It is very quiet and as I walk down the winding little streets of the Central street I am captivated by a purple little shop…of course! purple is my favorite color. It is a small shop that has silver jewelery, popular art and handmade gifts. I am mesmerized by the little goat bells strung underneath an arch in the store like a string of Christmas lights proclaiming good luck and health. There are many unique pieces here and I am drawn to some chunky necklaces made of “white silver” or “German silver” They have unusual designs crafted with ancient symbols that highlight contemporary and outstanding strength in a character setting. My sister would say that some of these pieces are statement pieces. Cuff bracelets and these strong necklaces are items that are not your usual tourist purchase. Anastasios, the owner is very knowledgable and also very honest about his merchandise. There are items from Turkey, beautiful handcrafted bowls and I like the way he does not hesitate to tell me of their true origin rather than making up something…which can happen if someone wants to badly sell you something. My necklace is a pretty arrangement of flouria…coins that meet together and create a flow showing off their abundance… I like the strength and ancient feel. My recommendation… make sure that you search out the lilac doorway and come in to find your gift, or lucky token, or your statement piece and you will never forget Paros…because a piece of it will be with you from this shop. Say Hello to Anastasios and tell him Eleni Sent You!
08.18.10PAROS…Central Market Street Parikia
08.18.10I have an Idea…Cafe Bar Restaurant
I have an idea! What an interesting name for a cafe bar. This little Cafe Bar is also an Internet Cafe and it has provided me with an instant office when I was in a time crunch. It is a central meeting place across from the Ekatopiliani church which means on Hundred doors. The staff here are very friendly, Laura from England and Niko are hospitable serving guests with their infectious smiles and easy demeanour. Relaxing with friends, a chaste little hideaway for lovestruck couples and yet comfortable for families needing a pretty atmosphere to connect and breathe after a hectic day at the beach. Being a coffee lover, of course I recommend their Frappe which is balanced, not too strong and not too watery with the right blend of milk. I just had this fruit salad extravaganza of layered fresh fruit swirled with a hint of honey all sitting on a mound of yogurt thick enough to cut with a knife…This was a good Idea and if you want to experience a good Idea make sure you tell them that Eleni sent you!
08.18.10Yiannoulis Taverna a little hidden gem…
Rushing today, trying to scan and capture Paro’s charm…Imagine, I almost walked by in my mission by this sweet small tavern. What made me stop was that it was filled with Greek people and tourists eating homemade dishes that smelled exactly like my Mothers’s cooking. Yiorgos the owner asked me if my name was Yannoulis, the name of the Taveto rn. He is charming and invited me in for an Ouzo. I am not a drinker but he was so insistent that I thought he may become insulted! When a Greek offers to “Kerasi you” you have to accept because in the acceptance he or she gains a personal acknowledgement and joy that can not be translated in english. It is a heart opening to welcome you and no matter what the surroundings are there is a compelling and heartwarming feeling that sticks to you. So here I am eating homemade savory sousoukakia (oblong meatballs stuffed with herbs and smothered in freshmade tomato sauce and of course my beloved Horta (Greens) drizzled with olive oil. And I have succumbed to a few sips of Ouzo which to tell you the truth sitting under this little tucked away terrace at the back of the Tavern I have embraced. They are the tingle that unite the flavours of the simplicity of traditional foods served with Xapa…happiness and zest. What more could you want? and the prices are reasonable, so if you are in Paros and want a simple meal with pathos…passion served with lots of heart and smiles, come on by and tell them Eleni Sent You!
08.18.10Remezzo Cafe Bar
Walking along the portside of Paros you will find many quaint, ordinary, extraordinary and eclectic restaurants, and many little seaside Cafe Bars. And of course you the tourist are the star! As you strut along this seemingly endless strip you may become overwhelmed. However there is one little new Cafe Bar that will surprise you. Especially if you are Canadian! Remezzo Bar owned by Murray Woodroffe from Toronto. A retirement dream led him to be courageous and entrepenurial in trekking to Paros to open up Remezzo Bar. The bright setting sun emblazoned with the starkness of our beautiful Maple Leaf makes you want to sing the National Anthem as soon as you see his sign, beautifully designed by an equally passionate Irish artist who is beautifying Paros with his artwork. Passion and vision infused with Canadian politeness and hospitality is what has Murray pursue his vision. Along with the amazing Irma, he single handley runs his bar and although he has limited Greek, communication can seem frustrating but Murray takes it in stride, listening and trying to accommodate requests while noting what he will do next time. On August 15th patrons waited with graciousness as Murray grazed each table taking orders, and people smiled at his eagerness to serve them as fast as he possibly could. Every Tuesday Remezzo serves food at dinner prepared lovingly by Irma who is a creative and talented cook. I honestly thought I was in Malaysia as I savoured each bite of her Malaysian Chicken Malaca dinner which for 9 euros included a glass of white wine, Thai rice, and a light exotic salad with thinly sliced cabbage, carrots, mixed with raisins and topped with sprinkle of Cardamom. Truly an experience that made me eat so slowly because each flavour beckoned to be appreciated and I could not refuse…after that Murray graced us with an ekpliksi… surprise a stunning strawberry Granita floating daintily in wine sprinkled with fresh mint signaled the end of my meal with a lyrical dance of coolness that cleansed and thanked my palate for engaging in Remezzo’s food experience…I would say…Do whatever it takes and free up your Tuesday before you leave Paros to visit Murray, enjoy Canadian hospitality merged with Greek filotimo and make sure you tell him that Eleni Sent You!
