Savouring Local Flavours
Kefalonia, nestled in the Ionian Sea, is more than just a place with sun-soaked beaches and gorgeous landscapes. It’s a food lover’s paradise, offering a feast of flavours that mirror its rich history and the island’s plentiful bounty. Let’s take a culinary trip across Kefalonia and taste what makes this island so special.
The Flavours of Kefalonia: Dishes You’ve Got to Try
Kefalonian food is a wonderful mix of Greek and Venetian influences, and it’s all about fresh, local ingredients. They really know how to bring out the best in what the island offers.
First up, you’ve got to try Lobster Spaghetti. It’s a signature dish here. Imagine fresh lobster, mixed with perfectly cooked spaghetti and a garlicy, wine-infused tomato sauce. It’s divine!
Then there’s Blushing Goat, or ‘Kokkinisto’. It’s a rich, flavourful dish where goat meat is slow-cooked in a tomato sauce with onions, garlic, and a splash of red wine. The meat is so tender, it just melts in your mouth.
Don’t miss out on Tserepa. It’s cooked in a traditional clay pot and is a real flavour bomb. Chicken marinated in garlic, oregano, lemon juice, and wine, slow-cooked with potatoes – it’s comfort food at its finest.
And of course, there’s the Kefalonian Meat Pie. It’s a classic here. Thin phyllo dough stuffed with minced meat, onions, garlic, and herbs, baked until golden. It’s a hearty, satisfying treat.
Even the local greens are something special. Dishes like ‘Koulouri’ and ‘Fritades’ use wild greens sautéed with garlic or turned into crispy fritters. They’re simple but packed with flavour.
Kefalonia’s Wines: The Perfect Accompaniment
Kefalonia’s not just about great food; the wines here are fantastic too. The island’s unique terrain gives us wines that are full of character.
Robola is a must-try. It’s a white wine that’s crisp, aromatic, and just slightly mineraly. And then there’s Verdea, a red that’s rich, bold, and full of dark fruit flavours and a hint of spice.
Discovering Fiskardo’s Tavernas
Fiskardo, a short drive from the villa, is a little town with a big food scene. It’s lined with tavernas where you can try all these amazing dishes.
Votsalo, right on the waterfront, is great for fresh seafood, including that delicious Lobster Spaghetti. Then there’s Mirella‘s, with its cosy feel and traditional Kefalonian dishes like Blushing Goat and Tserepa. And Almyra, in the heart of Fiskardo, is perfect for trying that Meat Pie and other local favourites, along with a glass or two of Kefalonian wine.
Local Recipes: Keeping Traditions Alive
Kefalonian recipes have been passed down through generations, keeping the culinary traditions alive.
Sofrito is the heart of many dishes here. It’s a mix of onions, garlic, and celery, sautéed until golden and fragrant, forming the base for many sauces and stews.
Kefalonian olive oil is like liquid gold. It’s peppery and aromatic and brings a unique depth to every dish. And the local herbs – oregano, thyme, sage – picked right from the hillsides, add a fresh, distinctive Kefalonian twist.
The seafood here, fresh from the Ionian Sea, is another highlight. From lobster to squid, it’s all about simple cooking that lets the natural flavours shine.
So, when you’re staying at The Olive Tree, make sure to dive into Kefalonia’s culinary scene. It’s an experience you won’t forget!
