“People who Love to eat are always the best people.”
— Julia Child
Restaurant:
Buxop cafe/ bar
Origin/Location:
Montenegro is home to more than just the location of the 2006 James Bond film, Casino Royal . Montenegro, a beautiful country situated on the Adriatic Sea crowned by high mountains and rugged landscapes. Montenegro’s uber exclusive island of Stefan see’s many a visiting celebrities, some of which have made it home. While there is lots to see in the coastal (bay) town of Kotor, I recommend exploring surrounding areas. There is the iconic Jaz beach, which is the host of the Sea Dance festival, since 2014, one of the top European music festivals. .
The Food:
From the flakey cheese filled pastry - Burek to deep fried pancakes, Montenegro serves up all the Balkan dishes without any flaw.
While visiting the town of Budva ( roughly 22 KM from Kotor), we stopped in at a little bar called Buxop. This little bar offered inside and outdoor seating. We opted for a spot outdoors and the setting had a rustic, vibe accomplished by converting old wooden doors into homespun table tops. The staff was friendly and suggested that we try Plantaže Montenegrin, a black wine from the region. We paired the wine with some local specialities such as Njegusi Prosciutto, olives, and homemade cheese.
The wine was a refreshing companion to the sharpness of the cheese and the savoury flavour of the soft prosciutto that melted in my mouth.
While there are may dishes one can enjoy while visiting Montenegro, I recommend trying the prosciutto as it’s a famous delicacies that Montenegro provides.
Restaurant:
Mama’s House (family restaurant) Fira- Santorini, Greece 84700
Origin/ Location:
Santorini makes up one of the Cyclades Islands resting in the Aegean sea. Its beauty stands out in the form of iconic, picturesque homes, scattered along the Caldera cliffs. With their whitewashed walls and blue dome roofs the natural beauty has you questioning if your walking in reality or a dream.
There are two noteworthy towns in Santorini, the first being the bustling capital of the island, Fira (aka Thera). Fira offers a more touristy feel with ample shops and restaurants to explore. However, if you're looking for something quieter or perhaps more luxurious, grab your wallet and check out the town of Oia. This relaxed environment is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine, while watching the sunset over the Aegean sea.
The two towns are approx 11.8 km away from each other ( roughly 21 mins by car).
The Food:
Mama’s House is the perfect location while in Fira to experience traditional Greek cuisine. The restaurant serves up dishes that will have you wishing “mama” would adopt you. Mama serves up a variety of classic greek dishes from Moussaka, made from white Santorini eggplant, to rabbit Stifado (Stifado -Traditional Greek Stew) and Calamari. The Chicken Souvlaki was like no other I have tasted before. In the past, when I’ve had souvlaki, I haven’t found it to be the most flavourful of dishes. However, the souvlaki at Mama’s House was delicious and fresh and it left me questioning if I had truly ever had souvlaki prior to this point. In Greece, souvlaki is is a popular fast food dish consisting of grilled meat and sides. The meat usually comes on a skewer and is usually accompanied by vegetable, (tomatoes, onion and cucumber slices), fries and fresh tzatziki. The fresh, flavorful cuisine found in this restaurant will have you dreaming about Greece, long after you have returned home.
Restaurant:
Axum Ethiopian Restaurant - 1279 E Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Location/ Origin:
In the horn of Africa, landlocked between South Sudan, Sudan, Somalia, Eritrea and Djibouti sits Ethiopia. Ethiopia is one of the oldest independent countries on the African continent and has claimed to be the land in which the coffee bean originates. Ethiopia also has popular ties to the Rastafarian culture and the reggae artist Bob Marley. Rastafarian’s regard Ethiopia as their true homeland, tracing the Ethiopian King Haile Selassie’s lineage to that of King Solomon and Queen Sheeba.
The Food:
Ethiopia’s large livestock population and production of honey is widely used in their cuisine.
Ethiopia’s signature flavour, is created from a blend of spices from all over the world. Chilli’s from Portugal, Curries from India and other spices from East Asia. Through these spice blends a staple seasoning was developed. Berbere a spice blend that includes chilli peppers, fenugreek, cinnamon, ginger, cardamon and cilantro. Berbere will often be present in traditional stews such as the Tibs Beef stew.
Ethiopian food usually serves up portions of several vegetable and meat dishes that are placed on top of traditional Injera. Injera which is a sour, sponge like flat bread, that is made from Teff Flour. As you eat you can pull away at the injera that has been soaking up the flavours of the meal.
We opted to try Tikil Gomen (cabbage and carrots simmered with spices), Gomen (seasoned spinach), Doro Wot (tender chicken legs cooked in a spicy hot sauce often served with a hard boil egg), Doro Alicha Wot (curry chicken) and Ribs Wot ( cubed prime beef sautéed in hot sauce with onion and fresh herbs).
If available enjoy a glass or jug of honey wine to get the full experience.
Dont be surprised if you're not forking around. Ethiopian food is typically eaten with your hands and tastes best when shared with good friends.