What is your favorite restaurant?
There’s an island in the Med – along with many others! – and on one of them I discovered a great little place with my 1st wife whilst on holiday.
It’s in a city originally built by the Venetians. Before that, the Greeks had built one of the “7 wonders”. The colossus of Rhodes.
We stood by the base pillars that are still there in the harbour. Incredible to think that they had built this huge statue astride the entrance to the harbour. 33 metres high and made of bronze, it was indeed a wonder. Crossing the bridge we climbed up into the old town.
Through the narrow streets, on a really hot day, we sat on a step to catch our breath. Little did we know that it was the doorway to a small, very bijou restaurant.
The owner suddenly appeared and warmly greeted us. In broken Greek I asked for a glass of water. He insisted on inviting us in to a cool and welcoming interior.
He gave us cold orangeade and insisted on giving us something to eat. We ate some baklava and coffee. It was free(I know!), lovely and spontaneous, just right.
We agreed to return and booked a table for 4. Later that evening we had a fabulous time. We felt like family not paying guests.
Some years later, I was on another Greek island. I’d arrived to do some voluntary work.
One of my new friends suggested this place he knew of and on a free day, I decided to check it out.
This island? Cyprus. Where? Fig Tree Bay. I sat on the terrace sipping a cold beer and ordered moussaka. It was delicious. Service was great and yet another hospitable friendly owner. I felt so calm and rested.
It was beautiful.
Here’s the thing. Maybe you’ll agree and then again maybe you won’t. But it’s all about context.
I’ve been to 5 star restaurants in posh surroundings. Someone else paid (thank goodness!).
But as far as I’m concerned, you can keep it. I’d rather have gone to either of the above places. Were they great? Were they 5 star? It’s not comparable in any way shape or form.
At the time, with a loved one or not, I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else on God’s good earth.
Now at least I can say, in different languages, bon appetit, kalioraxi, eet smakelijk and good health!
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