Ep 1. Episode 201: Aegean Cuisine

In My Greek Table with Diane Kochilas, season 2 episode 1 titled "Aegean Cuisine," viewers are taken on a culinary journey exploring the Aegean Islands of Greece. Host Diane Kochilas visits the charming island of Siros to cook with local chefs and learn about the island's unique culinary traditions.

The episode begins with Kochilas visiting a local pastry shop to sample traditional Siros sweets. She then meets with a local fisherman and accompanies him on his daily fishing trip. Kochilas explains the importance of fishing in the Aegean islands and how seafood plays a significant role in Aegean cuisine.

Kochilas then visits a local cheese maker who produces a unique goat cheese found only on Siros. She watches as the cheese is made and learns about the island's long history of cheese-making.

In the next segment, Kochilas joins a group of locals in the traditional art of baking bread in a wood-fired oven. The group works together to bake fresh bread, which they then enjoy with a variety of local cheeses and olives.

Later, Kochilas visits a local taverna famous for its seafood dishes. She samples grilled octopus, a staple in Aegean cuisine, and learns about the taverna's philosophy of using fresh, local ingredients.

The episode concludes with Kochilas cooking a delicious meal inspired by her experiences on Siros. She prepares a pasta dish with fresh seafood and a side of roasted vegetables. Kochilas emphasizes the importance of using simple, fresh ingredients in Aegean cuisine and how the unique culinary traditions of the Aegean islands have influenced Greek cuisine as a whole.

Overall, My Greek Table with Diane Kochilas season 2 episode 1 is a delightful exploration of the Aegean islands' unique culinary traditions. Viewers will be transported to the charming island of Siros and inspired to try their hand at cooking traditional Aegean dishes at home.