Gastronomy Welcome! & Wine AREA HALKIDIKI

ΕΝ Gastronomy & Wine MOUNT ATHOS AREA HALKIDIKI Contents

Welcome 4

Our products 8

Herbs 12

Sweets 14

Doughs and breads 20

Wine 24

Mussels 32

Olive oil 36

Honey 38

Cheese and yoghurt 44

Fish 50

What to buy and where 52

Where to eat 62

You can cook our recipes too 78

Mount Athos Kouzina 2014 102

Where to stay 110

Information, Contact 118

2 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 3 Naturally, words are never enough to show the culinary diversity, quality and quantity.

This can only be experienced through the very trip! Welcome So postpone it no more! to the region of Athos and Aristotle in Halkidiki! Make it happen! Organize a culinary tour in the Athos region of Halkidiki and experience the bliss of thousands of flavours tingling your senses: Welcome to a region rich in flavours and history! taste, sight and smell... Located at the foot of Agion Oros with its unique culinary particularity of a diet We are waiting for you throughout the year and hope you will enjoy based on vegetables and fish for the 2,500 monks living on it, the region every savoury moment! is inspired by their mysticism, mentality, lifestyle and habits and hence presents dishes of a distinct identity.

Birthplace to the greatest philosopher of antiquity, Aristotle, the region is also gastronomically influenced by the ancient Greek cuisine, based on the fruits of the forest, the Aristotelian mount and mother earth.

As a place that welcomed the refugees of Pontos and Asia Minor the region has integrated culinary traditions of the east to create dishes with colours and aromas of the unforgettable homelands, reflecting an exceptional sense of housekeeping.

With 300 kilometres of coastline complementing its natural beauty, the region makes good use of the local fisheries with fish and seafood dishes that bring out the quality of local products and captures the smell of iodine and the flavour of the "blessed salt"!

With the Aristotelian Mountain and the evergreen Cholomontas surrounding it, the Athos region combines the spicy and tasty culinary flavours of the mountain areas with traditional flavours, in exquisite pies and patties, creating dishes that can please even the most demanding pallets!

4 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 5 I IA E75 R GA E79 L E - THRAK S BU

OP J CHI C O DONIA

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FROM L AST E - A AL V FROM BU EGNATIA ODOS E90 A K OM R F

FROM ITALY EGNATIA ODOS E90 EGNATIA ODOS E90

ASPROVALTA C FROM ATHENS - WEST MACEDONIA - IPIROS LAKE KORONIA LAKE VOLVI PERISTERONA RENDINA C STAVROS C C C C APOLLONIA C A LAGADIKIA B MADYTOS D C C PILEA PANORAMA MELISOURGOS OLYMPIADA

ANCIENT STAGEIRA VARVARA C

THERMI MARATHOUSA STANOS C. MARMARI GULF OF THERMAIKOS STAGEIRA GULF OF STRYMONIKOS N. REDESTOS STRATONIKI A B NEOCHORI C D DOUMBIA C. ELEFTHEROU AGIA TRIADA GEROPLATANOS PALEOCHORI N. RYSIO A B PALEOCHORA ARNEA NEPOSI CASTLE KARDIA B VASILIKA AG. ANASTASIA AG. PRODROMOS B N. MICHANIONA GALATISTA B B HOLOMONTAS C A B GULF OF MEGALI PANAGIA C. ARAPIS D A PALEOKASTRO EPANOMI GALATISTA TOWER TAXIARCHIS C B GOMATI IERISSOS LAKKOMA A PETRALONA CAVE A N. RODA POTAMOS POLYGYROS A B PLANA AG. IOANNIS D D DEVELIKI A VRASTAMA A D C. AG. THEODORI NEA GONIA N. IRAKLEIA MARIANON CASTLE PIRGADIKIA ESFIGMENOU M. D METAGITSI HELANDARIOU M. C. ARKOUDAS VATOPEDION D ΜΕΤΟHΙ ST. NIKOLAOS N. KALLIKRATEIA NEA ΜONOXILITIS SALONIKIOU KALYVES ORMYLIA ZOGRAFOU M. OLYNTHOS AGIOU DIMITRIOU M. GERAKINI D KASTAMONITOU M. N. PLAGIA D PANTOKRATOROS M. PSAKOUDIA DOCHEARIOU M. PR. ILIA M.

N. FLOGITA VATOPEDIO XENOFONTOS M. D AGIOS NIKOLAOS STRAVONIKITA M. D AGIOS MAMAS METAMORFOSI KOUTLOUMOUSIOU M. N MOUDANIA NIKITI IVIRON M. D ORMOS PANAGIAS AG. PANTELEIMONOS M. XIROPOTAMOU M. FILOTHEOU M. KARAKALOU M. DIAPOROS ISLAND C. XIFARAS VOURVOUROU N. POTIDEA SIMONOS PETRAS M.

OSIOU GRIGORIOU M. MEG. LAVRAS M. GULF OF THERMAIKOS GULF OF TORONEOS GULF OF SIGITIKOS DIONYSSIOU M. (MOUNT ATHOS) AGIOU PAVLOU M. N. FOKEA AG. ANNIS M. TIM. PRODROMOU M. MEG. LAVRAS M. AG. TRIADOS M. SARTI N. MARMARAS SANI CA. AKRATHOS

KALITHEA KASSANDRA SITHONIA ATHOS

SIVIRI KRIOPIGI

POLYCHRONO FOURKA HANIOTI PEFKOCHORI

PORTO KOUFO POSIDI NEA SKIONI

6 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 7 MAP OF Map Protected Areas Routes to MOUNT ATHOS AREA Symbols Νatura European Network Mount Athos Area

Airport Ancient Site Spa Taxiarhis - Poligiros Sithonia Peninsula Thessaloniki > Poligiros > Vrastama > Gomati > Ierissos > Ouranoupoli

Port, Marina Cave Ship Cruises Mount Holomontas Mount Athos Thessaloniki > Ag. Prodromos > Paleochora > Arnea > Paleochori > M.Panagia > Gomati > Hospital Health Center Monastery Ierissos > Ouranoupoli Mount Itamos - Sithonia Stratoniko Hotel Thessaloniki > Rentina > Stavros > Olympiada > Ierissos > Ouranoupoli

Thessaloniki > Moudania > Metamorfosi > Metaggitsi > Gomati > Ierissos > Ouranoupoli Our Products Our Products

Scents, colours, flavours and images of people of a special agricultural production, one of the most unique in its variety and richness.

A fertile land, full of gifts, from its depth to its surface and from the bottom of its sea to its sea ports and beaches!

Products signed for their quality, purity and homely care guarantee.

Rare honey flavours from Arnea, Stratoni and the slopes of Athos on Mount Athos, from firs, heathers, pines, from herbs and bushes of Cholomontas and the Aristoteleian Mount! Bee-keepers and producers keep the tradition of generations past and deliver it to the next, always respectful of the «sweet» history of pure honey taste!

Mushrooms of all kinds grow profusely in the mushroom fields of the mountain and create special dishes in the cuisines of the mountainous villages: mushroom pies, mushroom balls, mushrooms with louvidia (a kind of bean) and so many more…

The Greek feta and all other kinds of cheese produced by local traditional creameries mean the region’s production is on a par with that of famous destinations with a tradition in “renowned” food products.

Firs from the slopes of Cholomontas and Mount Stratiniko, where they are cultivated for years in the plant nurseries of the mountain, provide oxygen and protection to the evergreen forest and are then distributed to the domestic market as Christmas trees to adorn family memories!

Blessed wine made from the holy hands of the monks on Mount Athos and the traditional wineries of Arnea and the organic vines that climb on the fertile slopes of Marathousa.

Tsipouro[raki] clean, strong, made in the “rakokazana” [raki cauldrons] of M. Panagia, Gomatio, Ierissos, Stratoniki and by men of hard work, to ease their toil, to cheer them up and bring fun to their celebrations and to their guests!

Beans and Louvidia* from Neochori, so tender, sweet and easy to cook! The soil favours their cultivation and the bean sticks on the farms of «Piavitsa» are the trademark of the region!

*(beans that have been threaded on wire and sun-dried)

8 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 9 Our Products Our Products

Sausages from Strano, Varvara, Paleochori, M. Panagia, made by housewives with care and wholesome organic local meats. In the region of Varvara semi- wild piglets are reared, which go straight from “production to consumption”, creating tasty treats that will satisfy even the most demanding pallets!

Mussels from Olybiada, famous, big, healthy, delicious, all thanks to the quality and composition of the sea water. The region is renowned for its mussels farms and the mussel-based dishes: mussel patties, mussel risotto, mussels in sauce, fried mussels, steamed mussels ..., they are a perfect complement to a summer glass of ouzo in the fish tavernas of the coastal zone.

Fish from Ierissos, Olympiada, Ammouliani and Mount Athos fill the nets of every boat, small or big and form the staple diet of the Mount Athos monks. You will find them in the fish ports of the region and you will taste them in every fish taverna, fresh, almost «alive», with the scent of the sea breeze!

Salted fish (salted preserves) from Ierissos, the tastier you have ever tried, in a great variety of flavours and recipes.

Watermelons from the green watermelon fields of , so sweet and fragrant you will find it hard to believe they are real!

Sweetened fruits, liquors and jams, all made of forest fruits by the women’s association of Olympiada and Varvara. The women use the gifts of nature to make healthy sweets, delicious and fragrant, suitable for every diet.

Sweets from Asia Minor, marzipan flowers, doughnuts, salburekia and filo-pastry new year cakes, made in the households of Ammouliani and Ouranoupoli, Olympiada and Nea Roda and bear the intoxicating scents of the spices of the East.

Oil and Olives from the plain of Pirgadikia, with an oh-so-rich, with a full and delicate flavour.

ALL THIS PRODUCTION FORMS THE BASIS OF THE DELICIOUS FLAVOURS YOU WILL TASTE AT EVERY CORNER OF THE REGION OF ATHOS AND TURNS EVERY CULINARY JOURNEY TO AN INDULGENCE THAT YOU WILL WANT TO EXPERIENCE AGAIN AND AGAIN! © Foto: Nestor Spanos

10 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 11 Herbs Herbs

Three lush mountains, protected by the European network Natura 2000, covered all year round with hundreds of plants and herbs, from which the monks of Mount Athos and the locals make all sorts of drinks or beverages and use them in cooking and confectionery!

Indeed, 4,500 species of plants and herbs grow on the slopes of Cholomontas, while more than 404 species have been recorded on the Aristotelian Mountain; these are cited in ancient writings and formed the basis for the description of Asian plants by Alexander the Great!

Mount Athos and the entire Athonite state form a huge “botanical” area, which transforms religious, cultural and hiking tours into botanical excursions in a landscape that is as virgin as its vegetation.

All herbs produced by the blessed hands of the monks are available at the famous stores of Ouranoupoli and Ammouliani (see Section WHAT TO BUY AND WHERE).

12 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 13 Sweets Sweets

This region offers a wealth of sweet experiences!

In the region of Olympiada, you will find sweetened fruits in syrup and jams made of herbs, fruit and plants of the Aristotelian Mount in infinite varieties and flavours! Housewives collect the pure fruits of the mountain, which is protected by the Natura 2000 European convention, to create simple, yet delicious and fine tastes, that reflect traditional techniques and creativity.

There, in the square at the centre of the village, you can try Ms Calliope’s renowned doughnuts, fluffy, juicy and drizzled with organic Arnea honey and walnuts from Cholomontas.

In Ammouliani, you JUST HAVE to try the famous Ammouliani Marzipan Flowers (Amigdalota), made by the housewives of the village with marzipan. This is a technique brought from the unforgettable homelands of the east: every “flower” is made with patience and love by crafty hands, piece by piece, bud by bud, stem by stem... until a dough bouquet is formed and then baked for 10 minutes to become a delicacy of precious nutrients and energy!

In Ouranopoli, ask for the fragrant salburekia, made with aromatic dough and filling, wrapped in sugar and mastic - so tasty and delicious...

In Nea Roda, you will have the opportunity to try the exquisite sweet fylloti pita, a variation of baklava and sousamopita, which came to the area along with the refugees from Asia Minor and requires time and high culinary skills for its preparation. You should also try the excellent sweetened watermelon, as the famous watermelons of Nea Roda are a top-rated agricultural product. Sweet, juicy, full of the breeze and scent of the summer!

In the villages of the mountainous areas, the speciality is no other than the famous orange pie, made of filo pastry and oranges from the plain, so fragrant and colourful that you will ask for seconds!

On the following pages, you will find their recipes. Enjoy! ...

14 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 15 Sweets From The Land Of Aristotle

They are delicious and fragrant.

They are produced in Olympiada, a few metres from where they are collected.

They are organic and carry the freshness and scent of the mountain, its breeze of age-old history. They are produced in the same land that gave birth to Aristotle, from the same soil where great historical figures walked, the same place where over 500 plants and herbs have grown for thousands of years!

Try them, after watching how they are produced in a confectionery lesson! Your path will always lead you there!

57014 Olympiada of Halkidiki Tel. +30 6936-902387 E-mail: [email protected]

16 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 17 Sweets Rodamos

Pure, organic and delicious sweets and jams made from Cholomontas berries and many of the hundreds of plants that grow on the ridges of the mountain, which is protected by the Natura 2000 European Convention!

Tasoula Parliari, who makes these delicious “magic” jars, puts in her work passion, artistry and imagination, “joining” ingredients and raw materials that bring different flavours together in a unique way!

Ask for them wherever you find them!

63100 Cholomontas (Taxiarchis area) Halkidiki Tel. +30 6948041063 E-mail: [email protected]

18 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 19 Doughs and Breads Doughs and Βreads

Different kinds of dough prepared with flour from wheat cultivated in the fields of Marathousa and Nea Roda provide the basis for various types of bread, salty snacks, cakes and other pastry products, comprising an essential source of income for the area.

Fluffy loaves of bread with golden crust complement perfectly every meal or snack in the countryside or by the sea, not to mention every festive event filled with joy and fun! Pies and böreks with all kinds of stuffing add flavour to sleepy mornings and satisfy the children’s lust for yummy snacks. Bagels, croissants filled with locally produced jams and biscuits are served for brunch and they are the ideal accompaniment to a nice cup of coffee in the evening. Soft pastries stuffed with cheese and mountain herbs are baked to perfection, to give delicious home made pies.

We turn the produce of our golden fields to golden creations!

20 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 21 Doughs and Breads Greek Flavors

The model pastry and croissants industry «G. LALIOTIS Bros. G.P.» was established in 1962 in Arnea, Halkidiki. Being one of the most modern companies in the sector, it continues serving its clients’ needs from all over responsibly and reliably. The modern production facilities spreading over 5,000sqm in combination with spacious high-end chillers allow for the production of a wide variety of products.

The range «ΣΠΙΤΙΚΗ ΝΟΣΤΙΜΙΑ» (HOME-MADE DELICACIES) is the result of knowledge, experience, original traditional recipes and the finest ingredients. It stands out for its exceptional quality and has won many loyal customers. The company applies all modern production and processing methods according to the EU regulations on hygiene and safety. «G. LALIOTIS Bros. G.P.» is certified with ISO 22000 for its quality management system.

In 2010 it acquired the company «ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΕΣ ΓΕΥΣΕΙΣ A.E.» (GREEK FLAVOURS S.A.), thereby conquering the southern Greek market. In 2012 «G. LALIOTIS Bros. G.P.» decided to expand its business abroad and introduced a new product range named «Greek flavours»/ «Ελληνικές Γεύσεις». These new products are based on traditional Greek flavours and, as always, they awaken the familiar sense of home taste!

63074 Arnea,Halkidiki Tel. +30 2372023082 E-mail: [email protected] www.greekflavours.gr

22 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 23 Wine Wine

The region of Athos and the Aristotelian Mount has famous vineyards, renowned wineries and dozens of traditional tsipouro vats in and out of the Athonite Community but also a long tradition of creating great wines and powerful wine flavours!

From the time of Aristotle to that of the Mademochoria, from the southernmost point of Mount Athos to mountainous Arnea, Megali Panagia and Gomati, people enjoy wine at every opportunity: in celebrations, in joy, in feasting, in distress, in sorrow, in pain.

Take a thematic tour of the region in all seasons, to taste our wines, indulge in their taste, aromas and relaxing robustness, to experience moments of joy and euphoria!

24 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 25 Wine Domaine Claudia Papayianni

A winery that is a true jewel in the region of Athos!

Located in Arnea, the most traditional mountain town of Halkidiki, it lies in harmony with its surroundings, boasting a stone exterior and a modern and well-equipped interior. It produces 120,000 bottles of wine annually and has 10 labels, most of which are award-winning and acclaimed not only in Greece but also abroad!

At Domaine Claudia Papayianni, you will have the opportunity to tour the cellars and wine-ageing areas and enjoy the wine-tasting sessions organised by the owner.

You can find Claudia Papayianni wines in selected off-licences in Thessaloniki and Athens and in many markets in Europe, China and America!

• CLAUDIA PAPAYIANNI, white, rosé, red - BIO • “ALEXANDRA”, 2010 BIO (Malagouzia) • “NIKOLAS”, 2009 BIO (Merlot) • CP, white 2010 BIO (Assyrtiko-Viognier) • CP, red 2008 BIO (Xinomavro-Syrah-Cabernet Sauvignon) • EX ARNON, white, rosé, red 2010 BIO

63074 Arnea Tel. +30 2372023120 e-mail: [email protected] www.cp-domaine.gr

26 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 27 Wine Metochi Chromitsa Monastery Of Agios Panteleimon, Mount Athos

Already in the 14th century, Russian monks cultivated vineyards, olive trees, cereals, orchards and more in the Chromitsa Dependency.

Chromitsa in Russian means supplier. The Dependency was renamed as Chromitsa Dependency because it was the main supplier of the Agios Panteleimon monastery in wine, oil, bread and vegetables.

In 1973, during a severe storm, Evangelos Tsantalis took refuge in the Chromitsa Dependency. There, noting the abandoned vines surrounded by unspoilt nature, he proposed to the Abbot to cultivate these vineyards, while asking permission to use them for making wine.

This is how Athonite wine made its début in the outside world, setting the foundations for a great tradition!

The wines from the Chromitsa Dependency • AGIORITIKOS • METOCHI CHROMITSA • ΑΒΑΤΟΝ • KORMILITSA • AGATHON,…

with the Protected Geographical Indication Mount Athos have won major awards in the strictest international oenological competitions and have been praised by notable wine critics around the world.

“Kormilitsa” has been recognized by the Russian authorities as the «official wine of the Kremlin in Moscow».

Monastery Of Agios Panteleimon, Mount Athos Tel. +30 2399076142 e-mail: [email protected] www.tsantali.gr

28 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 29 Wine

Mylopotamos (Holy Seat Of St. Eustathius) Agia Lavra Monastery, Mount Athos

Wines from organically cultivated vineyards, created with the hard work and dedication of the monks of the holy seat of St. Eustathius of the Monastery of Agia Lavra.

Vines have grown for centuries on the ridges of Mylopotamos, offering renowned and multi-award winning wines with the Protected Geographical Indication Mount Athos:

• EPIFANIS, dry red, • MYLOPOTAMOS white, red, dry • MYLOPOTAMOS NAMA red, sweet • MYLOPOTAMOS OINOMELI, rosé, semi-sweet

Agia Lavra Monastery, Mount Athos Tel. +30 2310522211 e-mail: [email protected] www.mylopotamos.com

30 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 31 Mussels Mussels

The region of Olympiada is not famous only as the birthplace of Aristotle but also as the top mussel-producing region of Greece, both in terms of quantity and of quality.

Indeed the mussels from Olympiada stand out for their flavour, size, purity and cultivation methods. This is thanks to the crystal clear sea waters, that favour mussel cultivation.

Mussels are a truly organic product, since no other use of food, therapy or other intervention is required, as mussels feed exclusively on seawater, which they constantly filter.

They are a product of high nutritional value, rich in unsaturated fatty acids omega 3, proteins of high organic value and have scarcely any fat while, apart from all their other nutrients (minerals, carbohydrates, vitamins, regenerative and invigorating substances) they also have the highest contents of iron among any other animal food (three times bigger than beef liver).

32 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 33 Mussels Anastasiou Mussels Seashells distribution & mussels de-shelling centre

Vasilis Anastasiou works on mussel farming since 1999 in the region of Olympiada.

With diligence and care, his business complies strictly with all hygiene regulations on the production, transfer, packaging and distribution of mussels, so that the consumer may safely enjoy top quality mussels.

On a daily basis, the mussels taken from the sea are separated, washed and quickly selected to be transferred by refrigerator trucks to the distribution centre of the company. All above tasks are performed by austere standards, as required for the handling of a very special and demanding product. Similar standards apply to the entire equipment used at all the stages of processing and distribution of mussels.

Since 2010 the company completed the construction of its modern seashell processing and packaging facilities on a privately owned area, where under the strict HACCP and ISO22000 standards mussels and other seashells are processed, selected one by one and standardised to get the label with the respective health mark, so that the final product shall meet all requirements and bear all the required information as provided in the Greek and European laws.

Shelled mussels are available in net packaging of 2kg, 5kg & 10kg, as well as in any other packaging on request.

De-shelled mussels are available in plastic containers of 0,5kg, 1kg & 3 kg.

Various seashells (cockles, clams, oysters) as well as other seafood are only available on request.

57014 Olympiada Of Halkidiki Tel. +30 2376051008 Fax : +30 2376051009 e-mail: [email protected] www.mydia-anastasiou.gr

34 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 35 Oil Oil

The fragrant, golden oil from Develikio, M. Panagias and Pirgadikia is produced in the famous oil presses of Metangitsi, where the «Galano Extra Virgin Olive Oil» is bottled.

The «Golden Liquid», which is registered as Protected Designation of Origin PDO, is exported to the entire world and there is indeed an increased demand in Russia, Australia, Germany.

Recently, the Agricultural Co-operative of Metangitsi launched its new product to the market, the extra virgin olive oil with a wide variety of essential oils cultivated in the region. The product is labelled «Extra» and combines the benefits of olive oil and pharmaceutical - aromatic plants.

36 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 37 Honey Honey

Transparently golden, delicious, magnificently fragrant, rich in flavour, minerals and nutrients, the organic honey from Arnea ranks among the most tasty of its kind.

The city bee-keepers work every day on the slopes of Cholomontas and the Aristotelian Mount, collecting everything that the bees create, to provide you with pure honey, bees wax, royal jelly and the unique honey tsipouro, namely the renowned mudovina!

You can also watch the traditional way of bee making, wearing the special protective uniform, participate in farming activities, visit a bee hive on the mountain and watch how bee-keepers work!

38 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 39 Honey Georgakas Honey Of Arnea

This is the most well organised honey production and marketing unit.

It is located in mountainous Arnea - the source of local production!

Following its ancestral tradition, since 1948 the Georgakas family produces pure quality honey, directly from nature, embracing this effort with great care and great responsibility.

Visitors can visit the Georgakas honey store in the town centre and try/buy the 5 types of honey available (pine, flower, heather, chestnut and wagtail) and excellent mudovina.

63074 Arnea of Halkidiki Tel. +30 2372022837 e-mail: [email protected]

40 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 41 Honey Gianna zacharoglou honey

The trees, plants and herbs of the Aristotelian Mountain are the daily “grazing” grounds for the bees of the 100 cells of Gianna and Aristides, which suck their sweet fruity and floral juices. This is the “secret” of the unique taste of this golden honey, produced in a completely environmentally friendly manner and - even better - in the natural environment of the mountain, which is protected by the Natura 2000 European Convention.

Four varieties are currently produced: 1. Pine honey 2. Flower honey 3. Chestnut honey 4. Wagtail (heather) honey

You can try them and buy them directly from Aristides, the producer, either by phone or online!

63082 Stratoni of Halkidiki Tel. +30 2376022376 e-mail: [email protected]

42 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 43 Cheese and Yoghurt Cheese and Yoghurt

In a place full of lush slopes, blooming fields, golden plains and verdant mountains stock farming is booming and provides high quality milk from which many cheese varieties and delicious organic yoghurt are made.

In our creameries the visitor will find all the local tradition in one place.

Wet “sacks” forming cheese balls, “milky” tanks mixing fragrances and aromas, churns where the yoghurts set, delicious cheese maturing their flavours... a wild dance creating the most beloved Greek flavour: cheese and yoghurt.

44 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 45 Cheese and Yoghurt Karagiannis Dairy Products

At the foot of Cholomontas and the Aristotelian Mount, the creamery of Theofilos Karagiannis (at Arnea) mingles tradition with modern technology, creating the famous goat's cheese and yoghurt.

This is a unit open to visitors, where large quantities of milk are transferred from the entire region. The quality control of the raw material, the diligent production process and the traditional local recipe place KARAGIANNIS dairy products very high in the preferences of consumers in Greece and Europe alike.

63074 Arnea of Halkidiki Tel. +30 2372022443 e-mail: [email protected]

46 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 47 Cheese and Yoghurt Antonis Karagiannis Yoghurt

This is also where the delicious yoghurt of Antonis Karagiannis is produced in abundance; it is made from cow's and sheep's milk and boasts a rich, full and authentic flavour.

It is as if all the scents of our mountains, protected by the Natura Convention, are gathered in a pot of amazing yoghurt, made in Antonis' unit in a traditional manner, based on the unique recipe of his mother, Mrs. Angela - an exceptional artist in making cheese and yoghurt!

The unit is open to visitors: you can not only watch the production process but also buy its famous yoghurt!

Try it with honey and Arnea walnuts.

There is nothing better!

63074 Arnea of Halkidiki Tel. +30 6344 592833

48 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 49 Fishes Fishes

Three bays, bordered by 300 km of coastline and shaded by three mountain ranges, create ideal conditions, allowing the region to boast many fish species and seven (7) traditional fishing harbours, with the largest fleet of in terms of production!

Large quantities of fish and seafood of all kinds are caught daily by local fishermen across the region. Especially those of Ammouliani and Mount Athos are renowned for their exquisite flavour. The reason that makes them differ in taste is that the waters of the Mount Athos Bay, where they are caught, are deep and clean, as the area has many sea currents and there are no organised cultivations to affect it. Additionally, they have the highest salinity of all the seas of Greece and are rich in plankton and clean food, since no rivers or streams end up in the bay to disturb the balance of the water composition.

Therefore, it is only natural that in the region of Athos and the Aristotelian Mount, the fish you will eat in our restaurants or our homes is caught on that day. Besides, we do not consider yesterday's fish fresh...

50 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 51 What to buy and Where What to buy and Where This rich production justifies the operation of multiple stores, in which you will find everything described:

Athos Gallery & Nature

An authentic Byzantine gallery, where visitors literally 'fill' their senses and soul. A gallery full of the heritage of Athos, which unravels the tangle of a 30-year long family history: all kinds of paintings and icons, church supplies, organic products and jewellery inspired by the Athonite and Greek tradition.

At the Athos Gallery you will find a truly huge variety of all kinds of Byzantine icons (for all budgets), fabulous jewellery for all tastes, as well as all Athonite agricultural products, produced by the monks of Mount Athos and exhibited so as to cover every purchasing need.

When in Ouranopoli, make sure to visit the shop. You will definitely find that must-buy item you are after!

63075 Ouranoupoli of Halkidiki Tel. +30 2377071406 E-mail: [email protected] www.tamvakis.gr

52 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 53 What to buy and Where Chrisostomakis Bio

An atmospheric Athonite store, where you can find a wide variety of agricultural products: wines, drinking rakomelo, wax salves, liqueurs, creams, soaps, jewellery, Byzantine icons, etc.

The owner, Stelios, will introduce you to the secrets of the Athonite culinary and cultural heritage, presenting a wealth of information and details for each product! The main feature of the store however is the rarity of the available products, since there you can find monastic products from cloisters and dependencies producing everything in a pure and organic manner...

Visit the Chrisostomakis store on the main coastal road of Ouranoupoli towards the Zygou Monastery and Mount Athos. You will enjoy a unique shopping experience!

63075 Ouranoupoli of Halkidiki Tel. +30 2377071594 E-mail: [email protected]

54 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 55 What to buy and Where Monoxylitis

A store that appears to have jumped out of a Byzantine tale, with Athonite art and creation. Authentic products from the Agios Niκolaos Dependency of the Monastery of Agios Pavlos invite you to experience them, exhibited in a beautifully austere Monastery-like environment, surrounded by music and images.

Wine, soap, organic herbs, honey, oils, royal jelly, all made with organic raw materials from Athos and the slopes of the Holy Peninsula coexist with excellent Byzantine icons, prayer ropes, Athonite publications, materials, maps, rare photographs, etc.

Monoxylitis operates throughout the year, allowing visitors to admire the store's collection and buy its products, created with love and care by the blessed hands of Mount Athos monks.

Don't miss it!

63075 Ouranoupoli of Halkidiki Tel. +30 2377071323 e-mail: [email protected]

56 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 57 What to buy and Where Antonakis Bio

A shop of exquisite quality and style.

Excellent products made by the monks of Mount Athos, organic local produce, such as wine, oil, olives, honey, soap, etc., products for the face and body made from pure raw materials, arranged in perfect harmony in wonderful displays and traditional shelves, invite you to taste and try them... you won't be able to resist buying something!

In Antonakis Bio, you will feel you are in the heart of culinary heaven, while the courtesy of the owners and their willingness to inform you about everything and to serve you in the best possible way will win you over...

Don't miss it!

63075 Ouranoupoli of Halkidiki Τel. +30 2377071129 e-mail: [email protected] www.antonakis.com.gr

58 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 59 What to buy and Where Proikonisos

The greatest variety in Mount Athos items and products that you can imagine: wines from all Athonite monasteries, honey, olives, olive oil, soap, creams, Byzantine icons, jewellery, prayer ropes, etc. in an excellent shop, right in the island's port, where all the main streets meet.

You will also find many Athonite cookbooks, souvenirs and memorabilia, books on the heritage of Athos and all kinds of local tsipouro.

The propriety, courtesy and helpfulness of the owners, Nikitas and Kaiti, will amaze you!

63075 Ammouliani of Halkidiki Τel. +30 2377051002 e-mail: [email protected]

60 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 61 Where to eat Where to eat With such a rich local production, the Athos region could not but be a distinguished culinary destination.

Where will you enjoy all these products, cooked with special techniques?

We suggest the following culinary hot spots:

Akroyali Restaurant

The Akroyali restaurant is the most famous culinary destination on the Aristotelian Mountain! Built by the shire, right next to the birthplace of the greatest philosopher of Greek history, with a view to the walls of the Hellenistic city of Stageira, offers its visitors tastes inspired by nature and history. Its cuisine is based on top quality ingredients, the blend of local tradition with flavours from Asia minor and the exclusive use of local, wholesome products. Fresh seafood, organic herbs from the Aristotelian Mountain, fruits and nuts from the evergreen forest, pure honey from Arnea, virgin olive oil from the groves of and so many more! With the love, diligence, kindness and care of the host, Louloudia Alexiadou, you will be able to enjoy delicious menus and an endless variety of dishes - at least 70 a day!

Akroyali Restaurant 57014 Olympiada Reservations +30 2376051255 & [email protected] www.hotel-liotopi.gr

62 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 63 Where to eat Capetan Manolis Fish Restaurant

Excellent fish restaurant, right on the beach. Its owner, Antonis Andriotis, will pamper you personally as did his grandfather and grandmother, Capetan Manolis and Melachrini, in the courtyard of their home - which now hosts the customers of the famed restaurant. Fresh fish and lots of seafood, fished in the morning by Antonis and Giannis in their fishing boat, unaffected flavours that highlight the products and release the aroma and freshness of the Mediterranean Sea, high culinary standards, which often transform the simplicity of the flavours into gourmet creations, but, above all, delicious dishes that render your lunch or dinner the culinary experience of a lifetime!

57014 Olympiada Reservations: +30 2376051218 & [email protected] www.kapetanmanolis.com

64 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 65 Where to eat Kritikos Gallery & Restaurants

Famous, award-winning and always a reference point. For many years now it has received some of the most significant culinary distinctions in Greece, Europe, Asia and America. It is a culinary destination on its own and it specialises in Mediterranean tastes, sea dishes, monastery recipes and in the original cuisine of Mount Athos. Its owner, Giannis Kritikos, focuses on the quality of the ingredients, since his father (and first owner of the restaurant Nikos Kritikos), one of the greatest local divers, taught him how to choose the freshest, purest and top quality products! You can enjoy this tradition, that continues and evolves, everyday (all the year round) in his dishes, that will carry you away, verifying their reputation.

63075 Ouranopoli Reservations: +30 2377071222 & [email protected] www.okritikos.com

66 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 67 Where to eat Megali Ammos Fish Restaurant

On the seafront, on the famous Megali Ammos beach, the namesake Fish Restaurant offers an endless variety of fresh fish and seafood, served in various ways, while the exceptional views of Mount Athos and the smell of iodine let your senses travel and your palate enjoy unique culinary delights.

63075 Ammouliani Reservations +30 6947-272029 & [email protected]

68 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 69 Where to eat Metochi Restaurant

Fresh fish, freshly fished seafood, fragrant home-made stews using traditional recipes, delicious grilled delicacies and mouth-watering mezes are just some of the offerings of the Metochi restaurant, where you will also find authentic Athonite dishes! Enjoy a swim at Alikes beach - the most famous of the region - have a drink or coffee in the namesake beach bar and then enjoy a meal at the Metochi restaurant, ending your busy summer day in the most delicious way!

63075 Ammouliani Reservations: +30 6948-510595 & [email protected]

70 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 71 Where to eat Bakatsianos Restaurant

The Bakatsianos restaurant is built in the lush forest of Agia Paraskevi in Arnea! It is one of the top quality culinary hot spots of the Athos and Aristotle region. Its owner, Dimitris Polyzos, studied the art of cooking abroad and managed to combine his professional training with the local tradition, creating "vivid dishes", flavours that bring out the local ingredients and carry something from every culinary aspect of the region.

63074 Arnea of Halkidiki Reservations +30 2372022750 & [email protected] www.bakatsianos.gr

72 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 73 Where to eat Platanorema Traditional Restaurant

"Platanorema" is the main agro-touristic farm in the region of Athos. Built under the planes grown on the creek of Gomati is a reference point between mountain and sea and attracts many visitors. Its cuisine is based on its own rich production: organic meat of all sorts, poultry, organic greens, fruit, strong tsipouro, organic wine..., all brought together by the love and hands of its owner, Giannis Papastergiou, who went to great lengths to bring to life what is nowadays called countryside tourism and agro-tourism.

10 km Gomati - M. Panagia Road Reservations +30 2372300386 & [email protected] www.platanorema.com

74 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 75 Where to eat Janis Restaurant

The Jarnis restaurant is one of the top quality restaurants in the region of Athos and beyond. Its owner, Janis Hiotis, is a third-generation Greek from Asia Minor, who conveys to the youngest the secrets of a special cooking technique, which is combined with neatness, kindness, integrity and with the warm, human hospitality of Ammouliani! Janis' kitchen is renowned for the high quality of its ingredients, the extensive variety of the dishes and flavours - and above all for the deliciousness of its courses.

63075 Ammouliani of Ηalkidiki Reservations: +30 2377051322 & [email protected]

76 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 77 You can cook our recipes too!

You can cook our recipes too!

All this harvesting is transformed into delicious dishes, into wonderful menus and gourmet creations throughout the duration of Mount Athos Area Kouzina. This is also the philosophy of the event: to bring out the local products and culinary influences, creating a culinary identity in a destination that has a unique primary production!

On the following pages you will find recipes of dishes from Mount Athos Area Kouzina 2014 and from traditional local creations. What do you say? Do you want to try some cooking with us?

78 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 79 You can cook our recipes too! Mediterranean stir fry by Giannis Kritikos, chef in Kritikos Gallery & Restaurants

Ingredients

2 medium crayfish 2 medium shrimps 6 mussels, without the shell 6 scallops, without the shell Extra virgin olive oil 1/2 cup of fish stock 1/4 cup of wine Red, yellow and orange peppers, sliced 1 t.s. rosemary 1 t.s garlic, grated 1 t.s. parsley, chopped Salt Pepper

Sauté the shrimps and crayfish in a small pan, add the wine first, then the mussels and scallops and bring to the boil. Then add the peppers and the herbs. Serve immediately.

Tip: It is important to use top quality ingredients. If your seafood is not fresh, you will not give you the results of the dishes of Kritikos Gallery & Restaurants, that have based their philosophy, name, reputation and awards to organic ingredients and fresh products selected every day from local producers.

80 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 81 You can cook our recipes too! Octopus sweet stew (with figs, plums and honey from the Aristotelian Mount) By Luludia Alexiadou, chef in Akroyali restaurant Ingredients

1 octopus (preferably fresh) 3-4 big onions 2 t.s garlic, grated 1 t.s. sugar 1 cup of olive oil 1/2 glass of cognac 1/2 glass of white wine 1/4 glass of vinegar 1 kg tomatoes 2 – 3 bay leaves pimento and peppercorns 2 green peppers 2 red peppers 4 dried plums 4 dried figs 1/2 cup of honey from Arnea of Halkidiki

Clean and thoroughly wash the octopus. Boil in a pan with very little water, vinegar and black pepper until is soft and then drain it and cut it into pieces. Leave it aside and sauté the onions, garlic, pimento and peppercorns in a large frying pan. Add the wine, cognac and vinegar and then the fresh tomatoes and sugar. Then add the octopus, with a little water and leave it to simmer for about an hour, until its mellow. Finally, add the chopped peppers, figs, plums and honey, cover the pan and remove it from heat to allow the steam to soften all ingredients.

Tip: It is important to have fresh octopus and honey from Arnea. Only then will you get the quality served in Akroyali restaurant, which is famous for the top quality of its ingredients. Remember to add pepper to the water when boiling the octopus, as it helps soften the octopus.

82 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 83 You can cook our recipes too! Mussels from Olympiada in spicy sauce By Louloudia Alexiadou, chef in Akroyali restaurant

Ingredients

1 bag of mussels, fresh and cleaned 1 ripe tomato 1 green pepper 1 red pepper Lemon, slices and grated peel 1 handful of parsley, chopped 1/2 cup of olive oil Lemon juice Mustard Feta cheese, crumbled Oregano Chilli pepper (optional)

Scrub and debeard the mussels. Pour the olive oil in a pan and add the tomato, the peppers, the lemon and bring to the boil. Add the mussels, lemon juice and season to taste. Turn the heat to high and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add the parsley and oregano.

Tip: The secret of this dish are the mussels from Olympiada. They are the best in Greece - tasty, big, clean, healthy! This is because Strimonas river flows into the Strimonikos bay, where Olybiada is situated, and as a result there are the perfect conditions for the production of the famous «Mussels from Olympiada. The locals celebrate the sea for this gift and every year on 6 of July they organise the mussel festival, to celebrate the rich local production.

84 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 85 You can cook our recipes too! Seafood oven casserole by Kosmas Anastasiadis, Chef in Janis Restaurant

Ingredients

1/2 glass of olive oil 1 small onion 1 squid 1 octopus tentacle, boiled 6 shrimps 6 mussels, with shell 1 fresh tomato 1/2 shot of ouzo 1 glass of wine 1 glass of tomato juice 250 g pasta shells

Pour the olive oil in a deep pan.

Add the onion and sauté with the sliced squid, which you have already washed.

When softened, add the boiled octopus, cut in chunky pieces. Then add the shrimps and shimmer until their colour changes. Then add the ouzo and then the wine.

Add the tomato, tomato juice and a glass of water and leave to shimmer. Then add the pasta and when soft add the mussels.

When the mussels open, depending on the water they have absorbed, add some more water. Leave all ingredients to shimmer and finally add some freshly chopped basil.

86 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 87 You can cook our recipes too! Marzipan Flowers from Ammouliani From housewives - members of the Cultural Association of Ammouliani

This culinary delicacy is unique in Greece and comes from Proikonisos of Asia Minor brought along with the relics of refugees and a few belongings that replaced their once owned abundant goods.

The gentlefolk who carried it arrived in 1922 in Ammouliani, the small but beautiful sandy island just across from Athos and Agion Oros, they reverently pass it on and teach it to granddaughters and daughters in order to honour their traditions, their homeland, their backgrounds, their roots.

What is it called?

Marzipan Flowers of Asia Minor and they are made from sugar, crushed almonds and lots of patience.

How?

The housewives, after mixing the two materials, form a dough ball. They cut small pieces of dough from this ball and shape leaves, flowers, stems, buds, i.e. all parts of a flower or a flower bouquet.

What does the result look like? You can see it in the picture. Impressive cookie-flowers, baked for just 10 min. and are:

either enjoyed immediately,

or wrapped in cellophane and preserved for a long - long time.

The marzipans are lenten, i.e. you can enjoy them throughout Lent, and are also very healthy, since they do not contain any butter, oil, eggs or other fats.

In Asia Minor these were traditional treats for name days or other holidays, they were offered in weddings and christenings and accompanied every meal, every joyful occasion. The same happens in Ammouliani, except that they are also offered as favours in all these ceremonies.

Their flavour is incomparable, and the shape is rightfully characterized as masterpiece! If you ever get your hands on it and you are a woman, you will definitely get tempted to try it as a pin on your lapel!

88 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 89 You can cook our recipes too! Filo pastry new year cake From housewives - members of the Cultural Association of Nea Roda and Maria Kokona

An excellent recipe that the refugees from Roda in Asia Minor brought at Athos region along with their habits and the few belongings!

This particular new year cake was baked then once a year: every New Year! Women of Roda used to say they were baking if for the "good night", i.e. the night of New Year Eve.

Shortly before new year countdown, it was placed in the centre of the table, which was covered with the most elaborate embroidered tablecloth of the dowry and they placed pomegranates and nuts beside it. That table housed the entire feast and all belongings in the house: gold, lucky coins, ducats, charms, everything was lined up next to the new year cake, in its honour!

After they incensed it and sang for it, they handed it over to the older person to cut it. The portions corresponded to each participant at the change of the year: if participants were few, the portions were large, if they were many, then the portions were small.

In the end, all together, they ate the piece with the lucky coin in it!

Ingredients for 40 pieces

For the filo pastry For basting the filo pastry 1 ½ kg all-purpose flour 250 gr. butter 2 tbsp. vinegar 1 ½ glass oil 1 coffee cup of extra virgin olive oil 3 glasses of lukewarm water For spreading ½ tbsp. salt 1 egg lightly beaten Three tablespoons of water For the filling 3 glasses of coarsely ground walnuts For the syrup 3 cups blanched coarsely ground 3 glasses of water almonds 3 cups sugar 1 glass sugar ½ lemon juiced 1 tsp. cinnamon Peel of half a lemon 1 tsp. mastic

90 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 91 You can cook our recipes too!

Preparation begins from making the filo pastry.

Put some flour in a large preparation pan. Add vinegar, oil, water and salt. Stir well to homogenise the mixture and then add the flour little by little to achieve a firm dough that is easily formed into a filo pastry.

Make a cross on the dough and cover with a cloth, leaving it rest.

Heat the butter and olive oil in a saucepan.

Once butter is melted and materials homogenise, remove from heat and start forming the filo pastry, using starch flour to "help" form it.

Spread in greased (with butter + oil mixture) baking pan No. 40, after having placed the lucky coin (wrapped in foil) at the bottom.

In another pan we have already mixed the walnuts, almonds, sugar and spices (nut mixture).

At first we place three filo pastries in the baking pan, which we have basted with the oil and butter mixture. Then (after the third filo pastry) we start laying the ingredients as follows:

Filo pastry

Butter and oil mixture Nut mixture

The total number of filo pastries should be about 30 to 35.

At the top layer of the cake place 3 filo pastries basted with the oil mixture (without the nut mixture). Pour over the last filo pastry a whole egg lightly beaten with a whisk in three tablespoons of water.

Pierce the cake with a fork and decorate (in Nea Roda they decorate it with an "almond" boat!)

Bake the cake at 170 oC for 1 ½ hour and let it cool completely.

Then add the hot syrup we have prepared.

92 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 93 You can cook our recipes too! Lamb shank with cherries from Aristotelian Mountain and ginger By Dimitris Polyzos, chef at Bakatsianos restaurant

Ingredients for 4 servings

44 lamb shanks Salt - Pepper 1 kg cherries without cores Extra virgin olive oil ½ kg wine 10 pieces of ginger

For the accompanying garnish: 1 kg spinach Garlic Few wild dried mushrooms from Cholomontas in slices

How to prepare: For the shanks Salt and pepper the shanks and bake at 180oC for two hours, after having added oil, water and five ginger leaves in the baking pan.

After one hour from the time you placed the lamp in the oven, add the wine and cherries.

Once the meat is cooked, pass the sauce through a Chinese colander (type of drainer). Boil it down, fill up with some wine (if necessary) and add the cooked cherries. If it does not taste sweet, add a little sugar.

For the garnish Place the clean spinach for a few minutes in boiling water and cool it straight into cold water to keep it green and vibrant.

Allow the mushrooms to soak in water for about half an hour.

Then fry the blanched spinach and the soaked mushrooms in a pan with olive oil and garlic.

Garnish, serve and this is the result. In the eye and taste... just excellent!

Tip: Try to find wild mushrooms from Cholomontas. They taste totally different!

94 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 95 You can cook our recipes too! Dusky grouper with zucchini From Monk Epiphanios of Mylopotamos (the recipe is taken from the book AGION OROS COOKING, by Monk Epiphanios of Mylopotamos)

Ingredients for 4-5 servings

1.5 kg dusky grouper, cut into slices 4 large onions (finely chopped or onion broth) 5 cloves of garlic peeled 5 lemons (250 gr. juice approx.) Black pepper (in grains and grated) 300 g oil very little cumin 1 bunch of parsley 700 g zucchini

Wash the slices of dusky grouper, salt them with enough semi-coarse salt and place them in a colander to drain. Use the time it would take to salt the fish to prepare the onion broth.

Peel and wash the zucchini, which should be small and tender.

Place the slices of dusky grouper into the pot (preferably a baking sheet), pour the onion broth and add water, just enough to well cover the fish. Then place the pot in a very hot stove.

ATTENTION: The onion broth and water should be cold.

When the fish starts to boil, skim and then add the zucchini, oil, garlic and black pepper grains into the baking sheet. Allow it to boil for forty minutes (approx.) over high heat. Then lower the heat by half and shake the baking sheet every now and then to prevent the fish from sticking (do no stir).

When the broth starts to thicken and after you check that the zucchinis are cooked, add the lemon juice and shake the pan to spread it around. Then remove the pan from the heat, add cumin, black pepper and chopped parsley and cover.

96 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 97 You can cook our recipes too! Octopus au vin From Monk Epiphanios of Mylopotamos (the recipe is taken from the book AGION OROS COOKING, by Monk Epiphanios of Mylopotamos)

Ingredients for 4-5 servings

octopus from 1.5 to 2 kg 4-5 onions 5-6 cloves of garlic half a kilo of red wine 4 – 5 bay leaves black pepper in grains 200 g olive oil 1.5 tbsp tomato paste

Clean and wash the octopus thoroughly and cook over low heat adding just a little water, as its own juices will be added. Don't forget to stir frequently. Once cooked, cut each tentacle into two or three pieces. Peel the garlic and onions and wash them. Chop the onions and sauté well in low fire with olive oil until browned well. Then add the whole garlic cloves, the octopus pieces, wine, bay leaves and pepper. Add the tomato paste, dissolved in a little water. In addition pour half of the broth to the baking sheet, where the octopus has boiled. Simmer the octopus with closed lid for about an hour and you will get a delicious meal that smells heavenly and is mashed in its own broth.

98 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 99 You can cook our recipes too! Pie with Cholomontas mushrooms from Tasoula Parliari at "Rodamos" traditional pension Tip: Ingredients for 15 pieces The wooded Cholomontas mount, protected by the Natura 2000 European Convention, is known for its multi-diverse flora and the abundance of its natural For the dough and filo pastry (preferably wild ones) assets. Six thousand plants and herbs grow on its slopes, which at the same 500 g all-purpose flour 2 cups of rice (Carolina type) time bear its famous firs, and mushrooms -that grow everywhere- 1 tsp vinegar 500 g feta cheese from without any human care. They thrive there because this is just how nature 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 4 cups of water ordained. Every year around the beginning of autumn after the first rain 1 cup tea lukewarm water Salt has fallen, the residents of the mountain organise a big celebration where 1 tsp salt Pepper after obtaining a bountiful harvest, they invite us all at the mountain 4 eggs to offer us their famous mushroom dishes, local wine and raki For the filling and their warm hospitality, which is part of their lifestyle! 2 medium-sized onions For basting the filo pastry ½ glass of wine oil 1 egg yolk 500 g Cholomontas mushrooms

Preparation Preparation begins from making the filo pastry.

Put some flour in a large preparation pan. Add vinegar, oil, water and salt. Stir well to homogenise the mixture and then add the flour little by little to achieve a firm dough that is easily formed into a filo pastry.

Cover the dough with a cloth, leaving it to sit.

In the mean time prepare the filling.

In a saucepan, add the oil and sauté the onion. Then add the mushrooms and stir a few minutes until are browned. Then add the rice, water, salt, pepper and allow the mixture to boil until all fluids are gone. Then remove from heat and allow to cool. Finally add the eggs and feta cheese to it and stir until smooth.

Roll out two filo pastries. Place the first one on a greased baking pan and then spread the filling. Cover with the second filo pastry, baste with egg yolk and bake the pie at 180 degrees for about an hour (until the filo pastry has browned).

100 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 101 The Mount Athos Area Kouzina 2014

Τhe Mount Athos Area Kouzina 2014

It will as always last a whole month: from 15 May 2014 until 15 June 2014 and will focus on local tradition, which wants the people of the Athos region to honour their land at every chance, thanking it for the gifts it offers.

However, it will marry this tradition with gourmet creations, always based on local organic produce.

Celebrations of nature, the sea, the land and its products, contests and traditional cooking lessons, flavours that highlight our organic products and rich produce, flavours from Asia Minor, ancient, traditional, monastic, Mediterranean, and gourmet dishes - created by local and celebrity chefs.

Consult your activities program and arrange your vacation where you prefer, in the hotels that host kouzina activities or in those in the list attached to the program. Be assured that whatever you choose, you will be completely satisfied with our renowned hospitality.

Enjoy!

With the signature of the Chef Ntina Nikolaou

102 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 103 Activities Program Mount Athos Area Kouzina 2014

S/N Day Time Place / Reservations* Subject / Menu Title Clarifications Description Ancient Greek Cuisine 1 15.5 20:00 Mountainous area of ​​Arnea, A feast of mushrooms Collection of mushrooms in the famous mushroom fields of Cholomontas, ending with an outdoors meal *Cholomontas [email protected] and mountain feast, in the lush gardens of the exquisite traditional lodgement "Rodamos".

2 16.5 20:00 Mountainous area of ​​Arnea, A Dionysian feast An authentic wine feast, to be held by Voroina in the verdant grove of Agia Paraskevi. Grove of Agia Paraskevi Plenty of wine, presentations, wine-tasting, feasting, dancing, music. Our own wine feast! *[email protected] 3 17.5 20:00 Arnea, Restaurant Bakatsianos The feast of the forest Local, mouth-watering meats from Varvara are cooked on spits and grills, under the shade of the oak *[email protected] grove of Agia Paraskevi. Chef Dimitris Polyzos will prepare a culinary feast reminiscent of ancient Greek symposia and highlighting local organic products: honey, cheese, yoghurt, mushrooms and doughs! Enjoy! 4 18.5 20:00 Olympiada, restaurant Akroyali The feast of the Aristotelian Using herbs, plants and fruits from the Aristotelian Mountain, chef Louloudia Alexiadou creates dishes *[email protected] Mountain that combine the fresh flavours of fruits of the forest with sea produce! A feast of flavours and colours that compose an ancient Greek menu, inspired by Aristotelian writings.

With The Blessing Of The Bay Of Mount Athos 5 19.5 20:00 Olympiada, central pier A feast of mussels An unusual cooking lesson, delivered by French chefs and the ladies of the Cultural Association *[email protected] of the village. Title: Steamed Olympiada Mussels. These will be accompanied by dances and songs of Greece and Asia Minor. These are lovingly presented by the village youths, who give their best to perpetuate their gastronomic heritage. 6 20.5 20:00 Olympiada, Capetan Manolis The feast of the Sea A mad sea dance, an ode to the sea and its products: Smaro Andrioti's menu consists of fish and restaurant of ​​Aristotle seafood dishes, creating unique culinary images and flavours that will leave your palate asking for more! *[email protected] 7 21.5 20:00 Ouranopoli, Pyrgou Prosforiou The celebration of Saints A street feast for all! A traditional feast, a culinary tour of the blessed bay's fish produce, Square Konstantinos and Eleni organised on the occasion of the celebration of the Saints Konstantinos and Eleni! *[email protected] 8 22.5 20:00 Stratoni, main breakwater The feast of the port A fishing feast in the port of Stratoni, a joyful festival of the sea. The people of this unique Athonic corner *[email protected] honour the gifts offered by the sea and the land and often organise such feasts. Feasting, dancing, local wine and liquor and plenty of fish offered to attendees make up a wonderful tourist experience that will fascinate you. 9 23.5 20:00 Ammouliani, main port A fishing feast Ammouliani has the largest fishing fleet in central Macedonia. This means that the fish offered in the *[email protected] island's restaurants is caught on the same day. Besides, in Ammouliani if a fish was caught yesterday, it is not considered fresh! That's why residents welcome visitors to their fishing boats, where they teach them fishing techniques. The catch comes to the port, where it is grilled on the spot and, accompanied by Athonite tsipouro and wine, it becomes a joyful celebration of the sea! 10 24.5 20:00 Ammouliani, main port The feast of sea plants A traditional cooking class titled: pie with thrift from Mount Athos Bay This special class is taught *[email protected] by the gentle housewives of the island, who, together with chef Dina Nikolaou, give Spring visitors lessons on love for culinary heritage and the products of the land and sea. Don't miss it!

11 25.5 20:00 Ammouliani, Megali Ammos The feast All flavours of the Athonite sea mingle, creating incredible combinations and matching cooking fish restaurant of the Athonite sea techniques and uses of fresh produce. The smell of the sea, the view to Athos and the sandy islands *[email protected] of Drenia inspire chef Dena Nikolaou and Giota Tsakni, who create culinary works of art!

104 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 105 Activities Program Mount Athos Area Kouzina 2014

S/N Day Time Place / Reservations* Subject / Menu Title Clarifications Description Monastic Cuisine 12 26.5 20:00 Ouranopoli, Eating & Wandering The feast of monastic A wandering among the blessed products of mount Athos, and Byzantine, religious monuments, *[email protected] products that will leave you with the most beautiful gastro-cultural summer memory. An exceptional tour to the cultural monuments of Mount Athos and the culinary habits of its monks! Book your participation now! Your choice will prove you right! 13 27.5 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Eagles Palace The feast of monastic The monastic cuisine expands its natural boundaries and is offered to visitors, mentally transferring them Resort & Spa cuisine to the holy tables of the monasteries of Athos and introduce them to the culinary habits of the monks. *[email protected] The fire is lit very early and its blaze roasts fresh fish, served with organic vegetables and fine wine from mouth Athos. Don't miss it! 14 28.5 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Skites Bungalows The feast of monastic A "blessed" table of Athos dishes - simple but delicious - is set only a few metres away from the [email protected] cuisine boundaries that separate the holy city from the region around Athos, to remind us all that the modest diet of Athos monks is connected to their ascetic life and is a model dietary habit.

15 29.5 20:00 Ouranopoli, Pyrgou Prosforiou The feast of monastic Marianthi Milona presents her book "Recipes from the Garden of Virgin Mary". A tour in holy monasteries Square recipes and a "selection out of thousands of recipes, tried and cooked by monks throughout the centuries in the *[email protected] kitchens of their monasteries". 16 30.5 20:00 Ammouliani, Ilianthos Guest The feast of monastic wine The Dependency of Chromitsa presents authentic wines of Athos, made by the fruits of Mount Athos House vineyards and the hands of its monks. Among the many varieties, "Kormilitsa", the official wine *[email protected] of the Kremlin, stands out! 17 31.5 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Kritikos Gallery & The feast of monastic Fish soups, pasta with seafood, fish delicacies of all types: everything cooked in Mount Athos is Restaurants cuisine presented to the public with absolute respect to the athonian culinary heritage and offers tasty *[email protected] experiences that it's hard to beat!

18 1.6 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Antonakis Bio The feast of monastic A culinary tour among athonian products of the Antonakis Bio store, which includes wine *[email protected] products and food tasting and presentations, while ending in dinner at the Kritikos Gallery & Restaurants.

The Cuisine Of The Unforgettable Homelands 19 2.6 20:00 Nea Roda, Central Pier The feast of new year's day An exceptional lesson of traditional confectionery, which presents the "official new year's pie (vasilopita)" *[email protected] for Asia Minor for the new year's day of Asia Minor, made with "one thousand leaves" and capturing the heady aromas of Eastern spices! Its history is unique, carried along by the long suffering refugees of Asia Minor. Their descendants in Nea Roda perpetuate tradition with ultimate respect. Join us too at the village beach! Don't miss this lesson!

20 3.6 20:00 Trepete, Alexandros Palace The feast of Cappadocia An exceptional lesson of traditional cooking, where chef Leonidas Iordanis and housewives Suites & Hotel flavours of Cappadocian origin, teach the public how to make fragrant pirosci rolls, emphasising on the variety *[email protected] of stuffing . 21 4.6 20:00 Ouranopoli, Aristoteles Holidays The feast of eastern Traditional cooking lesson, entitled "Constantinople Dolma, Dolma from Asia Minor", where housewives Resort & Spa spicy flavours from Ammouliani prepare the famous dolma (stuffed vine leaves) from Constantinople and from *[email protected] Proikonisos and teach how to make them. After the lesson, handmade delicacies will be offered and an authentic feast of Asia Minor will follow. Don't miss it!

106 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 107 Activities Program Mount Athos Area Kouzina 2014

S/N Day Time Place / Reservations* Subject / Menu Title Clarifications Description

22 5.6 20:00 Ammouliani, Proikonisos Store The feast of marzipan Yet another lesson of traditional confectionery, during which chef Ntina Nikolaou and housewives *[email protected] flowers! from Ammouliani teach visitors how to make authentic Asia Minor macaroons, an elaborate recipe brought by their forebears from Proikonisos of Asia Minor and a favourite of all Ammouliani households, reminding them of their roots and habits. The lesson ends at the central pier of the picturesque fishing harbour, where local choirs and dancing groups will offer you unforgettable summer moments! Don't miss this feast. Book your participation now!

23 6.6 20:00 Ammouliani, Metochi Restaurant The feast of Asia Minor A menu brought from the kitchens of Asia Minor and the fragrant ovens of the East, capturing memories, *[email protected] aroma tastes and an aura of times bygone. Chef Ntina Nikolaou and Fotini Christodoulou serve in their plates the culinary history of an entire era!

24 7.6 20:00 Ammouliani, Janis Restaurant The feast A menu combining Anatolian techniques with the local fish produce. Chefs Dina Nikolaou and Kosmas *[email protected] of the blessed sea Anastasiadis create three delicious and unique seafood dishes that carry a hint of iodine and taste of the blessed sea salt. 25 8.6 20:00 Gomati, Platanorema The feast of Easter sweets The most fragrant lesson of traditional confectionery you have ever participated to! Chef Ntina Nikolaou *[email protected] and Evdokia Strongili teach how to make the fluffy, delicious buns of Easter! A recipe of pontian origin, which you must follow to achieve the most delicious buns you have ever tasted.

Mediterranean Gourmet 28 9.6 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Eagles Palace The feast of the Domaine Claudia Papayanni presents at the Vinum Restaurant the ten award-winning labels of its fine Resort & Spa Mediterranean vine wine and offers participants a high quality wine-tour in the local routes of wine. *[email protected] 29 10.6. 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Eagles Palace The feast of the Dependency of Chromitsa presents organic varieties of Athos wines, suggesting a menu from the hands Resort & Spa Mediterranean vine of Monk Epiphanius, who once again carries the monastic cuisine outside its physical borders and *[email protected] of Athos proposes the (lean) Athos diet as a lifestyle choice. 30 11.6 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Skites Bungalows The feast of Mediterranean A menu made of "oil and olive of the Mediterranean", that combines the oily flavours of local olive groves *[email protected] olive oil with those of Mediterranean products and influences, creating dishes inspired by the cuisine of Mediterranean colours and aromas. 31 12.6 20:00 Komitsa Beach, Athos Villas The feast of Mediterranean A lesson of authentic French cuisine by chef Ntina Nikolaou and French chefs, transferring the *[email protected] flavours techniques of French gastronomy in the evergreen yard of Ktima Chantzi and Athos Villas, combining them with local products and thus creating exceptional specials! 32 13.6 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Eagles Palace The feast of French Chefs Jean-Marie Hoffman (the French Embassy in Athens), Ntina Nikolaou and Elias Gotsis create Resort & Spa Mediterranean cuisine a high standards menu, using local organic products and promoting their origin and quality of taste. *[email protected] 33 14.6 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Eagles Palace The feast of the athonian Cooking lesson by chef Ntina Nikolaou and French chefs, who will introduce the public to the secrets Resort & Spa Mediterranean bay of French gastronomy, as affected by the Mediterranean and its products. *[email protected] 34 15.6 20:00 Ouranoupoli, Theoxenia The closing feast! Mount Athos Area Kouzina will close as spectacularly as it opened. The closing ceremony includes *[email protected] the famous awards, which are now a top annual local culinary institution.

108 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 109 Where to stay

Where to stay

The area of ​​Athos has 56 hotel units of all kinds, 200 apartments, pensions and hostels / traditional guesthouses, and 20 agrotourism accommodations, translated into 5,500 hotel beds, 2,500 apartment beds and 200 agrotourism beds.

For your stay during the Mount Athos Area Kouzina and before or after this, we suggest you choose an accommodation from the list below, depending on your needs and wants.

No matter what you choose, rest assured that you will love it.

Eagles Palace Resort and Spa

110 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 111 Where to stay

Name Beds Address Telephone Numbers Fax E-mail Website

(small***** luxury hotels of the world)

Eagles Palace 350 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377031047-8, 0030 2377031383 [email protected] www.eaglespalace.gr Resort & Spa 31101-4 Head Office: 00302310269421-9 Athens Office: 00302103613059

*****

Alexandros 720 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377031424, 31402, 00302377031100, [email protected] www.alexandros-hotels.gr Palace Hotel & 00302310328860 00302310328861 Suites

****

Aristoteles 606 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377071012 0030 2377024000 [email protected] www.aristoteles.gr Holidays Resort & Spa Athos Villas 48 63075 Akti Komitsa 0030 2394041813 0030 2394041813 [email protected] www.athos-villas.gr Theoxenia 314 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377071060 0030 2377071079 [email protected] www.theoxenia.gr

***

Ammouliani 52 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051297, 51120 0030 2377075130 [email protected] www.hotelammouliani.gr Athorama 60 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377031195 0030 2377071003 [email protected] www.athorama.gr Assa Maris 164 63078 Pyrgadikia 0030 2375092151 0030 2375092155 [email protected] www.assa-maris.gr Leandros 35 63075 Nea Roda 0030 2377031353 0030 2377031660 [email protected] www.leandroshotel.gr Skites 54 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377071140, 71141 0030 2377071132 [email protected] www.skites.gr

**

Germany 31 57014 Olympiada 0030 2376051255, 51362 0030 2376051255 [email protected] www.Halkidiki.de, www.Halkidiki-guenstig.de, www.halkidiki-hotels.gr, www.Halkidiki.co.uk Liotopi 33 57014 Olympiada 0030 2376051257, 51361, 0030 2376051255 [email protected] www.Halkidiki.de, 51255, 51362 www.Halkidiki-guenstig.de, www.halkidiki-hotels.gr, www.Halkidiki.co.uk

112 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 113 Where to stay

Name Beds Address Telephone Numbers Fax E-mail Website

Sunrise 89 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051273 0030 2377051174 [email protected] www.sunrise-ammouliani.gr Theopisti 25 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377071232, 71316 0030 2377071042 [email protected]

*

Hotel Alexandra 17 63075 Nea Roda 0030 2377031111 0030 2377031141 [email protected] www.hotel-Alexandra.roomstorent.info Thalassa 20 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051098 0030 2377051344 [email protected] Xenios Zeus 40 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377071274 0030 2377071185 [email protected] www.ouranoupoli.com/zeus

Appartments

Aristidis Rooms 12 63082 Stratoni 0030 23760 22376 [email protected] www.aristidis-rooms.gr Copa Cabbana 7 63075 Nea Roda 0030 6946620138 [email protected] www.copa-cabbana.com Chrisos Ilios 8 63082 Stratoni 0030 6979721634 [email protected] Giota Studios 10 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051335 [email protected] www.giota-studios.gr Emmeλeia 8 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377071255 [email protected] Accommodation Katerina 10 63075 Nea Roda 0030 6977999192 [email protected] Lena 24 63075 Nea Roda 0030 2377031567 0030 2377031567 [email protected] www.hotels-in-greece.com/athos/lena Melydron 12 63075 Nea Roda 0030 6977261589 [email protected] www.melidron-nearoda.com Marianni 8 57014 Olympiada 0030 2376051504 [email protected] www.marianni.gr Natasa 9 63075 Ierissos 0030 2377022930 [email protected] Olympiada 12 57014 Olympiada 0030 6987140533 [email protected] www.olympiada-rooms.gr Rooms Philippos 28 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051326 [email protected] Platanos 21 57014 Olympiada 0030 2376051265 [email protected] Roula 10 63082 Stratoni 0030 2376022541 [email protected] Thea 8 63075 Ammouliani Yasoo Holiday 18 57014 Olympiada 0030 6983153300 [email protected] www.yasoo-apartments.gr Apartments Vidas’ Villas 10 63075 Ammouliani 0030 6972807025 [email protected] www.vidasvillas.com Villa Anna 8 57014 Olympiada 00306948-289281 [email protected] www.olimpiada.gr/villayanna

114 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 115 Where to stay

Name Beds Address Telephone Numbers Fax E-mail Website

Traditional Inns

Alkyonis 16 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051441 [email protected] www.alkyonis-apartments.gr Archontiko 19 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051444 0030 2377051444 [email protected] www.archontiko-ammouliani.gr Archontiko 14 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377071401 [email protected] www.archodiko.gr Toliadis Athos Bay Villas 18 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051044 [email protected] www.athosbay.gr Gemeli 16 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377440037 [email protected] www.gemeli.gr Dominici 6 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051011 [email protected] En Iko Cristianna 9 57014 Olympiada 0030 2376051455, 0030 [email protected] www.en-iko-christianna.gr 6977261662 Helianthus 14 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051155 [email protected] www.helianthus.gr Hotel Giorgos 18 63075 Ammouliani 0030 237751121 [email protected] Ikies Alexandrou 16 63074 Arnea 0030 2372023210, 23211, 0030 2310227767 [email protected] www.oikia-alexandrou.gr 0030 6944641656 Ikies Mitsiou 12 63074 Arnea 0030 2371022744 0030 2372022877 [email protected] www.mitsiou.gr Ismini 20 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051407, 0030 2377051408 [email protected] www.hotelismini.gr 00306974320921 Kaldera 12 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051058 [email protected] www.kalntera.com Kargas 18 57014 Olympiada 0030 2376051000 [email protected] www.kargas-apartments.gr Apartments Konaki 22 63074 Arnea 0030 2372022991, 21109 0030 2372021115 [email protected] www.hotelkonaki.com Limanaki 20 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051342 [email protected] Niriides 18 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051233, 51154, [email protected] 0030 6945371581 Pansion 9 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051197 0030 2377051196 [email protected] www.pansionanastasia.gr Anastasia Pansion Katerina 14 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 2377071135 0030 2377071135 [email protected] www,pansionkaterina.com Pasalimani 18 63075 Ammouliani 0030 2377051133 [email protected] Para thin alos 20 63075 Nea Roda 0030 2377031221 [email protected] www.parathinalos.net Prasino Horio 20 63074 Arnea 0030 2372022090 0030 2372022097 [email protected] www.prasinohorio.gr Princess 7 63075 Ouranoupoli 0030 23770 71085 info@-princess.com www.ouranoupolis-princess.com Rodamos 15 63100 Cholomontas 0030 6948041063 [email protected] www.rodamos.gr

Traditional Inns & Farms

Platanorema 16 63076 Gomati-Panagia 0030 2372300386 [email protected] www.platanorema.gr

116 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 117

MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANIZATION 63075 OURANOUPOLI, HALKIDIKI

Tel. & Fax +30 2377031139 E-mail: [email protected] www.mountathosarea.org

Publication Manager: Georgios F. Rodokalakis Material - Text - Editing: Maria I. Pappa

Design: Cat Advertising

118 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 119 MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 63075 Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki Tel. & Fax: +30 2377021139 e-mail: [email protected] www.mountathosarea.org

The photograph is from the Eagles Palace Resort and Spa