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Greek Wine & Seafood Pairing​

5/25/2020

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From Grape to Glass

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​From its northern regions to its southern islands, Greece has been producing wine for thousands of years, and the result is literally the delicious fruits of their labor. Each wine-producing area throughout the country is diverse when it comes to prime winemaking soil and microclimate. The fresh Aegean breezes, warm sun and rich volcanic soil of Santorini…the mountain-lake terrain of Velvento with its clay sand, argillaceous clay and limestone…Drama’s dry climate and alkaline clay…the low-plain region of Attica with its gentle winds, low humidity, non-existent frosts, and the brightest sunlight in Greece—these are just a few examples of what makes Greece a formidable contender, and winner, of numerous awards and nods in the wine industry today.

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xinomavro grape variety
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savatiano grape variety
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moscofilero grape variety
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In our quest to find and recommend a couple of good wines to friends and followers, we discovered a number of amazing Greek wines that pair beautifully with every course. This week we’re seaside with entrées, recipe links, and bottles of white and red to complement each.
 
This sampling is sure to arouse your palate and entice you to set sail on your own exploration of what has become the hottest buzz!

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​Picture yourself sipping wine on a mountaintop in Olympus or at a seaside tavern overlooking the Aegean in Santorini—the ageri (breeze) caresses your face, the warm sun kisses your shoulders, you hear the crunch of the dry soil beneath your sandals, and as you look up you sense the majesty of the water surrounding you and you know that you are blessed. You muse that this must be how the ripening grapes in their vineyards must feel too! As you allow yourself to be swept away in this Hellenic utopia, let the following seafood entrées paired with the perfect glass (or bottle) of Greek wine take you even further in your quest for paradise. 
 
Below is a list of entrées, each followed by a full description their perfect pair. These wines are a natural choice with Greek food (but they also play well with other kinds of cuisines)!


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BONUS:
A Greek wine-lovers special offer awaits you at the end of this blog!


Greek Seafood Favs & Perfect Sips

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steamed crabs with mustard

SIMPLE CLASSICS

​​Kavouria me Moustarda
steamed crabs with mustard

​
  Tsipoures me Ladolemono
broiled or grilled porgy or sea-beam fish with olive oil-lemon sauce

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DRY WHITE

Domaine Skouras  Skouras Moscofilero (Μοσχοφίλερο)  2017  Peloponnese  $15.99
Gold Medals: Vintage 2017, Thessaloniki International Wine Competition 2018; Vintage 2015, AWC Vienna International Wine Challenge, 2016
 
Fermented in stainless steel vats. Skin contact for just 4 hours, no malolactic fermentation, and short aging over fine lees. Light white-yellow color. Intense aromas and flavors of white flowers and honeysuckle, rounded out with notes of rose petal and passion fruit. Its refreshing acidity leads to a long finish of orange rind with a hint of white pepper. Pairs well with all seafood, salads, and white meats.

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Domaine Sigalas  Assyrtiko Athiri (Ασύρτικο-Αθήρι)  2016  Santorini  $22.99
Gold Medal: Vintage 2008, Thessaloniki International Wine Competition 2009
 
Fermented in stainless steel vats. Straw-blonde in color, this Assyrtiko (75%) and Athiri (25%) blend is refreshingly bright with a nose of ripe citrus, lemon, and pear, and has a refreshing acidity with a long, delightful citrus aftertaste. Often referred to as “the king of whites!” Pairs well with all seafood and classic Greek recipes.

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fried smelts

GRILLED / FRIED

​Kalamaria Gemista sta Karvouna
grilled stuffed calamari

 
Marides Tiganites
fried smelts
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DRY WHITE
​(great with grilled or fried seafood)

​Domaine Papagiannakos  Savatiano (Sabbatiano) (Σαββατιανó)  2019  Attica  $15.99
Gold Medal: Vintage 2019, Sommelier Wine Awards, 2020
 
Bright gold and clear in color, this wine is produced with the Savatiano grape and boasts a rich citrus aroma with flavors of peach, pear and vanilla, with medium acidity and a long zesty, fresh aftertaste. Pairs well with all Mediterranean dishes.

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stuffed mussels

STUFFED / HEARTY TOMATO

Mydia Gemista
stuffed mussels

 
Bakaliaro Plaki
salted cod with tomatoes and onions
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DRY RED
​(great with stuffed seafood or seafood in a tomato-based sauce)

Estate Voyatzi  Xinomavro (Ξινόμαυρο)  2016  Velvento (on the foothills of Pieria Mountains, by Lake Polyfytos)  $24.99
 
The local Velvento revival of Xinomavro owes its uniqueness to the distinct terrain of limestone soil, the nearby lake, as well as the use of new-, second- and third-use French and American oak barrels. The result is a strong bouquet with body, structure and richness, a very different version compared to Naoussa Xinomavro. With equally strong tannins, but milder acidity and a softer character than that of Naoussa, Voyatzis Xinomavro is a more modern approach to the variety.
 
Ruby red-garnet in color with a distinctive aromatic character of red fruits, mint, licorice, and herbs combines with alternating flavor impressions of plum, blackberry jam, tobacco, oak, and vanilla. Pairs well with meat, mushroom dishes, tomato sauce-based dishes, grilled meats, and cold cuts.
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​I hope you enjoyed our Greek seafood-and-wine pairing. Join us next Monday for another food-and-wine segment.
 
If you have a different food you’d like to get a pairing for, leave us a comment below and we’ll get back to you with a wine match.
 
We consulted with experts Irene and Tony Gounaris, owners of Omega Wines & Spirits in Astoria, NY, who helped us pair today’s cutting-edge wines with our seafood options—a challenging task given the countless exceptional Greek wines available.
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SPECIAL OFFER!
Can’t find these wines in your area? No worries! Omega Wines & Spirits will ship within the United States and you can order online or by phone, 718-726-0056. Tell them Kukla’s Kouzina sent you and you’ll get 10 percent off your wine selections. To order online, enter the coupon code KUKLA.

Omega Wines & Spirits is located at 23-18 31st Street in Astoria, NY. Check their website or call for information on in-store special events and wine tastings. Stop by for a visit next time you're in the area and revel in their amazing selections—they'll be happy to recommend a wine for your next occasion! 

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​Our glass is lifted to all of you in a traditional Greek toast ~ Stin iyia sou! To your health!
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

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​Copyright © 2020 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
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Greek Wine & Meze Pairing​

5/18/2020

0 Comments

 

Eat and Drink Like A Greek~OPA!

For decades wine culture as been oversaturated with French and Italian wines so it’s high time Greece took its well-deserved place among these titans.

​We live in a time where attention spans are short and everyone’s always looking for the next best thing.

​This time Greek wine actually IS the next—best—thing!
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​Greek wine is exploding for good reason. From its northern regions to its southern islands, Greece has been producing wine for thousands of years, so they know what their doing. Each wine-producing area throughout the country is diverse when it comes to prime winemaking soil and microclimate. The fresh Aegean breezes, warm sun and rich volcanic soil of Santorini…the mountain-lake terrain of Velvento with its clay sand, argillaceous clay and limestone…Drama’s dry climate and alkaline clay…the low-plain region of Attica with its gentle winds, low humidity, non-existent frosts, and the brightest sunlight in Greece—these are just a few examples of what makes Greece a formidable contender, and winner, of numerous awards and nods in the wine industry today.
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assyrtiko grape variety
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agiorgitiko grape variety
Picturea typical Greek wine shelf at Omega Wines & Spirits in Astoria, NY
In our quest to find and recommend a couple of good wines to friends and followers, our research revealed many amazing Greek wines that are not just for entrées but for serving with various meze (appetizer) platters.

​For this week’s post we consulted with experts Irene and Tony Gounaris, owners of Omega Wines & Spirits in Astoria, NY, who helped us pair today’s cutting-edge wines with three of our Greek meze menu options (many of which can be found in our Meze and Spreads & Dips cookbooks)—a difficult task given the countless exceptional Greek wines available. Though not included in this post, keep in mind that spirits like ouzo are always great with meze.

​This sampling is sure to arouse your palate and entice you to set sail on your own exploration of what has become the hottest buzz!

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Picture yourself sipping wine on a mountaintop in Olympus or at a seaside tavern overlooking the Aegean in Santorini—the ageri (breeze) caresses your face, the warm sun kisses your shoulders, you hear the crunch of the dry soil beneath your sandals, and as you look up you sense the majesty of the sea surrounding you and you know that you are blessed. You muse that this must be how the ripening grapes in their vineyards must feel too! As you allow yourself to be swept away in this Hellenic utopia, let the following menus paired with the perfect glass (or bottle) of Greek wine take you even further in your quest for paradise. 
 
Each section below starts with a meze menu (from a cold platter, to hot, to a little bit of both), followed by a full description of the menu’s perfect wine pairing. These wines are a natural choice with Greek food (but they also play well with other kinds of cuisines)!


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BONUS:
A Greek wine-lovers special offer awaits you at the end of this blog!


A Little Meze, A Little Greek Wine

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MEZE 1
Cold Platter of Cheese & Dips

Feta, kasseri & Greek olives,
​grapes, figs (fresh or dried)

 
Hummus
 
Taramosalata
carp (fish) roe spread
 
Tzatziki
yogurt-cucumber sauce/dip
 
Melitzanosalata
eggplant-salad spread
 
Tyrokafteri
zesty feta dip
 
Zesti Aginarosalata
warm artichoke-salad spread
 
Recipes for all in our Spreads & Dips cookbook.
​

2 Pairing Options
STILL-DRY WHITE

Estate Pavlidis  Thema  Still-Dry White  2018  Drama  $18.99
​
This white has a distinct character composed of Sauvignon Blanc and Assyrtiko. Light yellow-green in color, with intense fruity aromas of exotic fruits and hints of citron and peach. It is a well-balanced wine with a richly-flavored mouth, fruity aftertaste, and crisp finish. Pairs well with appetizers, cheeses, fruit, salads, pasta with white sauce, white meats, and seafood

​

DRY ROSE

Nico Lazaridi  Rosé Nico Lazaridi  2019  Drama  $19.99
​
​Made with Grenache Rouge grapes. Bright rosé color with violet hues, and aromas of ripe red fruits and spice with a hint of rose. Crisp and lively with a delicious juicy, fruity flavor, yet light with a lingering aftertaste of caramel. Pairs well with cheeses, appetizers, and grilled summer dishes.

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MEZE 2
Hot Platter

Tyropitakia
mini cheese pies
 
Spanakopitakia
mini spinach pies


Saganaki
fried Greek cheese flambé with lemon

Recipes for Tyropitakia and Saganaki in our Meze cookbook.
​

RED

Domaine Costa Lazaridi  Oenodea Red (Οινωδία Ερυθρός)  2018  Drama  $10.99  (Gold Medal, Mundus Vini 2011, Germany)   

​A red blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (60%), Syrah (20%), and Agiorgitiko (20%) aged in a combination of new and old French oak barrels for 10 months. It has a lively red color and slight smoky character with aromas of cherries, raspberry, and plum dominating mature tannins. Its finish is laced with notes of oak and vanilla. Pairs well with creamy food, red meat, and rich sauces.


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MEZE 3
Hot & Cold Meat Platter

Keftedakia
mini herbed meatballs
 
Mbourekia
beef rolls
 
Dolmadakia Klimatofila
stuffed grape leaves with beef and rice
 
Charcuterie
 
Recipes for all in our Meze cookbook.

RED

Domaine Papagiannakos  Erythros (Ερυθρός)  2017  Attica  $19.99
​
A careful blend of the Nemea Agiorgitiko (70%) variety of grape along with a small measure of Cabernet Sauvignon (30%) ensures a full body and smoothness to this exceptional red wine. Gold and clear in color with a rich bouquet. Pairs well with cheeses and red meats.

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​LAGER NOD: Though our focus for this blog is not on beer, we will say that Mythos (Μύθος), a bright straw-colored lager import from Mythos Brewery in Thessaloniki, is the most popular beer in Greece and is widely distributed here in the States.

Mythos is crisp and slightly bitter, with a refreshing citrus taste that makes it a winner with meze, or a grilled main course, on a hot summer day!
​I hope you enjoyed our Greek wine and meze pairing. Join us next Monday when we’ll do entrée pairings!
 
If you have a different food you’d like to get a pairing for, leave us a comment below and we’ll get back to you with a wine match.
​
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SPECIAL OFFER!
Can’t find these wines in your area? No worries! Omega Wines & Spirits will ship within the United States and you can order online or by phone, 718-726-0056…just tell them Kukla’s Kouzina sent you and you’ll get 10 percent off your wine selections. To order online, enter the coupon code KUKLA.

Omega Wines & Spirits is located at 23-18 31st Street in Astoria, NY. Check their website or call for information on in-store special events and wine tastings. Stop by for a visit next time you're in the area and revel in their amazing selections—they'll be happy to recommend a wine for your next occasion! 
Picture
​Our glass is lifted to all of you in a traditional Greek toast ~ Stin iyia sou! To your health!
 
Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly

Bookmark and Share

​Copyright © 2020 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
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Karpathiko Spiti (Karpathian House)

5/11/2020

6 Comments

 

A Home of Culture and Tradition

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The Karpathian House is the embodiment of the island’s folklore and customs, an all-inclusive museum of sorts that displays the art and handcrafts of Karpathos that have been passed down for centuries in the form of colorful embroidery, knitting, weaving, and woodcarving. The telling of family history through framed photographs of its peoples, past and present, are proudly displayed on walls and shelves. And we’re not just talking about one house! Many of the homes in Karpathos uphold this time-honored style that traces back to medieval times and beyond.

Although the southern Dodecanese island of Karpathos has been discovered worldwide over the last decade by tourists seeking less commercialism and more untainted culture, most of the island has remained unchanged by their presence, unlike the more renowned Greek islands, like Mykonos and Santorini. Karpathos’ claim to fame includes its exceptional landscapes and traditional architecture, influenced in style by the Aegean and Venetian characteristics of its neighboring islands—styles that interweave to create a one-of-a-kind splendor.

Olympos is the most authentic medieval village in Karpathos, well known for its period architecture, evident in its picturesque windmills, and rustic lifestyle. Geographically segregated from the rest of the island, Olympos was able to preserve its own unspoiled traditions, ironically drawing more tourists than any of the other island towns.

While simple square houses painted in bright colors traditionally make up the villages outside of Olympos, the entire island comes together when it comes to maintaining a Karpathian House. This is a beloved constant that exists throughout Karpathos, regardless of location.
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To this day, Karpathos citizens’ devotion to preserving their ancient customs and rich traditions has made this island truly remarkable, allowing the visitor to step through its gates and become one of the natives. What better place to immerse oneself in that culture than in the home, the heart of civilization.

Inside the Karpathiko Spiti (Καρπάϑικο Σπίτι)

PictureTwo steps leading up to the soufas (center), panosoufi (upper left), cabinets (next to steps)
A cluster of three buildings make up an authentic Karpathian House: the main house, a smaller guest house, and an outdoor oven or bakery.

The center of the main house is the ground floor which is separated into two sections: the patos (the lower living area), and, opposite from the house entrance, the raised soufas (traditional bed) with the mousandra (guest room/loft) and the panosoufi (the upper bed for a guest in the mousandra). This could be where the "loft" originated!

PicturePanga (left in white), side view of panosoufi, pebble floor
A key furniture component of the house is the panga (a type of couch or bench) next to the soufas with built-in cabinets used for storing fruit and food items. 

Many of the houses have floors composed of white, pink, and black pebbles arranged in a decorative pattern, and wooden rafters on the ceiling. 

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Each house is decorated with hand-embroidered quilts, runners, and handkerchiefs. Professional wood carvers, basket artists, and fabric weavers follow the footsteps of old-world artisans to create the picture frames, pottery, ornately painted clay plates that line the intricately hand-carved shelving, and jugs depicting time-honored designs. 

The woodwork is prominently on display in the soufas, which is a couple of steps up from the main floor and preceded by a beautifully crafted wood frame. Climb another two steps and you have the mousandra and the panosoufi. On the east side of the house is the skillfully carved wooden family altar, the home’s all-important spiritual hub. 

PictureIrene's House, Olympos, Karpathos: soufas (left to center) and panosoufi (right)
Irene's House in Olympos is a more typical Karpathian house, with minimal decoration in order to showcase the detail in the stairs and woodwork, and it’s available for rent. What better way to soak up the island’s wonderful lifestyle than to spend your vacation in an authentic Karpathiko Spiti? For more information on Irene’s House, visit www.ireneshouse.com.


The kellos (kitchen) in the Karpathian House—complete with a fireplace and anakapnea (chimney)—is where the stovetop cooking happens (think avgolemono soup, skordalia, stifado, and dolmades). This is the core of daily family life, as it is in most modern homes…hey, we all love to eat and there’s no better place to be to steal a taste before dinner.   

The outdoor oven keeps the heat out of the main house in the hot summer months, and it’s also used by neighboring families. This is where the bread, kouloures, and spanakopites are made. Can you smell them? Yum!
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baking bread
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kouloures
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spanakopites

Krevati

This is the term used on the islands to describe the preparation of a wedding, in particular the couple’s new home, with each island imparting slight nuances in the details of this custom. 

Typically the night before a couple gets married in Karpathos, the family is invited to the newlyweds’ house for a "krevati" where they decorate the dwelling and their new bed to make it festive for the couple’s arrival. 

The elaborate preparation comes in the form of a procession as goods are carried through the village and up to the house. It is adorned with beautiful bedspreads and fabrics that were embroidered, crocheted, and knitted after the engagement was announced. 

A large wooden pillar in the center of the house supports the roof beam, symbolizing the support of the family. This pillar is decked out with silk fabrics embellished with colorful needlework for the wedding (as is the bride) and other special celebrations—this is every Karpathian’s opportunity to take home-décor to the extreme, representing their richness in hospitality. 

Sumptuous island dishes, exotic beverages, and delectable pastries fill the dinner menus that extend that richness to guests as they gather for the joyous occasion.
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krevati procession on their way to decorate
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needlework presented to the bride-to-be
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The most impressive building in Karpathos is the Province House, also known as Eparxeio (Επαρχείο). Located in the capital, Pigadia, on the west end of Pigadia Port, Province House blends the traditional and modern styles of the island’s architecture. Open to the public, the three-story pale yellow and blue building has stone walls, a clock tower on the top floor, and information on the resident Mediterranean seal in one section of the house. 

Many of the island’s hotels are decorated in the Karpathos-House style to give their guests a feel for the tradition that is held in such high regard here.

The remarkable dedication of the Karpathian people to their traditions, folklore, and customs is just one of the many elements that makes this island a true gem in the Aegean.    

I hope you enjoyed your visit to the Karpathian House. Stay tuned for more culture, food, and fun from this, our favorite island in upcoming blogs. To learn more about our wedding customs, check out our blog The Wedding Season~Karpathos Style. 

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.

Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!

Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!

Kelly

Bookmark and Share

Copyright © 2020 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    

Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
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Marriage Traditions in Karpathos

5/4/2020

0 Comments

 

Springtime Nuptials

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​As tree branches fill with colorful blooms of white, coral, and fuchsia, and flowers hail the warm sun, a time of renewal and rebirth reemerges, giving us hope for new beginnings. It’s only natural that most weddings would commence at this time and continue through the warm months ahead.
 
In Karpathos, wedding preparations are not only for the rejoicing of the natives’ nuptials, but also for the gathering of the prodigal sons and daughters who return to their ancestral home to take part in the island’s customs and traditions with family. The breathtaking scenic backdrop and lush (yet affordable) reception make attending a glorious Greek-island destination wedding an undeniable vacation bonus.

Honeymoon Krevati

Krevati (κρεβάτι, pronounced kreh-VAH-tee) means “bed” in Greek, but it’s also the term used on the southern Greek islands to describe the preparation of a wedding, in particular the couple’s new home (including the bed), with each island imparting slight nuances in the details of this custom. 
 
Typically, the night before a couple gets married in Karpathos, the family is invited to the newlyweds’ house for a "krevati" where they decorate the dwelling and their new bed to make it festive for the couple’s arrival.

The elaborate preparation comes in the form of a procession as goods are carried through the village and up to the house. It is adorned with beautiful bedspreads and fabrics that were embroidered, crocheted, and knitted by grandmothers (γιαγιάδες, yiayiades), mom’s (μητέρες, miteres), aunts (θείες, thies), and cousins (ξαδέλφια, ksadelfia) after the engagement was announced.

A traditional large wooden pillar in the center of the house supports the roof beam, symbolizing the support of the family. This pillar is decked out with silk fabrics embellished with colorful needlework for the wedding (as is the bride) and other special celebrations—this is every Karpathian’s opportunity to take home-décor to the extreme, representing their richness in hospitality.

​Sumptuous island dishes, exotic beverages, and delectable pastries fill the dinner menus that extend that richness to guests as they gather for this joyous decorating occasion.
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Karpathiko Spiti (Karpathian House)~completed krevati

Open Invitation

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traditional Karpathian bride
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traditional Greek island brides
One memorable summer, we experienced that celebratory lifestyle firsthand while vacationing in Karpathos with our mom. As we gathered for breakfast one morning, our cousins told us to get ready, we were going to a wedding. We turned to our mom and the look on our faces pretty much said it all. We weren’t invited and we didn’t know the people getting married, so are we crashing the wedding? She said that, first, we are cousins to the bride and groom (as we were to most of the island…surprise, surprise!), and second, a wedding in Karpathos means an open invitation to everyone on the island.

Weddings are a particularly festive island event in Karpathos where everyone, including visitors, is invited to partake not only in the couple’s joyous ceremony but also in the food event to follow, seating up to 900 people in a barnlike structure standing in as a hall.
 
The bride wore the traditional embellished Karpathian dress, and crowns were exchanged during the ceremony. Immediately following the mass, the close family of the couple pinned large gold pieces on the lapel of the groom’s jacket and on a bib worn over the bride’s gown. This centuries-old custom of giving gold is meant to sustain the couple in times of financial hardship (gold pieces such as these were saved by our grandmother and used to feed the family during the Great Depression and WW2).
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​After the church service, it was time to eat. We never saw anything like this. People lined up outside and were ushered into the hall in large groups for the wedding meal. When one group finished, the next came in to eat. This continued until everyone (yes, all 900) dined…and dined well!
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​The tables were set with individual servings of sisamomelo/sousamomelo (a sesame-and-honey confection served at weddings, symbolizing fertility and sweetness), and baskets of peanuts, candy, and, our favorite, psilokouloura (thin, sesame-covered, olive-oil breadsticks)—seriously irresistible!

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psilokouloura
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Karpathian baklava
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Friends and family joined in to prepare the feast—caterers were replaced by cousins in aprons, and it was no surprise to find Uncle Demetri pouring the wine! Lemon-oregano marinated lamb was roasted outdoors on a spit, trays of vegetable-laden moussaka and béchamel-layered pastitsio were passed around, and delicate heart-shaped powdered-sugar-coated shortbread cookies, kourambiedes, were shared and devoured. Also offered was this island’s most excellent version of baklava. Unlike mainland baklava, Mbaklavas Karpathikos (Karpathian baklava) is made with an olive oil-based pastry dough that is rolled into a spiral of thin layers, then sliced, and deep fried. Once drained and cooled, the diamond-shaped, flaky slices are drenched in a fragrant, spiced honey syrup and sprinkled with walnuts. Made for special celebrations such as this, these extraordinary treats are piled high on trays, wrapped in colorful cellophane, and tied with elaborate bows.

After the eating came the mantinades (μαντινάδες), each a melding of folk song and rhymes. Mantinades are the true spirit of the people of Karpathos, written by the parents and close family of the bride and groom. These lyrical poems, read by the authors, contain heartfelt wishes and blessings for the couple, as well as reflect on their lives as children, while conveying the love felt for each of them. This is all followed by tears of joy, hugs, and the final phase of the evening, dancing!

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As the area was cleared to make room, local musicians on the lyra (a fiddle-like instrument), tsambouna (bagpipe), and laouto (similar to a bouzouki) took their places in the center of the floor. With everyone joining in, music for the sousta, kalamatiano, and hasapiko dances carried the festivities into the wee hours of the morning while the bride and groom snuck off to their elaborately-decorated krevati.
I hope you enjoyed this behind-the-scenes look at Karpathian wedding traditions and how it all comes together to create a truly unique and loving occasion. Check out our blog Karpathiko Spiti (Karpathian House) to learn more about our lifestyle customs.

Sign up for our e-newsletter (if you haven’t already) and stay connected on social media for cooking tips and recipes, as well as for all Kukla's Kouzina updates and news.
 
Thanks for following us and we’ll see you next Monday!
 
Until then~
Kali orexi! Good appetite!
 
Kelly
Bookmark and Share

​Copyright © 2020 Kukla's Kouzina: A Gourmet Journey~Greek Island Style / The Naked Truth About...Greek Cooking!    
 
Web design by Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos
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    This Greek cooking blog is a companion to our  cookbook series 
    KUKLA’S KOUZINA: 
    A Gourmet Journey~
    Greek Island Style, including Meze 
    ​
    (Appetizers & Petite Plates) and Spreads & Dips, on Amazon. Visit our BOOKS page for more info.


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    olive oil kouzina

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       This exquisite olive oil produced by Mentis Estate is hand picked and carefully pressed by local artisans, creating a pure unblended oil that is aromatic and fruity with an acidity of less than 0.5%. 
       Mentis Estate is truly the finest olive oil we at Kukla's Kouzina have ever tasted and it's our first choice for serving with crusty bread, drizzling on salads, and finishing a dish. 

       Check out our blog Olive Oil~Branch to Bottle to see what makes Mentis Estate so special. Delicious (υπέροχος)!

    author  
    Kelly Salonica Staikopoulos

    Read all about Kelly, Kukla's Kouzina's blogger, and the rest of our team in our about page!


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