On Friday I had an unexpected day off. I had just set my alarm for 5.45 to get up for my job as assistant on the school buses when a text came through telling me that due to industrial action in the local school I had a free day. What a treat, a long weekend with no alarm! I woke at about 7 and was able to potter for a while. As Fred was doing a half hour set as warm up for "Dog Pound Blues" that evening I had promised to time his performance. After the rehearsal he suggested that we went out locally for lunch. We went along to "Marouvas" taverna in Vamos, knowing that they would have a selection of food that we could choose from - even while fasting.
The sun was shining brightly, but there was plenty of shade. We sat at the front of the taverna where we could watch the world go by.
Manolis, the proprietor, came along to take our order. We explained we were fasting and he thought for a moment. ( Mid day not everything on the menu was available as it was still being prepared.)
" How do you fancy some fried snails?" he suggested. We both like snails so we ordered a portion of them, a plate of fried mushrooms and a mixed salad with no cheese.
Our food arrived, the snails, plump and delicious, fried with rosemary. The mushrooms crispy and golden, the salad bursting with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, lettuce, cabbage and dill, drizzled with freshly pressed olive oil.
Wholewheat brown bread, toasted and drizzled with oil and garlic
Snails with rosemary
Mushrooms, drizzled with fresh lemon juice
A Lenten feast
"Replete of Crete"
Manolis came to join us - with the ubiquitous "Tsigouthia" "Never call it "Raki" " he told us "That is not made on Crete" We had the choice of "Plain" or "Rakomelo" ( made with honey). The he stopped and thought again. "Normally I would bring you a small Panacotta as a sweet" He said " How about some "loukoumi" ( Never call it Turkish delight!) We agreed, although I think that strictly speaking it is not suitable for fasting as it probably incudes gelatine. We felt it would be rude to decline.
Manolis and Fred relaxing
We sat and put the world to rights before leaving in good time to pack Guitars, amps and the other items needed for the musical Gig in the evening.
You may like to know:
Service: Pleasant and friendly.
Type of food: A good mix of home cooked village dishes.
Prices, Average
"Star ratings"- on the "Guzunder" scale 8.
- Clean, modern doors have locks, toilet seats present, paper and paper towels available, Baby change facilities available.
Complementary raki ( choice of traditional or Honey raki,), also Panacotta or Loukoumi at the end of the meal
Raki on Richter scale 8. Smooth and pleasant with a kick! Honey raki sweet and smooth
Would we return? Yes
If you would like a taster of the Gig, take a look at these videos by Ken Carpenter .
"Down at Heel Girl" Written and sung by Fred Reynolds
A slide number by Fred followed by Dog Pound Blues
No comments:
Post a Comment