Georgia by the Apostle Andrew the First-Called in the 1st century, but became a national religion in the year 326, with grace of St. Nino. Through archeological research it was discovered that Georgia is the oldest wine-making country in the world. Wine samples found were dating back to 6,000 years BC. Georgia has a very unique and ancient cultural heritage, famous for its traditions and hospitality. Georgians love guests and believe that a guest is a gift from God. Georgia has myriad of interesting and delicious traditional dishes well known throughout neighboring countries. Georgians love bread and eat it with almost every meal. They make traditional bread called “Shotis Puri” which is shaped like a sword and baked in the special round clay oven called “Tone”. One of the delicious snacks from Georgia is called “Churchkhela”, which locals jokingly call “Georgian Snickers”. It is made from walnuts and grape juice thickened with flour. Walnuts are dipped in thickened grape juice on a string, like a candle, and hanged to dry for several days. Georgian feast (supra) is a sight to behold, with enough hot and cold dishes to feed the army, accompanied by dozens of wine toasts offered by “Tamada”(person leading the supra), Georgian polyphonic singing and traditional dance. Greek Cuisine In Greek culture, food is so much more than sustenance - it’s about culture, comfort, family, and life itself! One Greek Australian Chef jokes that if you grew up in Greece [or in a Greek household abroad], you grew up with your mother chasing you around the house with a spoonκο ! From this most ancient of civilizations comes simply prepared food that uses the best of what is in season and then adds a little “magic” in the form of flavorings to help it sing off the plate.