Popular Greek Traditions During The Holidays

Celebrations and holiday festivities are always unique in Greece! People gather with friends and family to enjoy traditional Greek customs, food, and culture during the holidays. From decorations to music to unique recipes, Greek families continue their centuries-old traditions year after year – making these events even more memorable. Here are some of the most famous Greek traditions observed during the holidays.

Gift Exchange

During the holiday season, Greeks exchange gifts as tokens of love and appreciation, as many people participate in Secret Santas or White Elephant exchanges. This tradition is rooted in ancient Greek mythology when Zeus gave all Olympians presents on each festival day.

Decorations

Greeks don’t just decorate for Christmas; they also decorate their homes for other holidays like Easter. Painted ornaments, garlands hung from walls, and trees with handmade decorations help make a home feel warm and festive during special occasions. Many Greeks also hang “evil eye” charms around doorways as protection against bad luck entering the house.

Music And Dancing

Formal dances such as Syros (a circle dance) are often performed while singing carols accompanied by bouzoukis (stringed Greek instruments). Other more modern dances, such as Zeïmbekiko, have slowly found their way into holiday celebrations, bringing further joy to these festive occasions!

Traditional Foods And Snacks

There are a plethora of tasty dishes favored by Greeks during the holidays, from roasted chestnuts, traditional lamb stew or kokoretsi (offal wrapped in intestines)to baklava, melomakarona (honey cookies), and diples (pastry dipped in syrup). Whether it’s something sweet or savory, plenty of delicious plates bring joy to dinner tables across Greece!

Raffles And Games Of Chance

In addition to exchanging gifts amongst friends and family members, a raffle system is sometimes used where godparents or relatives give present prizes as lotteries tickets – with one lucky winner taking home all the goods! Gambling games such as blackjack can often be played at celebrations when everything else has been exhausted – adding an extra level of fun to any get-together amongst close companions.

Fun Places to Get Cocktails in Boston MA

Boston’s cocktail scene has exploded in the past decade. It is currently thriving at some of the best mixology hotspots in the city. Whether searching for a strong classic drink, a meticulously constructed cocktail, an internationally-inspired beverage, or a fun alcoholic slushie, you won’t be let down by these top cocktail bar places. There are speakeasies, bars, and trendy hotspots available.

Lacking the desire for a cocktail? You may still go to one of Boston’s countless dive bars, storied Irish bars, or buzzing sports bars for a chill beer or hearty pour of the booze.

Mentioned below are the fun places to get cocktails in Boston, MA: 

Hecate

In recent years, Hecate has been the hottest new cocktail bar in Boston, MA. This underground speakeasy, owned and run by the same group as Krasi, has the best feeling of being in NYC rather than Boston. As you walk in, your eyes gradually adjust to the darkness, and you wonder if anyone else has managed to get a table at the hippest restaurant in town. The waiters, referred to as your “spirit guides,” make chic cocktails in the background.

Committee 

Inspired by the modern-day “ouzeri” found throughout Greece, Committee is the kind of vibrant, welcoming place where the conversation flows, the sharable plates delight and satisfy, and the creative cocktails keep the mood light and fun. Step in and kick back in a gathering place that brings a new spark–and a true taste of Greece–to the Boston waterfront. Get a taste of Greek meze and cocktails in Boston, MA! Call us today at 617.737.5051!

Krasi

Krasi is located in the Back Bay and has a menu of off-the-beaten-path with natural wines from the islands. Krasi tells the lesser-known stories of Greece, which is one way the concept strives to evoke the cultural concept of philoxenia. You will find wines that have never been poured in Boston and a unique bottle of assyrtiko from the producer Gaia, which has been submerged in the Aegean Sea for five years. Visit us today to get started. 

Popular Greek Wines You Should Try This Holiday Season

Greece is an incredibly diverse country that readily offers its tourists a wide range of experiences to satisfy all five senses. Including an aspect of eno-tourism while visiting Greece will be especially beneficial for those who are knowledgeable about and like wine. Wine is a luxury product that has been sold and enjoyed since the dawn of civilization. Greece is a nation that has a long history of winemaking, which allows for a rich viniculture spanning various kinds. 

In particular, here are the top 6 famous Greek wines you should try this holiday season:

Santo Wines (Santorini PDO)

Prices have been rising annually as Santorini wine’s taste gains recognition; some have compared it to white wine. A fantastic value because wine is being consumed quicker than it can be aged. Santorini might disappear soon. Having a floral scent upon opening, the taste is crisp, dry, and refreshing upon opening, blended with just a hint of oak, and leads to an impressively lengthy finish. The nose begins with a fragrant flowery aroma.

Oenops Wines (Apla White13%)

This delicious white wine from northern Greece combines the thirst-quenching minerality in Santorini’s assyrtiko with the fragrant stone fruit more known in the malagouzia grapes. Again, the aroma of herbs adds a savory note, making this wine robust enough to be consumed on its own or paired with a variety of foods like spicy curries, grilled prawns, or salty cheese.

Atlantis Santorini 13%

Due to its dry soil that is rich in volcanic ash, cool nights, and hot days, Santorini is a magnificent island for wine production. This crisp white wine, mainly from assyrtiko grapes grown locally, is excellent at cutting through spicy foods. This is a superb illustration of the renowned minerality you would anticipate, mixed with tingling acidity and a hint of honeyed fruit to provide an outstanding balance.

Lyrarakis ‘Voila’ Assyrtiko 

Even the most significant wine retailer, Majestic, only carries a few Greek wines. Still, these multiple award-winning bottles were able to secure a spot in the lineup. The family-run wineries discovered that the assyrtiko grapes are particularly happy growing in east Crete. On a hot summer day, this tastes best served nice and cold and is incredibly refreshing and bone-dry. With its renowned minerality, crunchy apple aromas, and thirst-quenching acidity, this assyrtiko wine represents exceptional value.

Ktima Vourvoukelis Limnio 

Ancient Limnio grapes make this rich, sumptuous organic red on the Thrace coast of northern Greece. Expect juicy, youthful red fruit, delicious herbal flavors, rosemary, and a hint of black pepper on the finish with this limited-edition wine. Barbecued steak, hard cheeses, and slow-cooked stews go nicely with it.

Kokotos Three Hills Agiorgitiko

Many red Greek wines produced throughout Greece are luxurious and extravagant. Still, this light, crisp style demonstrates that they are more versatile than that. It is mostly made from Nemea’s agiorgitiko grape. It has spent six months in French wood, but it still boasts good acidity and delicate floral flavors. This holiday season, we’ll pair this with grilled meals. 

What To Do in Seaport District Boston

Several of Boston’s top attractions, activities, and seaside vistas may be found in the Seaport District. In this vibrant city district, there is something for everybody to enjoy, from museums and parks to shopping malls and breweries. As there are plenty of options for everyone, we are listing down the best ten attractions of the Seaport District in Boston for you: 

One Seaport

One Seaport is the one-stop shop for everything, whether you need to go on a shopping binge or find an activity for the whole family. In the Seaport District, the mall has the largest concentration of retail space, including everything from shops and eateries to gyms and entertainment facilities.

Boston Children’s Museum

There are also a lot of family-friendly activities nearby. The Boston Children’s Museum is the ideal spot to entertain children while you are away or enjoy a rainy day with them.

City Cruises

The Seaport District is where many trips on Boston Harbor depart from. Several businesses provide dinner date cruises, daytime harbor tours, whale watching, and sometimes even trips to the nearby islands.

The Lawn on D

Explore The Lawn On D for outdoor entertainment, lawn games, meals, drinks, and much more to enjoy the fresh air! The gorgeous swings are ideal for a family photo, and all will enjoy the engaging outdoor space.

Martin’s Park

Allow the children to get some exercise at Martin’s Park. The park welcomes youngsters of all ages and skills to play together and enjoy the outdoors. The Boston Children’s Museum is conveniently placed just next to it.

The Institute of Contemporary Art

There is a thriving art culture in the Boston Seaport District as well. It would help if you caught the new contemporary shows at the Institute of Contemporary Art. Each Thursday from 5 to 9 PM, everyone is welcome to attend the ICA for free.

Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum

History lovers will appreciate an exciting and dramatic recreation of this important American event. Thanks to actors performing, interactive exhibitions, and scale replicas of sailing ships from the eighteenth century, you will never forget the encounter.

Fan Pier

Take a walk along Fan Pier to enjoy the sights of the lake. It is a prime waterfront location on the East Coast and an example of external architectural beauty.

Waterfront Restaurants

One must recognize the numerous waterfront eateries, all worthwhile visits. You may enjoy everything here, from the finest seafood, Greek favorites, and delicious Italian specialties in the Seaport District. Visit Committee in Boston, MA, after a long day exploring. 

5 Greek Comfort Foods You Will Love

Greece is famous for many things, and its various cuisines are a leading example of how Greece is full of culture and taste. Tourists and locals alike appreciate the flavor and spiciness of Greek foods. 

Greeks put their hearts into their recipes, and their results are worth the effort. Greek spices and many dishes are served worldwide due to their impeccable flavor. Visit Committee in Boston, MA to try some of our Greek favorites this fall. 

Lahanodolmades

Lahanodolmades are also known as Greek Stuffed Cabbage Leaves. It’s a classic Greek dish, and it’s exactly how it sounds, cabbage leaves are stuffed with a mixture of chopped or minced meat (or rice, for vegans). After the stuffing is complete, it’s topped with a sauce of egg and lemon called avgolemono sauce. It can be served at room temperature or warm with a yogurt dip to soften the spiciness. Most people love this dish because you can incorporate spices according to your liking without compromising the dish’s essence.

Spetsofai

This dish is one of the most famous comfort food in Greek. Its origin is Pelion, with red peppers and sausages cooked in thick tomato sauce mixed with various spices. Additionally, if you want a spicier spetsofai, you can incorporate red chili flakes. There are many recipes where most people use hot paprika or hot chili peppers for the sauce. Spetsofai can get spicy quickly, so remember to keep a slice of cheese or yogurt. Cheese is commonly used as it enhances this particular dish’s flavor.

Prasorizo

This is a rice-based dish famous for its thick texture. It’s such a heavy dish that you won’t likely feel hungry until the next meal after eating it. People often eat this during dinner to get fullness and not wake up hungry.  Prasoriza is found throughout the country. Its central element is rice and a few chopped leeks. This dish appears and tastes like a Greek version of risotto while it’s complemented with your choice of herbs (they can be oregano, thyme, or dill).

Meatball Soup

The broth and meatballs make an exquisite taste in the soup. Meatballs are rice or beef, while the broth can sometimes contain vegetables such as carrots, potatoes, and tomatoes. The base of this food is the evergreen avgolemono sauce. This is best for chilly nights and served alongside a salad, bread, or cheese. 

Trahana 

While it doesn’t qualify as a dish, it’s an ingredient everyone in Greece uses, and if you have yet to try it, you should. The homemade version of this ingredient is the most popular demand among the Greeks. Trahana is used to preserve milk. To shape a ball, you can combine your choice of grain (bulgur, cracked meat, semolina, or others) with milk or yogurt. It sometimes looks like granola, making it the perfect comfort food.

When visiting Greece, these are five of the most popular comfort foods you need to try. To connect with your roots back in Greece, you should see Committee right here in Boston MA for these delicious comfort foods. We make sure the quality and taste are up to par.

5 Greek Brunch Essentials To Try

Brunch is a popular meal no matter where you are, but Greek brunch is that much better. It brings a wide variety of foods and flavors to the table. After a long week, a great way to spend a day off is brunch with friends or family and indulging in even better food. 

Committee in Boston, MA has a delicious brunch menu filled with must-try items year-round. Please continue reading to learn more about some Greek brunch essentials and make reservations to visit us today!

Bougatsa

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek dish that is the perfect thing to order at brunch. It consists of a breakfast pastry made with phyllo, vanilla custard, cinnamon, and topped with powdered sugar. The sweetness in this dish is just what you need for a brunch sweet.

Greek Yogurt

A brunch in Greece that is essential is Greek yogurt – brunch, breakfast, or even dessert! Greek yogurt brings a creamy, tart flavor to any brunch spread. At Committee, we serve our Greek yogurt with sour cherry vyssino, pasteli, berries, and granola. If you’re looking for something light, delicious and sweet, this is the option for you. 

Greek Omelet

Omelets are always a go-to breakfast and brunch meal. Packed with many flavors, they are just what you need after a long weekend. A classic Greek omelet is made with spinach, dill, scallions, and feta and served with home fries and pita. This perfect combination offers fresh and savory tastes; you can’t pass up on this essential brunch!

Loukaniko Hash

This brunch dish serves you with three sunny-side-up eggs, pork and leek sausage, butternut squash, celery root, spinach, and sourdough toast. With a combination like this, you can’t go wrong! Try this weekend brunch essential during your next visit to Committee Boston!

Grilled Cheese

Everyone loves grilled cheeses! At Committee, we have a unique twist with our spanakopita grilled cheese. Served with feta, kasseri, and spinach on sourdough bread and a side of tomato soup, this can’t be beaten. This is a perfect meal for the cooler days.

Visit Committee Boston Today

At Committee Boston, we’re serving up the brunch essentials you need. Visit us today and enjoy our delicious brunch selection. Contact us at (617) 737-5051 or check our website. We look forward to having you!

5 Fun Things To Do in Boston’s Seaport

The Seaport in Boston, MA, has some of the best attractions across the city, including events, fun restaurants and bars, and beautiful coastal views. From museums to shopping centers to breweries, there’s something for everyone.

We’ve compiled some of the best ten things to do at the Seaport for your next trip.

Visit A Brewery.

Start your day in the Seaport by visiting one of many of Boston’s best breweries, including Harpoon Brewery, Cisco Brewery, and Trillium. This is one of the largest breweries in the area and constantly serves fresh brews, food, and weekly events and festivals. Check them out online or take a trip downtown! 

Museums, Museums, Museums! 

The Boston Children’s Museum is the perfect place to spend a rainy day with the family. If you are traveling with kids, this is a must-see to help make your experience memorable. The Institute of Contemporary Art is located right on the Seaport and has new and modern exhibits that you shouldn’t miss. Lastly, for the history lovers, enjoy the Boston Tea Party ships and museum for a dramatic and engaging historic American event. Live actors, interactive exhibits, and full-scale 18-century sailing vessels are just a few things you will experience.

Indulge At The Lawn on D.

Another fun option when enjoying your time in Boston’s Seaport is to soak up the outdoors on the Lawn on D. This open space features music events, lawn games, food, drinks, and more! With activities for the entire family, we promise you will enjoy this interactive outdoor space with scenic swings and popular photo spots.

Let Loose at Martin’s Park.

If you have younger children, bring them to burn off some energy at Martin’s Park before dinner! This park is a great, inclusive play area for children of any age. Let your children let loose and meet other children in the area! It’s also located conveniently right outside the Boston Children’s Museum. 

Visit Waterfront Restaurants.

Lastly, we can’t forget to tell you to visit one of the many delicious and beautiful restaurants along the waterfront. In the Seaport District, you’ll find everything from the freshest seafood, American classics, and mouth-watering Greek dishes to indulge in – like here at Committee in the Seaport. Visit us today to get started – end your long day in Boston with some refreshing Greek cocktails and cuisine! 

The Grapes of Greece: 5 Facts About Greek Wine

Despite the country’s truly ancient history of winemaking, Greek wine is often overlooked in favor of its European counterparts. Keep reading below to learn more about what makes Greek wine so unique. 

A Proud History

Greek wine dates back to 4000 BC when the first vines were domesticated. Various communities throughout Greece perfected the techniques and soon became the center of wine. Greek wine almost went out of existence during the Ottoman Empire’s ruling. The Turks discouraged both the process of winemaking and consumption. Due to this, winemakers were forced to abandon their vineyards and because of this, Greece lost its status as a winemaking power. 

The Nectar of the Gods

In Ancient Greece, wine was offered as a sacrifice to the Gods in times of celebration. Dionysus is the god of grape harvest, winemaking, and wine. It was he that the winemakers would worship to ensure a good harvest.

Unique Varietals & Perfect Conditions

Did you know that Greece has over 200 indigenous grapes? This includes Xinomavro, Assyrtiko, Agiorgitiko, and Savino – some of the most common varieties as seen on our wine list. As Greece is the only country with these, they produce wines that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In addition to this, Greece has the perfect conditions for vineyards. The terroir is rich, with sprawls of mountains, lush valleys, and mineral-rich islands. The soil is fertile and regularly watered, there is plenty of sun in the summer and fall for the ideal ripening.

Variety and Dynamism

Unlike many famous European vineyards, winemakers in Greece are dynamic, all about looking for new ways to improve their methods. Increasingly, we are also seeing organic vineyards producing even better-quality wines, unique to these regions. Only good quality wine ages well and many of the country’s red wines show good potential for aging.

Award-Winning

Lastly, and most importantly, Greek wines are always winning international awards for our delicious wine varieties. Last year’s Decanter World Wine Awards gave Greek wines 1 Platinum-Best in Show, 2 Platinums, and 9 Golds. Visit Committee in Boston, MA to try some award-winning wines right here in the city – you won’t even have to travel to Greece! 

Visit Committee in Boston, MA

Visit us in Boston, MA to try our variety of Greek award-winning wines! See what you like best, and figure out what matches your palate. We can help you! Make reservations online or come on in. 

5 Fun Facts About Seafood

Everyone indulges in seafood throughout the year, but especially in the Summer. You’ll see a lot of seafood, but how much do you know about these fishy dishes? Check out the five surprising facts about seafood below.

Mahi used to be called dolphinfish.

Did you know that Mahi Mahi used to be called the dolphinfish? They got the name not because they are related to dolphins but due to their tendency to swim along with boats, just like dolphins. They are now more commonly known as Mahi Mahi to avoid confusion, which is Hawaiian and translates to “strong-strong” – although, in some areas, you will still hear them being referred to as dolphinfish.

Blue crabs mate only once in their lives.

A fun fact about crabs is that female blue crabs only mate once in their lives. Their mating occurs when they are in the soft shell stage. Although they mate once, they release fertilized eggs multiple times. In addition, crabs live in some of the most diverse environments of any sea creature.

Some schools contain millions of fish.

Fish join schools to swim more efficiently and to help protect themselves from predators. They can stay in large groups using a sensory structure called the lateral line. This picks up vibrations in the water and helps them stay in the same area. Most of the time, these schools of fish contain millions of fish and can be seen on the ocean’s surface.

Fish don’t have vocal cords.

Fish don’t have vocal cords; most communicate by making sounds using other body parts. These sounds aren’t familiar to the human ear and include sounds such as sonic muscles near their swim bladders, tendons in the pectoral fins, and skeletal components that are rubbed together to make a sound.

The US Department of Health recommends eating two servings of seafood a week.

The average American eats less than one serving of seafood per week. Need help getting another weekly serving? Head to Committee in Boston, MA, for some authentic Greek seafood dishes!

Visit Committee in Boston, MA, for Greek Seafood

It’s easy to understand why seafood is an essential part of Greek cuisine. On top of the fun fact, it is a crucial piece of the human diet. There are so many islands and well-developed coastal areas where the seafood is readily accessible, meaning that Greek seafood dishes are of the highest quality.

What is Boston Most Famous For & Where to Visit! 

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States and is one of the best places to experience American history for all ages. Start off at the Boston Common and enjoy sightseeing along the Freedom Trail. Families with kids will find plenty of activities and distractions throughout the Boston Common – including swan boats in the Boston Public Garden or come aboard the USS Constitution Museum! Here are some more popular and historic Boston spots.

Visit Fenway Park

As the Boston Red Sox’s home since 1912, Fenway Park is where you can learn about Major League Baseball history. Take a tour around the park and learn about past heroes at the hall of fame. Purchase tickets to a game and see living Boston baseball legends play against the Yankees, Royals, Rangers, and many more teams! Even if you aren’t a die-hard baseball fan, the experience alone is worth it.

Walk Around Boston Common

The Boston Common is the oldest urban park in the United States, dating back to 1864. It played a significant role during the American Revolution, a popular destination where the Redcoats were encamped. Founding Fathers would gather to celebrate the nation’s independence in the Boston commons, and it now offers over 50 acres of historical monuments under beautiful greenery and recreational activities.

Take a Trip To Boston Museums

Boston has plenty of fun and unique art museums for you to visit this summer. On the hot days, consider going inside to one of these delightful museums! 

Museum of Fine Arts: This magnificent building on Huntington Ave has some of America’s most comprehensive art collections. It is easy to get lost in the beautiful hallways and rooms, viewing the varied pieces of beautiful art. The Museum of Fine Arts’ collection ranges from Greek, Egyptian, and Native American, to contemporary art and more.

MIT Museum: Discover scientific and technological breakthroughs through the MIT Museum’s collections. Inside, you can find a wealth of objects, photographs, videos, and holograms, showing some of the achievements of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology since its founding in 1861! 

Treat Yourself to Dinner in the Seaport 

Lastly, after a long day exploring Boston, MA museums and historical sites, enjoy a relaxing meal at Committee on the waterfront. Inspired by the modern-day “ouzeri” found throughout Greece, Committee is the kind of vibrant, welcoming place where the conversation flows, the sharable plates delight and satisfy, and the creative cocktails keep the mood light and fun. Step in and kick back in a gathering place that brings a new spark–and a true taste of Greece–to the Boston waterfront.