the food of Paros, Greece

by Michelle

You thought I was kidding about the fishline…

We took a short ferry ride from Paros to Antiparos to spend the day at St.Giorgio Beach and have lunch at Captain Pipinos.

We arrived at what appeared to be a deserted beach, save for two topless French grandmothers sunbathing and chatting up a storm. As we neared lunch hour, the beach started to fill up. By the time we made our way to the taverna, we were lucky to find a table. 

The old adage, ‘build it and they will come’ never rang more true. Locals and travellers made the journey to the furthest point of this tiny island to feast on fresh, perfectly prepared fish.

Captain Pipinos does a mean fried baby squid and a deadly grilled octopus!

Our lovely hostess at the Kalypso Hotel insisted that we try Siparos Seaside Restaurant. In her opinion it is the best restaurant on the island. I couldn’t resist…

Unlike most of the other lunch spots, this upscale eatery came complete with linen and elegant stemware as opposed to the paper tablecloths and stubby shot glasses we usually found. Ralph was suspicious due to the lack of octopus and fish being displayed. I, on the other hand, love an adventure!

 Siparos offers both Greek and Italian cuisine. However, their sign reads ‘modern Greek cuisine’.

Ralph went with Greek…

I strayed off to Italy…

The terrine was a capanata topped with a local soft cheese. It was as good as it looks!

I was tickled when my ‘vongole’ arrived with the tiny dime-size clams that I fell in love with in Sorrento.

Ralph giggled when the waitress explained to me that the pasta would be difficult for me to finish, especially if I planned on spending the afternoon at the beach. Wearing a bikini does not get in the way of me enjoying my lunch!

We rarely order dessert at lunch but while Guilda was describing this delectable sweet to us earlier that day, she was drooling. I’m drooling as I savour the memory of the buttery, flakey crust and the cheek sucking lemony filling.

I can’t say that our chi-chi lunch was better than the humble lunches we usually enjoy. They’re different. The wonderful thing is that every meal that we have had in Paros has been incredible.

Thanks for reading.