The desserts this year in Skiathos were absolutely amazing so I thought I’d share just a few of the best with you all.
Enjoy 😜
Lemon Pie at Taverna Polykratis
Strawberry Pavlova at Basilikos Restaurant
Creme Brûlée at Basilikos Restaurant
Chocolate Sundae at Mouria Taverna
Chocolate Cheesecake at Ergon Skiathos
Banoffee Pie at Basilikos Restaurant
I hope you enjoyed these I certainly can’t wait to return next year to sample some more delights.
The island of Skiathos is just an amazing place to enjoy a holiday. This is enhanced as we found out last year by enjoying some of the finest Greek food in some fantastic restaurants. This year it was great to revisit three of our favourite restaurants from a year ago while also trying three other places.
We started on our very first night by heading to the top of Papadiamantis street and make a return visit to Taverna Polykratis to take on the challenge of the Skewer Greek Kebab for Two. It’s a giant kebab that is so tender that it is delicious. This is a great restaurant where not only is the food amazing & the staff are very friendly. Another plus is that you get a good view straight down the Main Street.
Skewer Greek for Two
Taverna Polykratis
On the Saturday night we headed of to Basilikos Restaurant which is nicely tucked away in one of the many side streets. The majority of the restaurant is outside with a nice courtyard feel. The food here created by Chef Nikos Vrettos is excellent. They also a nice selection of Greek wines and along with the very friendly service you can see why this place is very popular. I would highly recommend a visit and would definitely make a reservation to avoid disappointment.
Top Left-Cheese Saganaki. Top Right-Veal Escalope with Aubergine
Bottom Left-Lamb Shank with Potatoes Bottom Right-Prawn Saganaki
Basilikos Restaurant
Sunday evening we went for a little stroll around the side streets and came across this delightful little courtyard that was attached to the Mouria Tavern & Hotel so decided to give it a try. This turned out to be a great decision as we enjoyed some fantastic food and once again the service was very friendly. Will definitely make a return visit here the next time we’re in Skiathos.
Top Left-Lightly Fried Courgettes & Tzatziki Top Right-Pork Chop stuffed with Cheese
Bottom Left-Swordfish Souvlaki Bottom Right-Feta with Sesame
Mouria Taverna
On Monday we visited Gravisi an Italian which claimed to make the best pizzas in Skiathos. Although the pizza and pasta dishes were nice and the staff were friendly I reminded myself of an old saying (When in Rome).
Top Right-Gravisi Pizza
Bottom Left-Penne Pasta with Bacon Bottom Right-Grilled Vegetables
Gravisi
We also made two visits during daytime and some fantastic Gyros at Souvlaki Strike. This place is on the main street and is perfect for anytime of the day whether you just want a quick snack or something more. This place would be ideal for families and they also have an added plus of doing takeaways.
Top Left-Chicken Gyros Top Right-Pork Gyros Wrap
Bottom Left-Covered Pork Gyros Bottom Right-Pork Gyros
Souvlaki Strike
Now on to Tuesday evening where we enjoyed a return to Ergon Skiathos for some fantastic dishes from their Meze menu. This restaurant is very modern and also has a great addition of an onsite delicatessen. This place is halfway down the main street and has inside and outside dining areas. Not only is the food very good but is matched by excellent service so therefore I would definitely recommend a visit.
Top Left-Smoked Mackerel with Grilled Potatoes Top Right-Soutzoukakia Kebabs
Bottom Left-Fava Balls Bottom Right-Greek Salad
Ergon
Our penultimate evening took us back for a second visit of the week to Taverna Polykratis to sample more of their fantastic food. I would definitely visit this restaurant as much as I can. Definitely one of my favourites.
Top – Lamb Shish
Bottom Left – Greek Salad Bottom Right – Moussaka
Taverna Polykratis
It was now time for our last night and we couldn’t help but return to the fantastic Basilikos Restaurant. The food and service was once again excellent making this a great way to finish our week. Will definitely be back as this place is a big favourite of mine.
Top Left – Grilled Octopus Top Right – Shrimp Orzotto
Bottom Left – Moussaka. Bottom Right – Watermelon & Feta
Basilikos Restaurant
So I think you’ll agree I’ve had a fantastic Foodie week in Skiathos and one I’m looking forward to repeating once again next year. I hope you enjoy these recommendations if you visit Skiathos.
During my fantastic return to the island of Skiathos I once again got to enjoy not only some more excellent Greek Wines but also had the pleasure of tasting my first wine from Macedonia. I hope you enjoy these fabulous wines which I would highly recommend.
Methea 2018 White Wine – Vriniotis Winery at Taverna Polykratis Restaurant
This wine was a nice Lemon colour with fabulous fruity flavours a real pleasure and would compliment fish or poultry dishes perfectly.
Genesis Rose Wine – KechrisWinery at Basilikos Restaurant
This rose wine with flavours of strawberry & cherry made it an absolute delight It was my first experience of tasting a wine from Macedonia and one which I would like to repeat.
Moschofilero – Boutari Winery at Mouria Taverna
This great wine had Lemon , Orange & Rose aromas with a delightful citrus flavours on the palate a real gem.
Sokos Dry White Wine – Sokos Wines at Lobby Bar Skiathos
With its delightful yellow colour and flavours of summer fruits this wine was very easy to drink and leaves you with a very slight dry aftertaste.
Strofilia White Wine – Strofilia Estate at Basilikos Restaurant
This wine was an absolute pleasure to drink with it’s amazingly strong citrus aromas a nice acidity with a herby aftertaste.
#skiathos #greekwine #macedonianwine
During our stay at the Bourtzi Boutique Hotel in Skiathos we had the pleasure of enjoying the many cocktails created by Head Barman Thanos Kempas in the pleasant surroundings of the Lobby Bar. Here are just some of the amazing cocktails ranging from classic to the very unique.
The Amaro
London Gin , Campari , Vermouth & Pomegranate Liqueur
The Helena
Tequila , Ginger & Orgeat Syrup , Lime Juice , Agave Nectar & Firewater
The Old Fashioned
The Juno
Elderflower Liqueur , Yellow Chartreuse , Prosecco , Lemongrass & Lavender Bitter
Campari & Soda
A Classic Negroni for Two
#Skiathos #Cocktails #LobbyBar
This is always a special month of the year as we get to celebrate our wedding anniversary at the end and this year was no exception. We enjoyed a truly fantastic Foodie month by returning to some of our absolute favourites which when we totalled them up it consisted of 20 AA Rosettes and 5 Michelin Stars.
It all started on the very first day with a fabulous return to the Artichoke in Amersham to enjoy all the dishes on the newly designed Tasting Menu. Once again the food was amazing and this was once again matched by the usual friendly service.
The Artichoke ( 3 AA Rosettes )
The following Saturday we returned once more to the amazing Core by Clare Smyth which really is a highlight of my Foodie year. The food here is simply stunning and the service is excellent therefore it’s no surprise that this restaurant wins so many accolades.
Core by Clare Smyth ( 2 Michelin Stars & 5 AA Rosettes )
The next weekend consisted of another visit to my favourite Haywards Restaurant where again chef Jahdre created for us a special Tasting Menu to showcase all the fantastic New dishes that were just added to the various menus. Then on the Sunday we took the In Laws for a Fathers Day treat at the Frog Hoxton to which I’m delighted to say that they thoroughly enjoyed it. We weren’t surprised as the food here is amazing and matched by great friendly service.
Haywards Restaurant ( 2 AA Rosettes )
The Frog Hoxton ( 3 AA Rosettes )
Now it’s time for our Anniversary celebration week and what a fantastic way to start than with a return to Cornerstone Hackney for some of the best fish dishes your ever likely to eat. Along with the amazing desserts makes this place a must visit for your foodie calendar.
Cornerstone Hackney ( 3 AA Rosettes )
We finished the month in style with our Anniversary Celebration Lunch at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. We had the Seasonal Inspiration Menu created by Chef Matt Abe which was absolutely stunning. This was matched by excellent wine pairings and along with fabulous service certainly made our lunch very special. Then on the Sunday we managed to squeeze in a visit to the Tandoori Lounge in Hornchurch. This was our first time at this restaurant and after enjoying some of the the best Indian food I’ve had for a long time I can honestly say it won’t be long before we return.
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay ( 3 Michelin Stars & 4 AA Rosettes )
Tandoori Lounge
This rounded of the month of June perfectly and will definitely go down on the list of amazing Foodie months.
See you in July where there’ll be plenty of Greek food pics as I’m off to Skiathos for a weeks holiday
Happy Dining 😜
This is a fantastic sweet wine that I’m delighted to say can now be added on to my favourites list. It was full of sweetness with rich flavours of Poached Quince & Dried Fruits that also gave you a lovely clean finish. This was a perfect match for my Lychee Soufflé with Lemongrass Ice Cream & Lime Caramel at Haywards Restaurant.
Greywacke Botrytis Pinot Gris 2015
#Marlborough #SweetWine #NewZealandWine
We always look for somewhere special to celebrate our wedding anniversary and this year was no exception as we decided to make a return visit to Restaurant Gordon Ramsay. This turned out to be a perfect choice as the food , wine & service was simply fabulous. We arrived on Saturday and received the usual friendly welcome with the addition of the staff congratulating us on our anniversary. We were then escorted to our table where once seated we received a complimentary glass of champagne along with more good wishes which was just a perfect way to begin. It was now time to see the menus to which we decided to choose the Seasonal Inspiration Menu created by Chef Matt Abe as we’d never had the pleasure of trying this menu before. While enjoying our champagne we were treated to some amazing Cheese Gougeres. This was followed by a little extra dish which was chefs take on Pea & Ham and I have to say it was absolutely stunning in not only taste but also in presentation.
Cheese Gougeres
Chefs take on Pea & Ham
It was now time for our first course and if this was anything to go by we new we was in for a absolute treat as the Cornish Crab with Almonds & Elderflower was amazing. The next dish was the Organic Spelt with Girolles , Parmesan & Black Truffle which really was a taste sensation. We then moved on to the Smoked Eel with White Onion , Caviar & Watercress and just like the previous dishes this was just heaven. All these dishes were perfectly matched by excellent wine pairings from Head Sommelier James.
Cornish Crab
Organic Spelt
Smoked Eel
Now it was time for the main course which really was a fabulous dish the Cumbrian Blue Grey with Turnips , Smoked Bone Marrow & Green Peppercorns this was simply perfection. This dish was once again matched perfectly by Sommelier James with two different but excellent wine pairings. We then moved on to the Cheese course a Rove de Garrigues with Jersey Royals plus with the addition of Herbs & Olive Oil gave the dish a nice freshness.
Cumbrian Blue Grey
Rove de Garrigues
Now it was on to the desserts which started with a most delightful pre dessert a Cherry Sorbet , Buckwheat & Oxalis. Then came the main dessert a Custard Tart with Wild Strawberries , Tahitian Vanilla & Basil. But I decided decided to change and have the Raspberry Soufflé & Pistachio Ice Cream which was matched with one of the best Sweet Wines I’ve tasted a Johanneshof Reinisch Eiswein full of amazing berry flavours so a big thanks to James for this fabulous recommendation.
Sorbet
Custard Tart
Raspberry Soufflé
Johanneshof Reinisch
We finished with coffee & petit fours which brought to an end a truly memorable celebration lunch. I would like to say a big Thank You firstly to Chef Matt Abe & his team for the amazing food. To Head Sommelier James for the excellent wine pairings & finally to the staff for the service which was of the highest order. I look forward to seeing you all again in the near future.
Petit Fours
I have to say that during my twenty two years living in Hornchurch I’ve eaten in a few of the Indian restaurants in town. But I can honestly say that after visiting the Tandoori Lounge on Sunday I would rate this restaurant at the top of the list. In fact it was not only the best Indian food I’ve eaten in the area but indeed one of the best I’ve had anywhere. The reason I say this is because the food here is very different to your usual Indian. The Punjabi style of cooking uses very different spices making the food absolutely delicious. The restaurant itself is in the heart of Hornchurch so therefore easily accessible not only for the locals but also the many bus routes. It has quite a modern feel with a small bar on the left as you enter with a booth on the right. The main area of the restaurant has a nice space between the tables which are set out in three sections. Once seated we started to look at the menu which is quite extensive consisting of Starters , Veg , Seafood & Meat Mains , Chawal Khazana & Tandoori Jalwa (Indian Bread). On chatting with our waitress and then a more detailed chat with one of the managers not only about the restaurant but also the food to which they gave us their recommendations. So with all that information we made our choices.
We started with the Chilli & Garlic Mogo (fried cassava cooked in garlic , soya & chilli sauce) the Chicken Tikka Lajwab (boneless chicken in a unique TL marinade) and the Lamb Chops (marinated with lemon juice , herbs , & spices then barbecued in a charcoal oven). All these dishes were perfectly cooked and tasted fantastic.
Chilli & Garlic Mogo
Chicken Tikka Lajwab
Lamb Chops
After a little rest it was time for our mains and just like our starters these dishes were fantastic. The different spices they use along with their style of cooking gives each dish such amazing flavour. The dishes we chose were the Punjabi Chicken Karahi (boneless with herbs & spices cooked in a north indian style) the Tandoori Lounge Special Lamb (boneless lamb cooked punjabi style) & the Tandoori Bartha (smoked aubergine cooked with spices , onions , turmeric & tomatoes) along with two breads & one rice.
Tandoori Lounge Special Lamb
Punjabi Chicken Karahi
Tandoori Bartha
Now it was time to finish with dessert which we were told were also very good so how could we refuse and now having tasted them I certainly agree. I chose the recommended Gajar Halwa Sundae (layers of ice cream topped with mixed nuts) and it was absolutely delicious. We also chose the Gulab Jamun (small doughnuts soaked in syrup) little balls of heaven.
Gajar Halwa Sundae
Guiab Jamun
This rounded of a fantastic lunch and one I’m looking forward to repeating very soon. This restaurant really is somewhere I would highly recommend and well worth a visit. So if you love Indian food and are willing to try a different style then book a table now.
#hornchurch #essex #indianfood #punjabi
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Posted on July 17, 2019 by Lloyd Stevens
Johanneshof Reinisch
This Johanneshof Reinisch Eiswein dessert wine was an absolute gem and would definitely rank in my top three without any doubt. It was full bodied , sweet and with amazing dark berry flavours all balanced with nice acidity. This fantastic recommendation was from Head Sommelier James Peter Lloyd at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay as a perfect match for my Raspberry Soufflé. This would also be a great accompaniment to any chocolate dessert.
#SweetWine #AustrianWine