Ep 11. Episode 111: Crete: Mother of the Mediterranean

In Episode 111 of My Greek Table with Diane Kochilas, viewers are transported to Crete, the largest and most diverse island in Greece. Known as the “Mother of the Mediterranean,” Crete has a rich history and culture, which is explored in depth in this episode.

Diane begins her journey in Crete’s capital city, Heraklion, where she visits the famous Venetian fortress, Koules. Built in the early 16th century, the fortress served as a protective barrier against pirates and invaders. Diane then walks through the bustling streets of the city, stopping at local vendors to sample some of Crete’s famous street food.

Next, Diane travels to the town of Archanes, located in the heart of Crete’s wine country. Here, she meets with winemaker Michalis Karelas, who gives her a tour of his vineyards and cellar. Michalis explains the importance of using indigenous grape varieties in his wines, which he believes reflects the unique terroir of Crete.

Continuing her exploration of Crete’s culinary traditions, Diane heads to the village of Argyroupolis, where she visits a local bakery to watch the process of making the famous Cretan bread, dakos. The bread is a staple in Cretan cuisine and is topped with local ingredients such as tomatoes, cheese, and olives.

Moving on to Rethymnon, a picturesque town on the north coast of the island, Diane meets with chef Yiorgos Hatziparaskos, who specializes in traditional Cretan cuisine. Yiorgos takes Diane on a tour of the local market, where they pick up fresh ingredients for a special dinner. Back in Yiorgos’ kitchen, they prepare a feast of grilled lamb chops, stuffed peppers, and homemade Greek yogurt.

The final stop on Diane’s tour of Crete is the Samaria Gorge, a stunning natural wonder that stretches over 10 miles and is one of Europe’s longest gorges. Diane hikes the gorge, taking in the breathtaking views of mountains and forests along the way.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to breathtaking vistas and delicious culinary creations, all while learning about the history and culture of Crete. Diane’s passion for Greece and its cuisine is infectious, making this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in Greek culture and food.