Latest news with #GreekCuisine
News.com.au
03-06-2025
- General
- News.com.au
My Yiayia (finally) told me her secret spanakopita ingredient
Growing up in a big Greek family means one thing: Sundays consist of gathering around Yiayia's table with the extended family… and eating. The ultimate Greek family recipes The menu my 90 year-old grandmother cooks varies week-to-week, but some of the usual suspects are: lemony potatoes, homemade bread, homemade hummus, baked eggplant, some sort of legume dish to cater to the vego family members, slow-roasted lamb or chicken and, of course, spanakopita. Pastitsio and moussaka only make an appearance on very special occasions, like Christmas or Easter. Aside from bread and salad, there aren't many dishes that get to secure a permanent weekly spot on the table. However, spanakopita is the exception. There's just something about the cheesy spinach filling and pastry that could never get old. The best spanakopita ingredient, revealed Most family members have tried to replicate Yiayia's famous spanakopita, and it just never tastes the same. Only recently we realised every family member had a slightly different version of this recipe – this is classic Yiayia behaviour, as whenever we ask her for a recipe, she never seems to reveal the whole thing. Instead, we have to play detective and piece together the method and ingredients bit by bit (over the span of years). Determined to get all her spanakopita secrets, I finally convinced her to let me film her cooking it, from the start to finish. I shared it with the family, and everyone was shocked that she didn't tell anyone the one game-changing ingredient: a very small amount of rice. What makes this spanakopita so good? The elements that make this spanakopita stand out among the rest is the perfectly balanced flavours in the herby, cheesy filling. If you've made it before, you know the bottom layer of pastry can go soggy (especially after a day or two). Enter the secret ingredient: a tablespoon of rice. This clever addition absorbs the excess moisture from the spinach and gives it a full bodied texture. Other key ingredients include lots of herbs – way more than I thought. Half a bunch of parsley, mint and dill are added, along with plenty of cooked onion and shallot for sweetness, freshly grated nutmeg, and surprisingly, there's no garlic! Much to my suprise, she has now given me the green light to share her recipe…. with the internet. My Yiayia's spanakopita recipe: Serves 8 Prep 20 mins Cook 45 mins 3 sheets frozen puff or shortcrust pastry, thawed (or filo pastry, see notes) 60ml (¼ cup) olive oil 1 brown onion, finely chopped 1 bunch green shallots, finely chopped 2 large bunches English spinach, trimmed, chopped ½ bunch continental parsley, finely chopped ½ bunch mint, finely chopped 10g punnet dill, finely chopped 1 tsp ground nutmeg 80g haloumi or tasty cheese, grated 180g block feta, crumbled 3 eggs, whisked 1 tbsp uncooked white long-grain rice Preheat oven to 180C/160C fan-forced. Lightly grease a 20 x 30cm slice pan. Line base and sides of the pan with 1 ½ pastry sheets, trimming edges to fit. Bake for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add onion and shallots. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or until onion is soft and translucent. Meanwhile, place spinach in a colander and pour over boiling water. Using a wooden spoon, press as much liquid from spinach mixture as possible. Transfer spinach to a large bowl. Add the herbs, nutmeg, cheeses, onion mixture, eggs and rice. Season with pepper and mix well to combine. Spoon the spinach mixture into pastry case and top with remaining pastry sheets, trimming the edges to fit. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until pastry is puffed and golden. Cut spanakopita into squares. Serve warm or cold. Note: You can also use a 375g packet filo pastry, if preferred. Follow the below steps if using filo: Melt 100g of butter. Place 1 pastry sheet on workbench. Brush with a little of the butter. Top with 2 pastry sheets. Brush with a little more butter. Continue to layer pastry, brushing every second layer with butter, to form 10 layers. Use pastry layers to line base of baking dish. Spoon spinach mixture over pastry. Using remaining 10 pastry sheets and butter, repeat the above step. Use pastry layers to cover spinach filling. Brush top with butter. Can you freeze spanakopita? Spanakopita freezes very well, just wrap the uncooked dish in a couple of layers of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil (alternatively, make the spanakopita in a disposable baking tray). You can also freeze spanakopita after it's cooked. Cut into portions and place on a tray in the freezer until partially frozen. Then transfer to a freezer bag where they can be reheated as individual portions for a snack or light meal. More spanakopita-inspired recipes:
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Your Daily FoodScope for May 25, 2025
Do you often find yourself wondering what food to cook, how to cook it, and even that dreaded question—how much of it? It's a daily struggle for all of us, but need not be with our food horoscope. Satisfaction is only a click away! It may take more than charm to get the things you want today. It may also take a lot of delicious persuasion. So carry treats like cupcakes or cookies to pass out to friends as a way of coercing them into buying you something even better, like a crab cake Benedict and mimosa brunch. It's okay to feel lazy and lethargic on your day off; you deserve a little down time. So don't let others coerce you out of your comfort zone today. It's no one's business if you only want to lie on the couch eating fried bologna and melted Swiss sandwiches. It's your day; do what you want with it. Today's a good one for you and your partner to have fun reconnecting after a long workweek. Cooking is a great way to bond, so prepare a sumptuous meal together. But make it simple, like chicken stir-fry with bok choy in garlic sauce. You'll need to reserve energy for the fun you'll have later. Relationship problems will mar any otherwise peaceful day. Extend an olive branch so you can salvage the rest of the weekend. Dinner at a Greek restaurant could do the trick. Romance can be rekindled over dolma, kleftiko and, of course, lots of olives. Don't let an impending date get you rattled today. Being nervous is natural, but don't let it cripple you. One cup of coffee could sooth your nerves, but don't go for a second cup. The added caffeine will add 16 beats per minute to your heart rate. Bouncing off the walls won't impress your date. Feeling lost with your career? Guidance is one click away! Grocery shopping with your partner is always a fun way to bond. It also gives the opportunity to buy ingredients for a romantic dinner. So wander into the seafood section and pick up plenty of oysters. Whether in a stew or on the shell, they could make a hot night even hotter. While at the supermarket today you may encounter someone flirting with you. You may think you're imagining things, but when you see that person in the produce section, and they're loading their basket with carrots, cucumbers and asparagus, you may be on to something. You may feel like you don't have the willpower to keep up with a diet, and you may want to cave in. Temper that temptation by treating yourself to a little something sweet. A few mini Hershey Kisses can't hurt, unless, of course, you down the whole bag in one sitting. That's just dumb. Today will be a fun day, full of laughter and wonderful times. Let the good times roll on with dinner at a theme restaurant tonight. A fifties-style diner is always a blast, and you can rock around the clock with burgers, fries and chocolate milk shakes. Hopefully the Fonz will drop in for a visit. A busy workweek may have kept you away from your social circle this week. So get together with friends today at brunch. It'll give everyone a chance to catch up, and give you the opportunity to gorge on scones, spinach quiche and lots of mimosas. Personal problems could have you down today; never a good way to spend a Saturday. So arrange to meet a good friend at a coffee shop just to hang out. You'll feel better, but you won't know if it's from being in your friend's company or the delicious apple nut bread you'll dunk into your coffee. Strike a balance between health and frivolity today. This could be challenging at lunch when you'll have to urge to go wild with fattening foods. So have a veggie or turkey burger rather than traditional beef. This way you can afford to enjoy the mountain of onion rings that comes with it. Are you meant to be? Find out with our Love Compatibility Report!
Daily Mail
17-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Where to eat, stay and play on the Greek island of Corfu
EAT Corfu classic Alfresco side-street dinners are what Corfu holidays are made for and Rex, off Corfu Old Town's main square, has plenty of old-school charm. Try the spinach pie with feta-cheese cream (above, £14) or beef sofrito (£19), an island speciality ( Gone fishing Pasta is prevalent on this 64km-long Greek island, which is just seven hours by ferry from Brindisi, Italy. Find the ultimate octopus pastitsada (slow-cooked with spaghetti) at Klimataria in coastal town Benitses. Book early, there are only 11 tables ( Sweet spot Papagiorgis patisserie is more than 100 years old and perfectly placed for a sugar-hit pit stop while exploring Corfu Town. The Dafnis family's secret recipes make for renowned ice cream, baklava and chocolate-dipped kumquats ( STAY Family favourite Ikos Dassia, a 20-minute drive from the Old Town on the island's east coast, is a luxurious, all-inclusive parents' paradise, with private beach, pools, restaurants with menus from Michelin-starred chefs and, most importantly, clubs for kids and teens. The adults-only areas offer zen-level calm (from £259, Uptown pearl A gem of a hotel in Corfu Old Town, Bella Venezia's main selling point is its picturesque terrace, where breakfast is served in warmer months (from £150 B&B, Spa special The all-inclusive Luxme Costa Botanica (above), on Corfu's quieter north coast, has a new spa, private white sandy beach and a village feel with its selection of restaurants, accommodation and pools (from £290 with a private balcony, Beach life Narrowing down which of Corfu's many beaches to frequent is tricky. Do you go for the wild, unspoilt Megas Choros in the southwest? The shallow, snorkel-friendly waters of Cape Drastis up north? Or golden Glyfada on the west coast, with its backdrop of olive groves and water sports aplenty? Back in time Taste traditional Corfiot life with a visit to one of the island's villages. Pelekas, 20 minutes from Corfu Town, is a delight. Heavenly scent With its colourful bougainvillea-strewn courtyard, the hilltop Theotokos Monastery (above) is a pinnacle of peace, 40 minutes from Corfu Town in Paleokastritsa, on the island's west coast. Boho bar After the monastery, head to nearby La Grotta, a boho beach bar with a diving board above a perfect turquoise cove.
Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Telegraph
The 21 best restaurants in Mykonos
Mykonos's restaurant scene runs the gamut from the modest to the magnificent, as you might expect from one of Greece's more glamorous islands. Its capital, Chora, is crammed with places to eat to suit every budget, from basic, formica-tabled souvlaki shacks, to slick, white-tableclothed fine-dining establishments. And around its various villages and beaches you can find a good range of options, from low-key and traditional, to high-end and experimental. One constant is the classic Greek salad, which you'll find adorning almost every menu, never deviating far from its basic ingredients of ripe, juicy tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, firm chunks of cucumber and glossy, black Kalamata olives, garnished with a slab of crumbly, oregano-dusted feta cheese. Find out more below, or for further Mykonos inspiration, see our guides to the island's best hotels, nightlife, things to do and beaches. Find a restaurant by type: Best all-rounders Niko's Tavern Open since 1976, you'd swear Niko's swallows up more and more space every year, with tables overflowing from the wide street outside the restaurant up onto Agia Moni, the small square above. And necessarily so, as it's always absolutely packed, with couples, groups of friends, and families, all having the time of their lives as the long-standing waiting staff move balletically around them. Inside, bottles of wine grace shelves alongside model boats as decoration, but most people want to be outdoors, sitting on the small, white-painted wooden chairs at tables decked out in red and white checked tablecloths. Traditional, well-cooked Greek dishes are the order of the day; freshly caught fish is sold by weight, while daily specials such as stewed octopus with orzo pasta or grilled pork skewers make regular appearances. Eva's Garden If you want to inject a touch of romance to your evening meal, Eva's is a winsome, welcoming wonderland, draped in greenery and flowers, reached via an alluring maze of streets. The majority of tables are dotted throughout an airy, white-walled courtyard, with others situated on a mezzanine level two flights up, overlooking them. Staff are friendly and unhurried, ferrying carafes of wine and hearty platters of food to happy customers. Dishes err on the traditional – chewy grilled octopus, cinnamon-spiked moussaka, delicate lamb avgolemono (with an egg-lemon sauce) et al – but the cooking is assured and the setting magical. Katerina's Overlooking the Aegean in one of Little Venice's most sought after spots, Katerina's has a cocktail bar on its upper floor, with a cosier restaurant downstairs. Here you'll find coastal Mediterranean staples: seafood linguine, grilled calamari and roasted octopus. End your meal with a Piña colada or Espresso Martini upstairs and bag a table on the balcony, perched over the sea with a lovely view out to the island's famous windmills. Back to index Best for families Pasta Fresca Barkia Georgouli is one of the main arteries running through the island, parallel to the seafront and Little Venice, and lined mainly with clothing, jewellery and souvenir shops. Pasta Fresca Barkia is one of the few restaurants on the street, and takes over three floors of what used to be a townhouse. There are some tables crammed outside – from where, if you're walking past, you also get a view of the chefs hand-rolling different pasta shapes - but inside it feels comfortable and homely, with slightly old-fashioned décor enhanced by beige tablecloths and dark wooden furniture. The star of the menu is, of course, the pasta: portions come in what seem to be tureen-sized bowls, with classic seafood (or lobster) spaghetti a hit thanks to its lavish heaping of mussels, calamari, prawns and octopus, alongside other combinations such as crabmeat linguine, four cheese ravioli, or black truffle risotto. They also do pizzas and grilled fish and seafood. Lefteris Grill House A friendly, laid-back, family-run taverna set close to Ornos beach, with a lively atmosphere. The menu is full of Greek classics, from chicken gyros to fried calamari, and portion sizes are hearty. Grilled meats are a speciality; don't miss the kontosouvli pork (roasted on a spit over hot coals) or, if you're feeling adventurous, the kokoretsi, a mix of liver, offal and intestines. Back to index Best for cheap eats Leonidas Sometimes all you want is something simple – whether it's a souvlaki or a gyro – and Leonidas does arguably the best in town. It's incredibly basic; just a handful of tables outside what looks like, essentially, a kebab shop illuminated by unforgiving fluorescent lighting, with a couple more tables inside next to the cold drinks fridges, but boy, does it deliver on flavour. You can have anything from chicken, pork or veggie souvlaki, to Greek salads and burgers, but the gyro are highly recommended: chewy, puffy pita breads are tossed onto the grill, then smeared with tangy, garlicky tzatziki, layered with lettuce and tomato, stuffed with chargrilled chicken, pork or veggies – plus a handful of fries – rolled up, wrapped in a square of greaseproof paper and handed over. All for less than €5. Area/neighbourhood: Mykonos Town / Chora Contact: 55 Georgouli, Mykonos Town (next to Marietta's Market) Price: £ Opening times: Open 24 hours Reservations: Walk-ins only Sakis Souvlaki Modest and unassuming, Sakis nevertheless is rarely short of customers, thanks to its reputation for serving up delicious and inexpensive souvlaki. Food is simple but moreish: pork, chicken or lamb, grilled on a skewer then enveloped in soft, warm pita bread, served with salad, fries and garlic aioli. You'll also find a selection of salads and bigger plates. Back to index Best for fine dining Interni Located on one of Chora's most fashionable shopping streets, this also happens to be one of the island's most fashionable restaurants; thanks to designer and architect Paola Navone, it ticks all the style boxes, such as gleaming white floors, artfully placed lighting, angular chrome barstools, and oversized pots of cacti. Food comes served on tactile, rounded crockery, staff are hip and attractive, music levels are punchy, and the ambience is upbeat. Dishes skirt the Mediterranean end of the globe and add in Asian touches, such as beef tataki, ceviche, and black cod fillet. Guests have been known to go into rhapsodies over the Valrhona chocolate soufflé. Zuma Mykonos This high-end Japanese restaurant has branches in glamorous locales all round the world, from Capri to Porto Cervo, so it's no surprise it added Mykonos to its roster in 2022. Billed as the brand's first 'lifestyle destination space', it also offers a sleek infinity pool complete with daybeds, a lounge area and bar, and - of course - resident DJ. Last year they did a partnership with Louis Vuitton, so expect another designer collaboration offering branded cabanas this season. The food is as minimalist and alluring as the decor; expect the likes of their signature black miso cod and roasted lobster with green chilli, with other decadent dishes including caviar, Wagyu beef and sea urchin. More relaxed dining can be done by the pool; just make sure you time your visit for one of the island's spectacular sunsets. COYA Mykonos Enclosed in an airy courtyard behind a door that shuts out the clamour of Chora, this elegant space is the ninth restaurant belonging to the hugely successful brand which specialises in fine-dining, Peruvian style. The setting is charming, with olive trees and bright pink bougainvillaea punctuating the space, with more pops of colour on the pretty patterned plates. There's a tasting menu if you'd rather let the chef guide you (think baby squid, yellowfin tuna ceviche and lobster with orzo), otherwise, you can choose a la carte from the likes of pollo a la parilla (grilled corn-fed baby chicken), Chilean sea bass with rice cooked in a traditional cazuela, or rock octopus spiced with Peruvian chilli. Order a pisco sour, let the atmospheric music get you in the mood, and simply enjoy this excellent cuisine. Botrini's, Hotel Katikies Located by the quiet sandy stretch that makes up Agios Ioannis beach, in the southwest of the island, is the stylish hotel Katikies Mykonos – a series of chic stacked, snowy white cubes, its zigzag layout echoing the maze of Chora. Perched at the very top, just behind one of the hotel's two expansive pools, is Botrini's, the sister to the restaurant at Katikies Santorini. Greek-Italian chef, Ettore Botrini, oversees two tasting menus as well as the a la carte, with a Greek and international wine list curated by Master of Wine Yiannis Karakasis. The food is elevated Aegean cuisine; think red mullet with sea fennel and ouzo, milk-fed lamb with aubergine, cherry tomatoes and yoghurt, or scorpionfish 'Bourdeta', or Corfu-style, and dine with a view sweeping out onto the sea. Back to index Best for walk ins Babulas Taverna Not that many restaurants in Chora sit by the sea, but Babulas Taverna bags a prime position on a curved pathway by the Old Port, with an irresistible view looking back over to the harbourfront. Get there early enough, or sweet talk the waiting staff, and you could secure one of the tables whose legs are planted firmly in the pebbly sand, just below the restaurant's grounded red and white boat, which serves as its sign. By day the sea sparkles turquoise; by night, you're illuminated by the boats bobbing in the water. The interior is somewhat on the plain and stripped back side, so outside is where you want to be, ordering freshly grilled catch of the day, lemon-doused grilled sardines, or, one of their specialities, perfectly al onda seafood risotto. Area/neighbourhood: Mykonos town / Chora Contact: Price: £££ Reservations: Recommended Mediterraneo Sprawling out over a cobbled street not far from Mykonos Town's main bus station, always-busy Mediterraneo is chic, with elegant wooden chairs and tables and atmospheric rattan lighting. It brings together Tuscan cuisine and sushi, using high-end ingredients to create a range of delicious dishes from lobster linguine and pici cacio e pepe, to grilled black cod, Chianina beef tagliata, California rolls, nigiri and sashimi. Back to index Best for sea views Nusr-Et It was only a matter of time before that Sultan of Salinity, Turkish butcher-turned-restaurateur Nusret Gökçe – aka Salt Bae – washed up on Mykonos' shores, after landing in other fashionable hotspots around the world including Miami and Dubai. If you don't know his reputation, he's the man-turned-meme who seasons his high-end steaks with salt flung down his arm, and is also notorious for coating everything from burgers to Tomahawks in 24 carat edible gold leaf. Expect to be dining among the haves and the have-yachts – this is one pricey place, although its location, perched up high a little way above the centre of town, does at least mean you get a killer sunset thrown in with the (eye-watering) bill. Spilia Over to the eastern side of the island, and tucked away into a hidden cove right by the sea, is one of Mykonos's best kept secrets. Spilia, on Agia Anna beach in Kalafati, is deeply treasured by those in the know. Tables hug the cliffside, reached by a wooden walkway, and, at night, appear to float over the water. Simple décor is enhanced by octopus hanging out to dry, while the absolute must-order dishes include the sea urchin pasta, with its just-caught, creamy, salty tang, and lobster, fresh from the sea. Hippie Fish Once upon a time this was but a humble taverna whose main claim to fame was as the setting for actress Pauline Collins to find love with a handsome Greek waiter in the 1989 film Shirley Valentine. Today it's had a slick, Ibiza-style makeover, complete with oversized, rattan lampshades, driftwood sculptures of fish, low-slung banquettes with colourful cushions and wafting white tablecloths. But what a setting; it looks right onto the beach, and is your go-to for everything from a delicious Greek breakfast to a dainty dinner. It's attached to a hotel of the same name and serves the likes of seabass carpaccio and tuna tartare on the raw bar, alongside sashimi, nigiri (the oyster with sesame ponzu and lime are a standout) and maki rolls. Those looking for something heartier can tuck into meatballs, shrimp saganaki (basically, fried cheese) and king crab papardelle. Beefbar Within the chic boutique Bill & Coo hotel, which is set on the golden sands of Agios Ioannis beach, is this outpost of the slick, Monaco-born steakhouse empire. The open air restaurant is canopied by light rattan roofing and leafy mulberry trees, with alluring views out to sea – arrivals by boat simply disembark at its private jetty. Greek head chef Yiannis Babalis stays true to the menu's focus on prime beef, with the likes of grilled Black Angus filets, Chateaubriands, and Wagyu tomahawks, mixed with some innovations of his own such as the Kobe gyros, an elevated take on the local street food snack. Beefbar Mykonos is also the only branch apart from its sister in St Tropez to serve sushi, which features either toro tuna or the Wagyu of the day. Keep the party going afterwards with drinks in the relaxed lounge area. Cocco With a clutch of outdoor tables, dining here is the perfect place to watch the sun set over Mykonos' iconic windmills. A few of the indoor tables face a doorway through which you can also enjoy the same view. The menu serves elevated Italian cusine, from creamy burrata to vitello tonnato, risotto Milanese, and perfectly charred wood-fired pizzas. Back to index Best for entertainment Scorpios Already one of the island's hippest hangouts, Scorpios added serious cool points at the start of the season thanks to a takeover by Soho House. Sprawling across a section of the peninsula that sticks out due south of the island, it's a laid back, yet oh-so-chic compound – billed as a modern-day agora, or meeting place - that comprises a restaurant, bar, and different lounging areas featuring tasteful wooden cabanas, linen hammocks and low-slung sofas. Amid a daily programme of music and live events, chef Alexis Zopas rustles up the likes of smoky, barbecued prawns, zingy seafood ceviche spiked with green chilli, and home made taramasalata, to the type of crowd you'd spot at one of Nick Jones' other global establishments. Noema A recent addition to the see-and-be-seen scene, Noema is a hybrid drinking, dining and retail concept - formerly an open-air cinema - hidden away in the heart of Chora. Style-wise, it ticks all the boxes, with clean, minimalist interiors in creams and dark browns enlivened by plenty of foliage and dappled sunlight which soaks through slatted roofs. The focus is mainly on local and seasonal ingredients, conjured by culinary director Athinagoras Kostakos into a selection of sharing dishes which might feature anything from lamb to octopus, via caper leaves, cockles or pork with a cinnamon-anise crust, as well as new items for this season, including local Chalkida dover sole, crayfish and the very rare Preveza Caviar. Prefer drinking and dancing? The outdoor bar serves anything from organic and biodynamic wines to a range of Greek spirits used to innovative effect in a variety of hand-crafted cocktails, feisty enough to get you on your feet to a variety of DJ sets and acoustic collaborations performed in the tucked-away courtyard. By day, browse the concept store for chic homeware, jewellery, sandals and lifestyle essentials. Lio Mykonos Set back from Little Venice, this restaurant-cum-nightclub offers revellers a glamorous cabaret dining experience. An intimate, low-lit, al fresco space reached through a leafy garden via a secret door to the street, the focus here is perhaps less on the food and more on the entertainment. Performances from professional singers, dancers and acrobats captivate the attention - and expect the waiting staff to get involved, too - but don't ignore what's on your plate; renowned Greek chef Alkis Vardaramatos serves up everything from fresh fish and seafood, to dessert in the form of the cherries which make up the symbol of Pacha, the club emporium which owns Lio. After dinner and the show, you can party the night away. Back to index How we choose Every restaurant in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, who has visited to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets, from neighbourhood favourites to Michelin-starred restaurants – to best suit every type of traveller's taste – and consider the food, service, best tables, atmosphere and price in our recommendations. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest opening and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Laura Millar first experienced Mykonos as a student in 1994. Since then she's come back almost every year, drawn to the laid-back vibe, spectacular sunsets and her constant search for the perfect Greek salad.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Popular Greek restaurant preparing to celebrate 25th anniversary in Carlisle
A popular Greek restaurant in Carlisle is preparing to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Alexandros, which is located on Warwick Road and specialises in 'authentic Greek cuisine', will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Carlisle in September. The popular restaurant was opened by owners Aris and Sarah Pathanoglou on September 7, 2000, who also opened the popular Alexandros Greek Deli in 2009. Ahead of this the quarter of a century milestone, the pair sat down with the News & Star to reflect on 25 years in business and preview their upcoming anniversary celebrations. "We planned to come to Carlisle for five years to see how it goes and then maybe go back to Greece," Aris said. "After five years, the customers kept coming back, and the business kept on getting better. "We have a very good relationship with our customers, and their support is amazing. "They have been coming for almost 25 years now, and everyone loves the food." "I think this restaurant has become special because we have shown our customers something different," Sarah added. "Everything we make is from scratch because we couldn't find it in Carlisle 25 years ago. There was no Greek yogurt, no Greek feta, no olive oil, so we had to get it, find it, or make it, and we made it from scratch. "Whatever you get here is authentic and homemade." To celebrate their 25th anniversary, Aris and Sarah are planning to hold a special event in September, which will be similar to events that they have hosted for Alexandros' previous milestone anniversaries. In addition, this event will follow an established tradition at Alexandros of raising money for a local charity, with Aris and Sarah previously donating thousands of pounds to charities such as Cash for Kids. However, this year the pair are discussing whether to raise funds for the Carlisle-based Eden Valley Hospice. "We have always done Cash for Kids, however, I have been thinking about the hospice. "I think the hospice would be a really nice idea because it is very local, and the money we raise wouldn't go out of Carlisle. "However, people from all over have to use and it is so important, and we know so many people who have been supported by them as well."
