Cravings had it's very first Dinner Adventure on January 9th. And what a great adventure it was! A Greek Adventure at Vicky's Bistro and Wine Bar in Sherwood Park.
Greek food is world renown and offers a variety of delicious dishes. Greek cuisine is similar to other Mediterranean cuisines and, like their neighbours, meals are a very important part of their identity and culture. Meals are more than just eating food, they are about sharing, conversation, laughter and spending time with family and friends. If you ever visit a Greek home, you will be enthusiastically greeted by your hosts who will shower you with drinks and food. It would be considered extremely rude if guests in a Greek home were not offered some food. Of course, as a guest, you would be expected to taste everything, twice! Greeks are an extremely generous people.
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| Cravings Adventurers at Vicky's |
Vicky's owners and staff reflected this gregariousness and welcomed our large group of adventurers with open arms. Vicky was a wonderful hostess and amazing chef! She prepared an amazing dinner for us all.
The evening meal began with Avgolemono, a Greek lemon soup that is found on all Greek restaurant menus around the globe. A perfect blend of chicken broth,lemon, rice, cauliflower, carrots and eggs.
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| Everyone raved about it after each and every spoonful! |
The next courses were presented as a variety of mezetes, Greek appetizers, each one more delicious than the next. Tzatziki and Pita Bread, Spanakopita and Keftedes.
Tzatziki is mixture of yogurt, sour cream, olive oil, cucumber, garlic and dried dill or mint. This is served as a spread eaten with pita bread (a flat unleavened bread) or as a dip for Souvlaki and Gyros.
Spanakopita consists of Phillo pastry ( a thin flaky pastry ), stuffed with Feta Cheese and Spinach. Phyllo dough comes from the Greek word for "leaf". It is believed that the Turks introduced when they occupied Greece. Vicky's Spanakopita was of such a buttery flakiness that it melted in your mouth!
Keftedes are small meatballs made of either ground beef, pork or lamb mixed with bread crumbs, parsley, mint or other herbs. They are often served with Tzatziki. Vicky's Keftedes were made of fresh ground lamb. I could have eaten a whole plateful!
The Mezetes were followed by a beautifully presented entrée consisting of Chicken Souvlaki, Pastitsio and Paidakiaand accompanied by a bowl of Greek salad.
Vicky's Chicken Souvlaki was tender and juicy. Three large cubes of chicken breast skewered and grilled with oregano that George (Vicky's husband) had brought back from his father's property in Greece.
Souvlaki comes from Souvla, the Greek word for "skewer". This dish has been traced back all the way to ancient Greece and is mentioned in works of of Greek philosophers and writers such as Aristotle and even Homer!
Next to the souvlaki was a delectable serving of Pastitsio, baked Pasta with Meat and Bechamel cream topping.The Greek word, pastitsio, derives from the Italian pasticcio, which means mixture or mess. This dish is based on the Italian one with a few regional changes. It is a common and favorite pasta dish found all over the Mediterranean.
Nestled on top of the Pastitsio a single succulent Paidakia, grilled lamb chop rested. Seasoned with oregano, salt and garlic, and grilled to perfection, the lamb was melt-in-your-mouth tender.
A round of Ouzo preceded dessert.
Ouzo is a very popular anise based liqueur that is a symbol of Greece and Greek culture. Ouzo was derived from tsipouro, a liqueur created by Mount Athos monks during the14th century.
An amazing array of Greek pastries was the perfect ending to a fabulous meal. Baklava, Kourabiedes (sugar cookies), Carot cake, Coconut cake, and walnut cookies.
Baklava is made with Phyllo dough, walnuts, butter, and sugar, and is soaked in honey syrup.
Vicky's definitely made our adventurers feel like royalty as we enjoyed a feast fit for kings and queens and learned so much about Greek food and culture.The evening ended with Vicky's son Angelo and their staff teaching us how to do Greek line dancing. OPA!
Our next culinary adventure is a French Fusion Dinner Adventure at Café de Ville in Sherwood Park on February 4, 2012.
If you are interested in attending our Febuary Adventure at Café de Ville or any other of our dinner adventures, you may purchase tickets by going to our website www.spCravings.com and click on "Events".
~ Monique
~ Monique
