In the past 36 hours, I’ve had Greek yogurt in manifest forms, including sweetened with honey, dusted with toasted and caramelized nuts, mixed with chopped cucumber and garlic, and stirred into creamy risotto. I’ve also been served at least nine courses of meat.
We’ve been experiencing Cretan culture.
Sunday we were treated to a vast lunch banquet: stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie, sausages and meatballs, cabbage salad, sesame-studded bread, yogurt with garlic; tomatoes, cucumbers and feta drizzled with herbs and olive oil; risotto and chicken followed by lamb and potatoes; fresh grapes, apples and pears; and wine. Always wine. Then there were traditional Cretan music and dances, performed by youth who were about 12 years old.
Sunday at dinner, we were treated to another Cretan banquet: stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie, sausages and meatballs, cabbage salad, sesame-studded bread, yogurt with garlic; tomatoes, cucumbers and feta drizzled with herbs and olive oil; risotto and chicken followed by lamb and potatoes; fresh grapes, apples and pears; and wine. Always wine. Then there were traditional Cretan music and dances, performed by youth who were about 16 years old.
Last night, we were treated to...another Cretan banquet: stuffed grape leaves, spinach pie, sausages and meatballs, crispy bread with tomatoes and goat cheese, cabbage salad, sesame-studded bread, yogurt with garlic; tomatoes, cucumbers and feta drizzled with herbs and olive oil; risotto and chicken followed by lamb and potatoes; fresh grapes, apples and pears; and wine. Always wine. Then there were traditional Cretan music and dances, performed by youth who were about 20 years old.
Turns out we’ve been served the food of a traditional Cretan wedding. I expect tonight, our last night in Crete, the meal will reappear.
And I'm guessing the dancers will be in their mid-20s.
Comments
