Glaringly misinformed. "There is no Greek cuisine as such" is a statement that is ignorant of not only reality but of food history, the history of many dishes that were developed in the Ottoman period having their roots stem back much farther, often to ancient Greece. I understand the abstract point you are making WRT the idea of a national cuisine, but I think it's quite far removed from reality. Greek cuisine is incredibly rich and is distinct in many ways – it varies across regions but has themes that tie it together. It is not Ottoman simply because there are shared dishes and traditions, nor because Greek refugees incorporated practices from Asia Minor into modern Greek cuisine, nor because ancient Greek dishes survived the Ottoman period and acquired new names. Even in those cases, there are distinctions that are worth heeding with nuance. Not surprising to see that the recommendations that follow are as informed as that opening statement. Vori is a good shout but there are plenty of good representations of Greek cuisine in London that you should go check out if you'd like to learn more about it. Happy to suggest some if so.
I guess there is a first time for everything. This is the first time someone has described me as glaringly misinformed on anything food or wine related. I think I have tried most "Greek" restaurants of note in London and around the UK but I remain open to any recommendations. I am looking forward to Asimakis opening Myrtos shortly maybe it will be the first Greek restaurant to gain a Michelin star in the UK - I don't consider Oma to be Greek do you ? And of course it goes without saying the best Greek food I have had in London/UK was prepared by my Greek father may he rest in peace.
Great piece
I had an excellent meal at newly opened Myrtos by Asimakis a few days ago. Top ingredients in the hands of a top Chef.
Thanks for this, Dino,
Interesting info. Didn’t know catalyst did food. Will go check it out.
Nice one, Dino.
Glaringly misinformed. "There is no Greek cuisine as such" is a statement that is ignorant of not only reality but of food history, the history of many dishes that were developed in the Ottoman period having their roots stem back much farther, often to ancient Greece. I understand the abstract point you are making WRT the idea of a national cuisine, but I think it's quite far removed from reality. Greek cuisine is incredibly rich and is distinct in many ways – it varies across regions but has themes that tie it together. It is not Ottoman simply because there are shared dishes and traditions, nor because Greek refugees incorporated practices from Asia Minor into modern Greek cuisine, nor because ancient Greek dishes survived the Ottoman period and acquired new names. Even in those cases, there are distinctions that are worth heeding with nuance. Not surprising to see that the recommendations that follow are as informed as that opening statement. Vori is a good shout but there are plenty of good representations of Greek cuisine in London that you should go check out if you'd like to learn more about it. Happy to suggest some if so.
I guess there is a first time for everything. This is the first time someone has described me as glaringly misinformed on anything food or wine related. I think I have tried most "Greek" restaurants of note in London and around the UK but I remain open to any recommendations. I am looking forward to Asimakis opening Myrtos shortly maybe it will be the first Greek restaurant to gain a Michelin star in the UK - I don't consider Oma to be Greek do you ? And of course it goes without saying the best Greek food I have had in London/UK was prepared by my Greek father may he rest in peace.