Five Best Greek Cocktails to Drink

While most people prefer cocktails from various countries, people rarely talk about Greek Cocktails. And when you ask them why, they usually say they never got to try it. So, if you’re looking to try something new or want to be that person at a party who knows how to make a good cocktail, here are some Greek cocktails you should try. Here are five fun Greek cocktails that you should drink. 

Bold Greek Cocktail: 

The Bold Greek is a bold cocktail that is a great way to end a meal and complements coffee. This Barbaresco ouzo is the ultimate infusion with a dash of coffee, sweet fennel syrup, and some liquor with a few drops of citrus. It’s a tasty, cool beverage that is incredibly refreshing on a lovely summer’s day.

Ouzo Lemonade Cocktail: 

Those who prefer refreshing Greek-inspired cocktails will appreciate Ouzo Lemonade as the ultimate choice. This traditional Greek anise ouzo flavor is often mixed with water and made into clear, milky white wine. The cocktail comprises ouzo, honey, lemon, and mint, which gives a refreshing flavor. However, the ouzo’s flavor can also be adjusted for sweetness and mild harshness.

Mastiha Cocktails: 

The Mastiha Maia is a Greek cocktail made from the sap of a pine tree that grows on Chios island. This particular liqueur is so interesting because it has some menthol attributes and can be very refreshing on a cold day. All you need to make this refreshing drink is Mastiha liqueur, tequila, lime juice, and pomegranate syrup. This drink is especially great for pool parties and other outdoor events.  

Greek Bloody Mary Cocktail: 

Unlike most Bloody Maries you’ve had, none of them had Worcestershire sauce in them! You will need arugula, olive oil, tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, soy sauce (marinated coconut milk), salt, pepper, vodka, lemon juice, and ice to make this. This tangy and hot taste instantly makes it pop, and it is a perfect cocktail to pull out during brunch. 

Adonis Cocktail:

Known as the Adonis, this cocktail dates back to 1890 and is named after the ancient Greek god of rebirth. A complex, low-alcohol brew that blends sweet, dry sherry with sweet vermouth and orange bitters. The best part is that its lower alcohol content makes it great for brunch and social events. 

Visit Committee in the Seaport 

Greek cocktails usually don’t get the attention they so rightfully deserve, especially regarding their unique blends and flavors. While these five are the most popular, they only scratch the surface of good cocktails—Visit Committee in the Seaport to try more delicious cocktails. 

Why You Should Choose A Mediterranean Diet?

Health experts recommend choosing a Mediterranean diet because it has many benefits. The diet was said to be the best by the U.S. News and World Report and even won the Best Diet Overall award. The blog will shed light on the Mediterranean diet and its benefits. 

The Mediterranean Diet: What Is It? 

When the word diet is heard, people frown that they would have to compromise their eating habits and add vegetables and fruits to their plates. Guess what? The Mediterranean diet is a different eating pattern, where you will eat traditional ingredients that the locals eat on the banks of the Mediterranean Sea.

The diet focuses on minimizing the consumption of processed foods as much as possible. Yes, you will fill your plate with plant-based meals and healthy fats instead of heavily processed meals that affect your health adversely. Consuming a Mediterranean diet has various benefits, explained below:

Reduces Risk of Heart Disease

Don’t you want to live a long and healthy life? Or are you ready to put your heart at risk through regular consumption of oily foods and late-night takeouts? No right! Following a Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the researchers discovered in a study conducted in 2013 that the people who religiously followed a Mediterranean diet were less prone to have a stroke, cardiovascular issues, and heart attacks than people who were on a low-fat diet. 

Helps In Losing Weight 

Have you tried to work on your weight loss goals by going to the gym, controlling your portions, and trying new fad diets, but nothing seems to work? The good news is that the Mediterranean diet has come to the rescue of your goals. Don’t believe it? A study found that younger women who properly ate the Mediterranean diet had a lesser body mass index when compared with the females who hardly followed for a few days. You must be wondering about the magic involved here. Well, the diet consists of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Apart from that, it is generously packed with fiber meant to keep you full for a longer time, reducing your food consumption without any diet.  

Supports Brain Health

A healthy and functioning brain matters a lot, especially for people suffering from cognitive illness, Alzheimer’s, and, of course, memory issues. The Mediterranean diet supports brain health by improving cognitive function and boosting memory. 

Visit Committee in the Seaport 

If you are impressed by the benefits of the Mediterranean diet mentioned above, visit the Committee in the Seaport of Boston, MA. 

Great Greek Brunch Options in the Seaport

Greek foods are full of flavor and variety. After a long week, a great way to spend a weekend day is to get delicious Greek cuisine for brunch with friends, family, or a date. Committee Boston offers incredible brunch options filled with must-try items. 

Classic Greek Brunch Options in Seaport 

At Committee, we blend Greek and American brunch traditions to create innovative dishes. Read below to learn more about unique Greek brunch essentials and prepare for your next brunch!

Shakshouka 

Shakshouka is a staple dish for all meals in the Middle East. Shakshuka roughly translates to ‘shaken’ or ‘mixed up’, basically how it is prepared. You’re adding things to a pan and cooking them on lower heat. At Committee, we serve our brunch shakshouka with spiced tomato sauce, peppers, and onions topped with feta and a pita. 

Classic Greek Omelet

Omelets are always a go-to brunch meal. They’re packed with many flavors and are just what you need on the weekend. The Greek omelet at Committee is cooked with two eggs, loukaniko, pork and leek sausage, kefalograviera cheese, and oregano, served with potatoes and pita. This perfect combination offers fresh foods with savory and sweet tastes; you can’t pass up on this essential brunch!

Lamb Kofta Hash

This brunch dish serves you with two eggs sunny-side up, spicy harissa yogurt, roasted sweet potato, swiss chard, caramelized onion, and spiced ground lamb. It’s served with grilled sourdough. With a combination like this, you can’t go wrong. Try this weekend brunch essential during your next visit to Committee Boston!

Brunch Sweet Treats in Seaport

Everybody loves a good, sweet option for brunch. At Committee, we have a few you could try. Our Greek pancakes have a strawberry-mastiha cheesecake sauce, fresh whipped cream, and a Greek butter biscuit crust. We also serve a tsoureki toast with caramelized bananas, Metaxa brown sugar syrup, candied walnuts, and fresh whipped cream. We have an option for everyone! 

Delicious Brunch Options in the Seaport

If you’re coming with friends, we have some tremendous shareable dishes. Our Greek pancakes and tsoureki toast mentioned above are great options to share with friends and family or on a date. Our Shakshouka is also a tremendous shareable option. 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 visit our website.

We look forward to having you!

Best Greek Soups for a Cold Winters Day

Curling up with a hot bowl of soup is the perfect way to beat the winter blues. Greek soups are a gastronomic treasure trove, offering more than just nourishment. Delve into their varied and fascinating universe. If you want a memorable winter experience regarding dining, these are the Greek soups you should try.

Greek Fava Soup

A timeless favorite, Greek Fava Soup will warm your heart and spirit regardless of season. This robust soup with split yellow peas exudes simplicity and a rich taste. Every bite transports you to the balmy Mediterranean thanks to the addition of red onion, capers, and a splash of golden olive oil. To beat the winter blues, indulge in a cup of Greek Fava Soup—a traditional dish with a velvety texture and a flavor profile that will warm you from the inside out.

Classic Avgolemono Chicken Soup

This soup is a delightful example of Greek culinary genius, combining elements of both simplicity and grace. The soul-soothing broth envelops the palette with its silky texture and egg enrichment. Indulge in this harmonious dish’s succulent chicken chunks and fragrant rice. The zesty citrus flavors will awaken your taste buds. This bowl of Greek comfort food goes above and beyond to provide a warm embrace on chilly winter days.

Pumpkin Soup

With its hearty, earthy taste, this soup is the perfect way to welcome winter. This hearty soup combines roasted pumpkin and aromatic spices to taste like fall. The end product is a golden, velvety, comforting, lively mixture. A dollop of this harvest-themed spread, adorned with nutmeg and a swirl of Greek yogurt, is a joy to eat. The adaptability of Greek cuisine is on full display in this pumpkin soup, which elevates simple ingredients to a bowl full of autumnal beauty.

Chicken Noodle Soup

Even though chicken noodle soup is a typical dish, the Greek version has a unique twist. This Greek take on an old favorite, scented with lemon and dill, is a reassuring antidote to the winter blues by adding a touch of Mediterranean warmth to an otherwise familiar recipe.

Trahana Soup with Spiced Red Pepper Puree

Traditional Greek pasta called trama, produced from cracked wheat and fermented milk, is the star of this homey soup with spiced red pepper puree. When combined with a spicy red pepper puree, Trahana Soup tastes buds on a flavor journey.

Visit Committee in the Seaport 

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

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 Cocktails Go With Middle Eastern Food

If you’re searching for a simple and enjoyable way to shake up your typical drinking habit, why not give Middle Eastern cocktails a try? From fruity and pleasant to spicy and smokey, there is a drink for every occasion.

You can choose the right Middle Eastern drink to suit your tastes. If you want to shake things up, try one of these beverages.

What Cocktails Go Well With Middle Eastern Food?

Middle Eastern food is well-known for its rich and varied flavors, and the proper drink can set the mood. The cuisine of the Middle East is renowned for its fragrant spices, succulent meats, and exquisite balance of sweet and savory flavors.

 Pairing cocktails that go well with Middle Eastern cuisine will make for a more enjoyable dining experience. The correct drink can make any meal more enjoyable, whether it’s the minty freshness of a Mojito with Moroccan fare or the exotic elegance of a Pomegranate Martini with Persian treats.

Minty Mojito 

Complex flavors, frequently including both sweet and savory components, are what set Moroccan food apart. Mojitos made with fresh mint, lime, and just a touch of sugar are the ideal accompaniment to the richness of foods like tagines and pastillas. The cocktail’s crisp, minty tones provide a welcome counterpoint to the cocktail’s warm, fragrant Moroccan spices.

Pomegranate Martini 

Persian cuisine is an extravagant tapestry of flavors, and pomegranates are a common element in many meals. This is especially true with the Pomegranate Martini. The rich, slightly sour taste of a Pomegranate Martini pairs exquisitely with the sweet and savory aromas of Persian stews and kebabs. The cocktail’s brilliant hue will make your meal seem more special.

Sazerac 

Herbs, garlic, and grilled meats are common ingredients in traditional Lebanese recipes, emphasizing solid and fresh flavors. The herbal absinthe aromas and subtle sweetness of Sazerac’s classic drink pair well with the bold flavors of Lebanese mezze and grilled meals. It’s as multifaceted as the flavors in Lebanese food.

Aromatic Gin and Tonic 

From aromatic kebabs to sweet and sticky baklava, the Turkish culinary scene is a veritable flavor explosion. A Gin and Tonic, with some fresh citrus or fragrant herbs, would be delicious. When paired with the deep and savory flavors of Turkish cuisine, the cocktail’s herbal and citric overtones stand out as a welcome relief.

Lavender Lemonade 

Using olive oil, crisp vegetables, and fragrant herbs in Mediterranean cooking calls for a refreshing and herbal drink. A vital option is a Lavender Lemonade, which combines lavender syrup, fresh lemon juice, and carbonated water. Its zesty, flowery aroma pairs well with fresh, delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

Why Choose Committee for Perfect Middle Eastern Cocktail Pairings

Committee‘s commitment to quality and sincerity makes for an unforgettable Middle Eastern food trip. Your journey starts here with our carefully made drinks and exotic flavors. We raise our glasses to the unique flavors and customs of the Middle East, where each dish and drink is a window into a vast cultural tapestry.

Try These Greek Meals In Boston, MA

Are you looking for new meals to try? Are you transitioning into a Mediterranean diet?

Here are some great Greek meal options for you to try. Visit Committee in the Seaport of Boston, MA, for an authentic Greek experience. 

Meze & Cheeses

One of the most famous Greek cuisines you must try is our meze and cheese options as a first course or a light snack. This typically includes an array of Greek dips, including tzatziki, hummus, or a yogurt dip. At Committee, we have various options, including our delicious Halloumi cheese french fries, served with a tomato-mustard sauce. We also have a simple olive meze dish with Peloponnese olives, garlic, cumin, thyme, and orange zest. 

Spanakopita 

If you have yet to try Spanakopita, visit the Committee as soon as possible. Spanakopita is a delicious savory pie made of crispy layers of phyllo dough and a comforting filling of spinach and feta cheese. Spanakopita makes a great side dish for large holiday dinners next to lamb or lemon chicken. Serve it with a big salad like Greek or Mediterranean chickpea salads and favorite dips like Greek Tzatziki or Roasted Garlic Hummus. If you don’t feel like cooking it yourself, visit Committee and try our take on the Spanakopita with our Spanakopita Manti, spinach and feta dumplings, sun-dried tomatoes, and retsina sauce. 

Gyro

Gyros are one of the most famous Greek street food dishes. It is simple and consists of meat such as pork, chicken, or a lamb and veal mixture cooked on a vertical spit. The meat is sliced in thin shavings and placed in pita bread with toppings of your choice – such as tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers. Some people also like to add french fries to the gyros for a crunchy addition. Gyros is derived from the Greek word gheereezo, meaning to turn, referring to the rotating spit on which the meat is cooked. Some believe that gyros originated during Alexander the Great when soldiers skewered meat on their swords and cooked it over a fire. At Committee, we offer a twist to the gyro with our bao gyro – consisting of crispy pork belly, BBQ tzatziki, and Greek slaw.

Souvlaki 

Souvlaki is one of the most famous Greek dishes in addition to gyros. It comprises small cubes of skewered and grilled pork, chicken, lamb, or beef. It is a popular fast food typically served in small eateries that often serve gyros and similar grilled meat dishes. Souvlaki first appeared in ancient Greece when it was called kandaulos, consisting of grilled meat, pita bread, cheese, and dill. At Committee in Boston, MA, we offer a lamb souvlaki with rigani, lemon, and tzatziki. 

Why Greek Food is the Healthiest Diet

Greek food is popular in restaurants, parties, and home gatherings. Research shows that the exceptional preference for Greek food isn’t only attributed to its taste and health advantages. According to the U.S. World News Report, individuals living around the Mediterranean Sea live longer and healthy. They are mostly found to be free of cancer and cardio-related diseases. Greek foods are considered the healthiest diet because they are rich in nutrients. Thus, the primary nutritional components of Greek foods are further explained below.

Fresh Vegetables

Greek diets contain many fresh vegetables, including cucumbers, leafy greens, eggplants, tomatoes, and bell peppers. These vegetables are rich in minerals, vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is a cornerstone of Greek cuisine and is used generously in cooking and salads. It is considered a better alternative to butter because olive oil contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids and is lower in saturated fat. The fat content in olive oil benefits heart health and reduces inflammation. 

Whole Grains

Grains like whole wheat, barley, and bulgur are commonly used in Greek dishes. They offer complex carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients.

Lean Proteins

Greek cuisine incorporates lean protein sources, such as fish, seafood, poultry, legumes, and yogurt. These proteins provide essential amino acids and are lower in saturated fats than red meat.

Fresh Herbs and Spices

Greek cuisine incorporates an array of herbs and spices like oregano, thyme, mint, and garlic. This adds flavor without the need for excess salt or unhealthy sauces.

Other Characteristics of Greek Foods

Apart from the nutritional components, Greek foods are also made up of the following characteristics:

Limited processed foods: Traditional Greek cuisine relies on fresh, whole foods and minimizes using processed and fast foods. This reduces the intake of unhealthy additives and preservatives.

Red wine: Red wine, a common feature in the Mediterranean diet, has particular health benefits when consumed in moderation. These benefits include anti-oxidation, improved heart, healthy bones, and better blood sugar control.

Social and lifestyle factors: Besides the food itself, Greek food is often enjoyed socially and leisurely. This encourages mindful eating and positive social interactions.

The Greek diet is low in red meat, saturated fat, and sugar, and its combination with an active lifestyle helps manage weight. Embracing the principles of Greek food as an approach to nutrition can contribute to your well-being. 

Don’t Miss Out On These Greek Brunch Essentials

Greek brunch brings a wide variety of foods and flavors to the table. After a long week, a great way to spend a weekend day is to get brunch with good people and indulge in even better food! Committee Boston offers a delicious brunch menu filled with must-try items. Continue reading to learn more about some Greek brunch essentials and prepare for your next weekend brunch!

Bougatsa

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

Artichoke Moussaka

A well-known dish that you have to try is artichoke moussaka. There are many variations of moussaka, but this one is the best. It is made to perfection with artichokes, caramelized onions, potatoes, and béchamel. This makes for a perfect brunch dish for you to indulge in with its delicious, savory flavors!

Greek Yogurt

A breakfast/brunch essential that everyone knows about! Greek yogurt brings a creamy, tart flavor to the table. Greek yogurt at Committee Boston is served with sour cherry version, pasteli, berries, and granola. If you’re looking for something light but still delicious and sweet, this is the essential brunch!

Classic Greek Omelet

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

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 go right! Try this weekend brunch essential during your next visit to Committee Boston!

Spanakopita Grilled Cheese

Everyone loves grilled cheeses… You will have to try this spanakopita grilled cheese for brunch! Deliciously served with feta, kasseri, and spinach on sourdough bread and a side of tomato soup. This is a perfect meal for the cooler days when you want something comforting and warm!

Visit Committee in the Seaport 

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 visit our website. We look forward to having 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.