Ep 7. Episode 207: Kalimera! Breakfast and Brunch

In My Greek Table with Diane Kochilas season 2 episode 7 titled "Kalimera! Breakfast and Brunch," Diane explores the varied breakfast and brunch traditions of Greece. Beginning with an early morning feast at a local cafe, Diane indulges in traditional treats like Loukoumades, a sweet fried dough pastry covered with honey, and Bougatsa, a phyllo pastry filled with cream. Next, she visits a family-owned olive orchard to see how the region's prized Koroneiki olives are harvested and turned into extra-virgin olive oil.

Diane also travels to the historical region of Messenia to learn about the ancient Greek diet and how it has informed modern Greek cuisine, particularly when it comes to breakfast staples like bread, olive oil, and cheese. She visits a local bakery to taste the region's famously dense whole-grain bread and samples a variety of cheeses, including the tangy feta for which Greece is known.

In addition to classic Greek dishes, Diane also explores modern twists on traditional breakfast and brunch fare. At a trendy Athens cafe, she samples a unique dish called Avocado Pie, which incorporates the beloved Greek ingredient into a creamy, savory filling. She also explores the Mediterranean influences on Greek cuisine with a visit to a popular cafe that specializes in dishes like shakshuka, a spicy tomato sauce with eggs that is popular throughout the region.

Throughout the episode, Diane emphasizes the importance of fresh, local ingredients in traditional Greek cuisine. She stresses the role of the land, the sea, and the Greek people's enduring communities and food traditions in shaping the country's culinary identity. From humble cafes to family-run olive groves, "Kalimera! Breakfast and Brunch" celebrates the rich cultural heritage and diverse culinary delights of Greece.