The Art of Greek Hospitality

Many cultures pride themselves on different virtues. Of course, almost all cultures pride themselves on their food and cuisine. However, hospitality is one part of Greek culture you will often hear about. Being hospitable to guests and others is a core defining characteristic of Greek culture. Greek families have taught and practiced hospitality for thousands of years, which often interlinks with Greek cuisine. Sharing recipes, food, and a palace to eat are all pillars of hospitality. 

A History of Hospitality 

The many traditions we observe today that take root in ancient practices from thousands of years ago cannot be understated. And of course, this is very true when we look at Greek culture. Like other ancient civilizations, Greece understood the importance of codifying virtues into their culture. We often see this in ancient stories and myths. For example, in one myth, a couple, Philemon and Baucis, are the only two village members willing to provide food (even though they had little) to visiting beggars. It is revealed that after their hospitality, these beggars were the gods in disguise looking to test the village’s virtues. Because the rest of the village failed that test, the village was flooded, and Philemon and Baucis were the only survivors of this judgment. 

This story tells us how ancient Greeks interwove the virtue of hospitality into their legends and their faith. Understanding the importance of sharing a meal even when it was not convenient was seen as a supreme virtue among Greeks, which echoed throughout history. 

What Is Xenia?

Xenia, or in Greek ξενία, is the concept of hospitality. It can be translated as “guest-friendship” or “ritualized friendship”. The ancient Greeks understood etiquette and hospitality, which involved following the strict rules expected of any Greek man or woman hosting others. It was considered a moral and political obligation for ancient Greeks to provide hospitality to other Greeks, foreigners, and guests.

Because of its position in the Mediterranean and its growth throughout Europe and Asia, ancient Greeks were constantly sharing their culture, food, and hospitality with others. Two rules of Xenia were that hosts would provide their guests with all the basic needs, including safe travel to their next destination. In turn, guests would be gracious to their hosts and do their best not to burden them. Guests would provide news from their travels, while hosts would provide food and lodging. 

Enjoy Greek Hospitality & Food at Committee in the Seaport

Even today, the traditions of ancient Greece are echoed throughout the lives of many Greek men and women around the globe. Here at Committee, we pride ourselves on following Greek cuisine and hospitality traditions. 

Popular Greek Summer Destinations

Greece is adorned with ancient wonders, crystal-clear waters, and sun-soaked mountains. There is no wrong spot to visit in Greece; you must pick which location to enjoy your holiday hours. Depending on your time, you could choose to experience the country’s best, ranging from the big cities to the smaller fishing villages or some of the southernmost islands. If you are craving a trip to Greece, consider visiting Committee in the Seaport of Boston, MA, for delicious Greek cuisine and a fun atmosphere. The following are some of the most popular summer destinations:

The Greek Islands

The gorgeous beaches, clear blue waters, and breathtaking sunsets make this an easy people’s favorite. Explore the world of well-liked Greek summer islands, and you’ll find an abundance of paradises. The largest Greek island, Crete, captivates visitors with a unique combination of historic sites, immaculate beaches, and lively local culture. Party animals and those looking for downtime alike are drawn to Mykonos, which is well-known for its exciting nightlife. 

Explore the Hidden Coastal Havens

Beyond the appeal of the islands, Greece offers serene coastal communities that abound in scenic beauty. The Peloponnese Peninsula provides a tranquil getaway with historical landmarks like Ancient Olympia and quaint seaside towns. The Ionian Islands, which include Corfu and Zakynthos, are known for their beautiful scenery, turquoise waters, and charming beaches that appeal to visitors looking for peace away from the beaten road. 

A Road Trip Around Pelion and Mycenae

These places have interesting background stories, which makes them tourist attractions. Also, they have many exciting tales and myths to back up the scenery. For instance, according to Greek mythology, Athen, Hera, and Aphrodite attended a wedding in the mountains of the Pelion peninsula. However, they all took a golden apple, which rightfully belonged to the fairest guest at the reception. As a result of their action, a spiral of jealousy was ignited, leading to the war of Troy. 

Pelion: A road trip down Pelion’s stone-built villages and forests is a sight. You get to enjoy apples from the local orchards and enjoy the scenery. Also, you can visit the mountain villages shaded by large centenarian plane trees.

Mycenae: It is also referred to as the land of ancient blood. It has an ageless arch made with monumental stones and designed at the top with a pair of predators. Hence, it is sometimes referred to as the Lion Gate. Inside the gate lies the ancestral home of the House of Atreus and a once-upon-a-time dwelling place of the noble and doomed like Orestes, Agamemnon, Iphigenia, Clytemnestra, and Electra. It has stood for over 3,500 years and isn’t going anywhere soon.

It would help if you visited Greece to enjoy its distinctive architecture, world-class cuisine, and romantic ambiance. Also, the islands provide an idyllic backdrop for an unforgettable vacation, taking you on an adventure that transcends the ordinary. Its harmonious blends of history, romance, and natural attractions define and offer the essence of a perfect Greek summer escape. 

Why is the Greek Diet So Healthy?

Nestled amid the Mediterranean’s sun-kissed coastlines, the Greek diet has long been renowned for its extraordinary impact on health and life. This culinary legacy has become linked with life and well-being, embracing abundant fresh, locally sourced foods and a balance of flavors. Here are a few reasons why the Greek diet is so healthy. 

Mediterranean Staples

A focus on complete, nutrient-dense foods inspired by the Mediterranean way of life is at the heart of the Greek diet. This diet’s mainstay, olive oil, is high in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which help with heart health and overall well-being. Fresh fruits and vegetables, high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, are featured in various vibrant recipes, while whole grains provide long-lasting energy and critical elements.

Lean Proteins

Greek cuisine emphasizes lean protein sources such as fish, poultry, and lentils. Fish, particularly fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, is a staple that promotes cardiovascular and cognitive health. Legumes, such as lentils and chickpeas, provide a fiber-rich plant-based protein source, supporting digestive health and promoting a balanced diet. Whether grilled or roasted, lean meats round out the protein profile, adding a delicious and healthful addition to meals.

Herbs and spices

The Greek diet features a well-balanced blend of herbs and spices that enhance flavor and add to the diet’s overall healthfulness. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties are infused into recipes with oregano, rosemary, garlic, and other aromatic ingredients. This improves food taste, boosts the immune system, and promotes general wellness.

Moderate Wine Consumption

Wine, particularly red wine, is frequently consumed in moderation as part of the Greek dining experience. Red wine, which is high in antioxidants like resveratrol, has been linked to improved heart health and longevity. When consumed in accompanying meals, it enhances the flavors of the Mediterranean diet while providing health advantages when appropriately eaten.

Cultural Practices

Beyond the precise food selections, the Greek diet is linked with cultural activities that enrich the whole eating experience. Meals are frequently consumed leisurely, which fosters a sense of camaraderie and reduces stress. Because stress reduction is acknowledged as a crucial determinant in overall health, this thoughtful approach to dining contributes to the diet’s favorable impact on mental well-being.

Visit Committee at the Boston, MA Seaport

Committee’s menu, created to emphasize authenticity and well-being, highlights the Mediterranean’s bright tastes and nutritious principles. Each meal is a monument to the wholesome beauty of Greek cuisine, from the golden richness of extra virgin olive oil to the enticing assortment of fresh vegetables and lean proteins. Let Committee be your destination for an enlightening culinary experience that embraces the time-honored wisdom of the Greek way of life, where each bite is a step toward better health.

What Makes Greek Food So Good?

Greek food isn’t just a meal; it’s like stumbling upon a hidden treasure chest of flavors, a culinary adventure that’ll have your taste buds doing the happy dance. If you’ve ever wondered what’s the deal with Greek food, hold onto your taste buds because we’re about to dive headfirst into the delicious mysteries of Greece.

A Taste of Greece: Why Greek Food Rocks

Greek cuisine isn’t about culinary acrobatics; it’s all about letting the ingredients shine and doing a little Mediterranean dance in your mouth. So, let’s spill the (olive) oil on what makes Greek food stand out:

Freshness Rules the Roost. Greek food takes the “fresh is best” mantra to a new level. It’s like they have a hotline to the vegetable garden of the gods, serving up ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and herbs so fragrant they make your taste buds stand up and applaud.

Mediterranean Magic on Your Plate

Thanks to its prime Mediterranean real estate, Greek cuisine boasts a seafood game as strong as Poseidon’s trident. It’s a seafood lover’s paradise, from grilled octopus to buttery sardines.

Herbs & Spices: The Greek Flavor Wizardry

Greek chefs are like wizards with herbs and spices. Oregano, thyme, rosemary, and garlic are their magic wands, transforming simple ingredients into culinary enchantments.

Simplicity with a Dash of Pizzazz

Greek cuisine knows how to do “less is more” with style. Whether it’s a classic Greek salad or a gyro bursting with flavor, they believe in quality ingredients stealing the spotlight.

The Liquid Gold: Olive Oil

Olive oil in Greek cooking isn’t just an ingredient; it’s the show’s star. It’s got a rich, fruity flavor that adds a dose of Mediterranean sunshine to every dish.

Tavernas: Where the Magic Happens

In Greece, meals are more than just eating; they’re an event. Gather with friends and family at a cozy taverna, raise a glass of ouzo, and let the feast begin. It’s like a Mediterranean fiesta for your taste buds.

Sweet Endings with Greek Desserts

Greek desserts are the grand finale that’ll leave your sweet tooth singing. Baklava, those honey-soaked layers of pastry, are like a culinary hug from Greece.

Why You Should Savor Greek Food at Committee

At Committee, we’re like culinary wizards, conjuring up the essence of Greece in every dish. From the freshest ingredients to age-old recipes, we’re here to make your taste buds do a Greek dance. Greek food isn’t just about filling your belly; it’s about creating memories around the table and experiencing the joys of simplicity.. So, set off on the culinary adventure and let Greek food’s goodness guide you.

The History of Greek Meze

Meze is a term that describes a custom in Greece and other Mediterranean nations. Although it is similar to how we think of “appetizers” in the United States, it is much more than that in Greece. Meze consists of little dishes created to be shared and savored over an extended time by friends and family.

What is a meze?

Known variously as mezedes or meters, a meze platter is a collection of little nibbles that makes an ideal appetizer or light meal before dinner. It hits the perfect balance between being fair enough to enable you to enjoy your meal and being substantial enough to satisfy your appetite. It can be consumed before the main course or as a full dining experience. It can be grouped into the following basic groups:

• Hot meze
• Vegetable meze
• Sweet meze
• Cold meze
• Fish meze

History of Greek meze

Meze originated in the Balkans, Greece, Turkey, and nations further south, like Lebanon and Syria. This long-standing custom shows a value Greeks hold: conversing with friends over a few dishes of delectable, straightforward food while enjoying different meals. The Greeks rarely eat without drinking, and they seldom drink without eating.

The practice of savoring mezethes is still very much alive in the capital of Greece, and on any given day of the week in the mid-afternoon, the city’s downtown mezethopoleia are crowded with workers taking a break or stopping by before returning home for a full midday meal. 

What consists of a meze?

Nearly anything can be served as a meze, ranging from a straightforward dish of olives, sliced cucumber, and bread to hearty preparations like spicy sauces or even yesterday’s leftover supper. The type of meze provided will depend on the kind of booze being consumed. For instance, dishes with strong flavors like pickled vegetables, strong cheeses, olives, and salted fish accompany less flavored wine.

Why meze?

Greek culture still holds fast to the ancient Greeks’ emphasis on the communal nature of eating, as eating with family, friends, or coworkers is more advantageous since you can ensure everyone eats enough and that there are no leftovers after the meal. Making time to eat with others might be challenging in today’s hectic world. Thankfully, Greeks worldwide offer various services, including catering and in-store dining, to allow indigenes and tourists to share a meal. The history of Greek meze goes beyond the cuisine alone; it also reflects the customs and values that make up Greek civilization. Meze symbolizes friendliness, charity, and the pleasure of dining with loved ones and exemplifies the culture of loving the embrace of a family or stranger.