I live in a country filled with wonderful people, beaches, sun and of course, food. This is one of the reasons why many people around the world, travel thousands of miles and spend a lot of money to come here and try the famous Mediterranean food. A big part of it, is Greek food. This is why I love discovering and reviewing all those wonderful small taverns, restaurants and bistros. Sometimes located in strange but picturesque places, quite often where you least expect them, and they become a very pleasant surprise and turn your otherwise ordinary visit into a memorable experience.
In a world inundated with chain stores, chain bars, chain restaurants, chain … everything, everything starts looking like it’s been photocopied. Like people have run out of inspiration to create something out of the ordinary and unique. This is where people with new ideas come into the picture to materialize what they first visualized probably while chatting with friends about trivial things.
Finding new small places to eat and review, is one of my greatest passions. Sharing this kind of information gives me the opportunity to be in the position to look around me and try to spot all the details which makes a place stand out. Try to notice the character that goes into the food, the decor, the ambiance. Try to find out the concept behind why they serve food in strange looking plates, or the reason the black and white photos on the wall are the centerpiece of a place. You can find these elements, only in small places, only in small businesses. There where the personality of the owner is sometimes more than obvious in the choice of raw materials, wines and special local dishes.
Sometimes, these “spots”, as I call them, can be found in strange locations, right where the food is combined with a unique view of a square, sea, mountain or just a street bustling with people. Through the years I’ve come to the realization that it’s the details that matter. These tiny, sometimes, elements that give a place an “edge”. Such as a strange looking menu made of recycled paper in a vegan restaurant, or using a special wine opener in order to keep the wine from spoiling. These are the things that I like to point out in my reviews or my photos. To be able to visit a place and feel special, not because the people there will make you feel this way, but because it is something that was made to be enjoyable and you feel you deserve it.
Moreover, sharing makes me feel proud. Sharing makes me feel connected with people I don’t know, and I probably never will. It’s this altruistic mentality that really motivates me to share more and more. To let other people know, what is worth seeing and experiencing. To make people avoid wasting time exploring things that are not really up to par. And lastly, to feel part of a huge community, which is always committed to selfless contribution.