The History of the Gyro

The gyro is a well-known Greek meal eaten for many years worldwide. It is often served in pita bread or platter and is a delectable combination of meat, vegetables, and spices. Gyros are an excellent and gratifying dish that has endured the test of time, despite some controversy about their origin. This blog post will discuss the gyro’s history and how it became the famous dish it is today.

Origin of the Gyro

While the gyro is frequently attributed to Greece, its origins are hazy. Some people think it was created in Greece, while others believe it was invented in Turkey. One of the most well-liked ideas is that Greek immigrants to America in the 1920s were responsible for its creation. Regardless of where it came from, the gyro is a typical dish in Greek cooking and is loved by people worldwide.

Ingredients and Preparation

Gyros are traditionally made with lamb but can also be made with chicken or beef. The meat is slow-roasted on a vertical spit after being marinated in a mixture of herbs and spices, including oregano, garlic, and lemon juice. The meat is shaved off the spit and served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki, a yogurt-based sauce, as it cooks. In addition to rice or fries, the gyro can be done on pita bread or a plate.

Popularity and Evolution

In the 1920s, the gyro initially gained popularity in Greece, swiftly spreading to other countries. The dish became more well-known when Greek immigrants established eateries and food carts in the 1970s in the United States. The gyro has changed over time to incorporate new flavors and ingredients. For instance, some people now substitute pork or tofu for lamb, and some restaurants offer it with various sauces or garnishes.

Why Visit Commitee?

Visit Committee if you enjoy Greek food or want to learn more about the gyro’s past. The spinner is one of the many traditional Greek dishes we provide at our restaurant. Our gyros are slowly cooked to perfection on a vertical spit using fresh ingredients. We provide choices of toppings and sauces so that you may personalize it to your tastes. Visit us and sample the gyro’s history for yourself.

Greek Dishes To Enjoy This Spring in Boston MA

Food is one of the basic human necessities. Everyone has a specific type of food they like, and many of us discover new delicacies by trying out different options. One spectacular variety of dishes to try is found in Greek culture. Greek words are known to be quite tasty and unique in composition. Lucky for you, here in Boston, we have restaurants that prepare some of the most excellent Greek dishes.

Baked Moussaka

This is one of the most famous Greek dishes. This delicious masterpiece typically has three layers: minced meat, sweet potatoes, and aubergine. A special cream sauce is used to top it off and then baked until a golden brown color is obtained. Moussaka can be made for vegetarians, too, where the minced meat is removed and replaced with a non-meat-based option.

Fasolatha

Another very popular delicacy from Greece is the Fasolatha. Translated to English, it means White Bean Soup. It is prepared with beans, mashed fresh tomatoes, carrots, celery, garlic, and onions. Other vegetables can also be added based on the discretion of the customer. Parsley leaves are typically used at the end to flavor the soup.

Loukoumades

This trendy Greek food is popular amongst children and older people. Loukoumades are small fried balls that have a doughnut-like appearance. The balls are also dipped in honey, and various toppings such as cinnamon, sprinkles, and crushed cashew nuts are also used. It is common in our restaurants for people to come and order several packs for friends and family members.

Keftethes

These are Greek-breaded meatballs. They are usually made with lamb meat and sliced potatoes and served alongside a creamy yogurt sauce. When prepared right, they are crispy and delicious and can be served as side dishes for salads and rice.

Spanakopita

Greeks are known for their love for pie, so it should be no surprise that a pie-based dish is on our list. This dish can be made in a variety of ways and with a variety of ingredients. A phyllo pastry layered with cheese, spinach, and flavored dill is the most common.

The Best Wines to Pair with Greek Food

If you’re a fan of Greek food and are seeking the perfect wine for your meal, learning about the best wines for pairing can be exciting! While it would be far more adventurous to travel to Greece and determine the best wines for each delicious flavor, not everyone can afford the luxury. Fortunately, you can pair various wines around the world with Greek food. 

Wines to Pair with Tzatziki

If you’ve ever had Greek food, you’ve likely tried tzatziki, a famous and flavorful sauce used in sandwiches or served as a dip with falafel. It is made from cucumber, yogurt, and garlic, presenting a tangy flavor. The sauce’s acidity is best paired with white wine, such as Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.  

Other dry white wines to consider with tzatziki include a Vermentino or Viognier.  

Fava and Wine

When eating fava, various dry white wines would be suitable for pairing. Fava boasts a nutty, sweet flavor that goes well with wines that offer a crisp acidity. The wine must be subtle enough in flavor not to overpower the fava.

The best white wine options to pair with fava are a Gruner Veltliner or Sauvignon Blanc. A dry rosé, such as one from Grenache, could add a nice acidity and fruity profile.

If you prefer red wine, some light-bodied reds also work well with fava. Pinot Noir is one option that will not overpower the flavor of the fava.

Which Wine Pairs with Spanakopita?

The delicious golden pie layered with phyllo dough, spinach, and feta cheese is a popular Greek dish. When pairing it with wine, red zinfandel may be ideal for you if you prefer light reds. Otherwise, many white wines work well with the pie.

When choosing a white wine to go with spanakopita, Pino Grigio or Vermentino are perfect options to taste alongside the tangy flavor of feta cheese. 

Souvlaki Wine Pairings

One of the most famous Greek dishes is souvlaki. Like most Greek dishes, an excellent white wine would pair well with this meaty meal. Consider wines with a decent acidity and nice crispness. The ideal wine would be assyrtiko, a Greek wine. 

A couple of options can pair well if you prefer a red wine with your souvlaki. Shiraz is a great wine to drink if your souvlaki is made with lamb. Shiraz boasts tannins and acidity that go well with the gamey flavor of lamb.

Why Visit?

A visit to Committee is not only delicious but also educational. Learn about wines and how it pairs with your favorite dishes. When you’re ready for a couple of glasses of wine, Committee is the place to be.

What Makes An Authentic Greek Restaurant?

Authentic Greek restaurants must master a few essential elements to transport customers into a breathtaking Mediterranean experience truly. From the atmosphere to the ingredients and techniques used for preparation, authenticity is critical for an unforgettable flavor experience.

Atmosphere

When it comes to atmosphere, you should expect vibrant decor with rustic accents that embody warmth and hospitality. Not only should a restaurant’s atmosphere be inviting, but the food should also be modernized to make it stand out from other places.

Ingredients

Ingredients are of utmost importance in creating an authentic Greek experience; extra virgin olive oil, oregano, garlic, and feta cheese are some of the key components that give classic dishes their bold flavor. With these carefully selected ingredients, you will get that authentic taste of Greece.

Techniques

The techniques used in preparing traditional dishes are another critical factor; look for slow methods such as baking or roasting, which helps bring out more flavor, giving each word a unique taste. Richness in texture and flavor can not be understated, so authentic Greek restaurants must master this element succinctly.

You can tell an excellent greek restaurant when you see it, and the same can be said for taste. When the bite is perfect, the atmosphere is inviting, and the techniques are sharp, you know you’re in for an authentic Greek experience. Authentic Greek restaurants combine these elements seamlessly to create a unique culinary experience. 

Location

Although it is less important than the other three elements, location also creates a truly authentic Greek experience. Ideally, your restaurant should be located near an active body of water like the Aegean Sea or the Mediterranean Sea, helping to create that overwhelming ambiance of the region’s culture and flavors.

Athens is the culinary center for many of these authentic dishes, so look for a restaurant that uses modern techniques and classic ingredients to pay homage to its roots. With all these elements present, you’ll surely get an unforgettable meal!

Reviews

Finally, reviews are a great way to find out what other customers think about a restaurant’s authenticity. Read reviews from past customers and see how they rate the restaurant’s atmosphere, ingredients, techniques, and location. If an overwhelming majority of them had positive experiences, you know it is worth visiting!

Visit Committee in Boston MA 

Suppose you’re looking for an authentic and true-to-culture experience while enjoying delicious classic Greek food. In that case, Committee in the Seaport can assist by providing delicious meals made with locally sourced ingredients cooked in traditional methods to ensure each bite offers an unforgettable flavor experience.

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.

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. 

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!

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.