May 2006 Newsletter
 This Month 
Watch Your Manners in Greece: Smoking part II Special Feature : Sweet Figs
What's New!!!! Featured Destination: Kimolos 
Saint Namedays in May May 's Recipe
Suggestions & Comments Subscription Information
May's Recipe:
Stifado

(Beef Stew with Onions)

 
 
Ingredients:
- 5 to 6 lbs. stewing beef cut into 2 0r 3 inch slices
- 7 to 8 lbs. small (golf ball-sized) onions, cleaned and scored
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1-4 oz. can plus 1 tbsp. tomato paste
- 1/2 cup red wine vinegar (or cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup red wine
- 5 to 6 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp. whole pickling spices
- 1 large bay leaf
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
- tsp. sugar
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup of water
 
Preparation:
To Begin, saute beef in oil until browned.  Season with salt and pepper, then remove beef from saucepan, and set aside.  Combine sugar with the drippings to caramelize the mixture.  Add onions and saute until golden.  Remove onions and return beet to pan.  Place onions on top of beef.

Next, mix tomato paste, wine, wine vinegar, and water, then add to saucepan.  Place the garlic, spices, and herbs in a spice bag and place with beef and onions.  Cover and simmer for two or three hours on top of stove or bake in a 275 degree oven, adding more water if necessary.  Immediately remove spice bag when done. 

Serves 8

Hint: If fresh onions are not available, frozen onions can be used, but do not score them.

 
 

Excerpts from: "Greektown Chicago"
by Alexa Ganakos

Are you missing some pices and incredients for your recipe?

 
Watch Your Manners In Greece
Smoking part II


Continued from April's Issue...

- The bouzoukia is the second best place to start a fight or argument (first is the football pitch). We should avoid getting upset over trivial matters and should not respond to any provocative behaviour. We remain good-willed and kind. We are ready to apologize if we become aware of disturbing or offending one of the other spectators.

- Greeks are well-known for showing off, and this phenomenon only becomes more exaggerated at the bouzoukia. A gentleman should have no need to display his financial wealth nor should he make clear that his middle name is "Big Spender." As in any other aspect of his life, he may enjoy himself but discreetly. He should not dress up to the nines, nor should the lady he is escorting dress in flashy ballgowns as if invited to a charity party at Buckingham palace. We should always opt for comfortable clothes.

- If we are being escorted, we should not search around the crowd for someone better looking.

- In recent years, whole legions of women of all ages dance on the tables. Such acts of dancing capabilities should be against a gentleman's ethics. Without making an issue out of it, he should show his displeasure by never inviting his Josephine Bakerwannabe date again. Dancing on tables spills drinks, breaks crockery and hinders those behind from seeing the action on stage. That is probably why the bouzoukia owners have created special dancing areas, also known as "the stage," where members of the audience may dance till they drop.

- A lady should never dance "zeibekiko," while a gentleman should be a connoisseur of the dance's movements. Belly dancing is exclusively done by women.

- We are aware of the table's seating capacity, and we never invite more people than the table fits; in addition we always ask the table's host should we want to invite more friends to our table.

- While seated at the table, we offer or throw flowers to all the women at our table, not just to our date.

- If one of our companions gets out of control, we privately advise him to behave. If he refuses to do so, we make our displeasure clear and we keep our distance.

- More and more people refuse to drink alcohol, either due to health issues, religious reasons or out of mere dislike. We should avoid bullying them or chiding them for being boring spoilsports.

- If one of our friends has been drinking and insists on driving, we strictly forbid him from doing so. We may save a life.

- Of course, having fun may sometimes exceed all the above "etiquette" rules.




Excerpt from "Watch Your Manners In Greece" by Christos K. Zampounis

 
Special Feature: Sweet Figs

                    


The Mediterranean region produces about 1.6 million U.S. tons (1.5 million tonnes) of figs each year. Greece is the second largest fig-producing country after Turkey. However, with most varieties of Ficus carica, pollination is so hazardous that the fact that they have survived this long is bordering on a miracle. Over the centuries, two cultivated varieties have developed from the wild fig. According to an intricate system these two varieties depend on each other and on a particular type of gall wasp (Blastophaga psenes). The edible fig bears only female flowers with long styles, whereas the (inedible) male fig develops female flowers with short styles (gall flowers) and male flowers (and lignified fruits). Both varieties flower three times a year at the same times. The gall wasp larvae grow in the ovaries of the gall flowers. The female wasps leave the wooden-like fruits, already fertilized and laden with pollen, at exactly the time when the next generation of flowers has already opened. In their search for a suitable ovary in which to lay their eggs, the only flowers available to them are the gall flowers with their short styles, because their egglaying pipe is too short for the long styles of the edible fig flowers. In their attempts to lay eggs here too, however, they pollinate the edible fig, without damaging it with their eggs. Figs are sensitive, yields fluctuate, and their harvesting and processing requires intensive manual labour, all of which are reasons why many farmers have already given up growing them. The fruits thrive only in southern countries.

 
Dry Kalamata figs are rinsed under running water to remove and impurities. The cleaned, dried figs are placed on a conveyor belt, where any remaining substandard ones are removed. Only perfect fruits are put into their commercial packaging by hand.



THE FIG LEAF
In the 3rd century B.C., fig leaves, thrion, were used as wrapping material. In the same way as grape leaves are used today, they were preserved in salt to reduce their bitter elements, so that tasty morsels could be wrapped up in them and eaten. The fig leaf became an important symbol of the loss of Paradise, its use betraying to God the Father how Adam and Eve had fallen from grace: "And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons." (Gen. 3:7.) Artists could not avoid using the fig leaf when portraying this theme, and as a consequence Adam and Eve were never seen without hiding their modesty in this way.


                                                                                                                               Excerpts from: "Culinaria Greece" by Marianthi Minola
 

Greek Dried Figs   from Kalamata Greek Dried Figs from Kalamata
$6.00 
Fig Fruit Preserves Fig Fruit Preserves
$5.58  

This summer, try one of our recommended Greek Diet books for a
delicious approach to slimming down and keeping your body healthy.

My Big Fat Greek Diet by Nick Yphantides, M.D.

My Big Fat Greek Diet by Nick Yphantides, M.D.
Healthy Living From a Greek Island - How to achieve good health and enjoy what you eat - Nutrition G

Healthy Living From a Greek Island - How to achieve good health and enjoy what you eat - Nutrition
Lose Weight on the Mediterranean Diet, by Elisabeth Havlicek-Kastanaki

Lose Weight on the Mediterranean Diet, by Elisabeth Havlicek-Kastanaki
Low-Fat Lies High-Fat Frauds and the healthiest diet in the world by Vigilante and Flynn

Low-Fat Lies High-Fat Frauds and the healthiest diet in the world by Vigilante and Flynn
The Greek Doctor

The Greek Doctor's Diet by Dr. Fedon Alexander Lindberg
 
 What's New!!!
Music
Vicky Mosholiou, STA 9/8

Vicky Mosholiou, STA 9/8
Themis Adamantidis, Zeibekika

Themis Adamantidis, Zeibekika
Kostas Monahos, Mia Olokliri Zoi Zeibekika

Kostas Monahos, Mia Olokliri Zoi Zeibekika
Markos Vamvakaris, Oi Megales Epitihies 12 Classics

Markos Vamvakaris, Oi Megales Epitihies 12 Classics
Dimitris Kontolazos, 10 Nea Tragoudia tou Stamati Gonidis + 45 LIVE (2CD)

Dimitris Kontolazos, 10 Nea Tragoudia tou Stamati Gonidis + 45 LIVE (2CD)
 
Pashalis 1973 1989 My Best Years

Pashalis 1973 1989 My Best Years
Dimitris Mitropanos, Stou Aiona Tin Paragka

Dimitris Mitropanos, Stou Aiona Tin Paragka

 
Katerina Korou, Tha Ime Edo

Katerina Korou, Tha Ime Edo
Mario Frangoulis, Feggari Erotevmeno

Mario Frangoulis, Feggari Erotevmeno
 
Yiannis Parios, Ta Dueta Tou Erota

Yiannis Parios, Ta Dueta Tou Erota
Nikos Xanthopoulos, Ta Tragoudia Mou (2CD)

Nikos Xanthopoulos, Ta Tragoudia Mou (2CD)
 
Yiannis Kotsiras, O Dromos Live

Yiannis Kotsiras, O Dromos Live
Thanasis Papakonstantinou, H Vrohi Apo Kato

Thanasis Papakonstantinou, H Vrohi Apo Kato
Nana Mouskouri, Moni Perpato

Nana Mouskouri, Moni Perpato
Antzela Dimitriou, S

Antzela Dimitriou, S'eho
Elena Paparizou, Yparhei Logos

Elena Paparizou, Yparhei Logos
Mihalis Hatziyiannis, Best of 1998 - 2001 + Bonus DVD (PAL)

Mihalis Hatziyiannis, Best of 1998 - 2001 + Bonus DVD (PAL)
Triantafillos, Live + Pente (2CD)

Triantafillos, Live + Pente (2CD)
Valantis, Mehri Tin Akri Tou Kosmou

Valantis, Mehri Tin Akri Tou Kosmou
Stella Konitopoulou, Live + 4 Ilios Ki Armira (2CD)

Stella Konitopoulou, Live + 4 Ilios Ki Armira (2CD)
Vasilis Terlegkas, Panigiri Live

Vasilis Terlegkas, Panigiri Live
Diplo Glenti Live (2CD)

Diplo Glenti Live (2CD)
Nikos Kourkoulis, Megales Stigmes

Nikos Kourkoulis, Megales Stigmes
Pashalis Terzis, Ine Kapies Agapes

Pashalis Terzis, Ine Kapies Agapes
 
Sakis Rouvas - Se eho erotefti (Collector

Sakis Rouvas - Se eho erotefti (Collector's Edition) + DVD (PAL)
Alkisti Protopsalti, Na Se Vlepo Na Gelas + Bonus DVD (PAL)

Alkisti Protopsalti, Na Se Vlepo Na Gelas + Bonus DVD (PAL)
Efit Thodi, Epitithies Club Mix feat. ise nini akoma

Efit Thodi, Epitithies Club Mix feat. ise nini akoma
Tis Agapis Maheria - O.S.T.

Tis Agapis Maheria - O.S.T.
Spasta (2CD) 55 non-stop hits

Spasta (2CD) 55 non-stop hits
Aneva Pista (2CD) non-stop hits

Aneva Pista (2CD) non-stop hits
Oi Megales Epitihies Ton Olympians

Oi Megales Epitihies Ton Olympians
Yiannis Katevas, Kai Horevi H Ellada Vol.2 25 Folklore Songs

Yiannis Katevas, Kai Horevi H Ellada Vol.2 25 Folklore Songs
Nikos Xilouris & Eleftheria Xilouris, Erotokritos

Nikos Xilouris & Eleftheria Xilouris, Erotokritos
Petros Gaitanos, Aima & Idor Poria Sto Theio Pathos - Byzantine hymns of holy week

Petros Gaitanos, Aima & Idor Poria Sto Theio Pathos - Byzantine hymns of holy week
Stin Igeia Mas

Stin Igeia Mas
Xanthi Peraki, Horepste Kalamatiana 31 Folk Hits

Xanthi Peraki, Horepste Kalamatiana 31 Folk Hits
 
Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Yiannis Poulopoulos

Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Yiannis Poulopoulos
 
Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Panos Gavalas

Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Panos Gavalas
Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Dimitra Galani

Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Dimitra Galani
Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Marinella

Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Marinella
Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Manolis Mitsias

Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Manolis Mitsias
 
Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Litsa Diamanti

Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Litsa Diamanti
Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Athinaiki Kompania

Megaliteres Epitihies Best of Athinaiki Kompania
   
 DVDs
Tragoudane Gia Ta Zoakia DVD (NTSC)

Tragoudane Gia Ta Zoakia DVD (NTSC)
Tragoudane Milame Gia Ta Hromata DVD (NTSC)

Tragoudane Milame Gia Ta Hromata DVD (NTSC)
Doctor Zveggos DVD (PAL)

Doctor Zveggos DVD (PAL)
 
Efoplistis Me To Zori DVD (PAL)

Efoplistis Me To Zori DVD (PAL)
O Kir Giorgis Ke Oi Trelles Tou DVD (PAL)

O Kir Giorgis Ke Oi Trelles Tou DVD (PAL)
 
Thiliki Eteria DVD (PAL)

Thiliki Eteria DVD (PAL)
Valkanizeter DVD (PAL)

Valkanizeter DVD (PAL)
Fovou Tous Ellines DVD (PAL)

Fovou Tous Ellines DVD (PAL)

 
H Liza Ke Oloi Oi Alloi DVD (PAL)

H Liza Ke Oloi Oi Alloi DVD (PAL)
Prostatis Ikogenias DVD (PAL)

Prostatis Ikogenias DVD (PAL)
Appa Colla DVD (PAL)

Appa Colla DVD (PAL)
 
Oxygono DVD (PAL)

Oxygono DVD (PAL)
Aggelos DVD (PAL)

Aggelos DVD (PAL)
 
Zoi DVD (PAL)

Zoi DVD (PAL)
 
Apousies DVD (PAL)

Apousies DVD (PAL)
 
P20 DVD (PAL)

P20 DVD (PAL)
Loufa Ke Parallagi DVD (PAL)

Loufa Ke Parallagi DVD (PAL)
H Gineka Ine Skliros Anthropos DVD Special Edition (PAL)

H Gineka Ine Skliros Anthropos DVD Special Edition (PAL)
Loufa Ke Parallagi - Sirines Sto Aegeou (Limited Edition) DVD (PAL)

Loufa Ke Parallagi - Sirines Sto Aegeou (Limited Edition) DVD (PAL)
Karaoke Dimotiko Glenti No.1 DVD (PAL)

Karaoke Dimotiko Glenti No.1 DVD (PAL)
 
Athens 2004 Paralympics (4DVD) PAL

Athens 2004 Paralympics (4DVD) PAL
 
FIFA History of the World Cup 1958 - 2002 (6DVD) PAL

FIFA History of the World Cup 1958 - 2002 (6DVD) PAL
Ancient Greece - The Traditions of Greek Culture DVD (NTSC)

Ancient Greece - The Traditions of Greek Culture DVD (NTSC)
Macedonia - The Land of a God DVD (NTSC)

Macedonia - The Land of a God DVD (NTSC)
Ancient Greece - A Journey Back in Time DVD (NTSC)

Ancient Greece - A Journey Back in Time DVD (NTSC)
 Books
Real Greek Food by Theodore Kyriakou and Charles Campion

Real Greek Food by Theodore Kyriakou and Charles Campion
Oxford English - Greek Learner

Oxford English - Greek Learner's Dictonary (Hardcover)
Salonica, City of Ghosts : Christians, Muslim And Jews, 1430-1950

Salonica, City of Ghosts : Christians, Muslim And Jews, 1430-1950
 
Compact Visual Greek English Dictionary

Compact Visual Greek English Dictionary
To Nisi Masticha by Christos Mbelles - The History of Chios

To Nisi Masticha by Christos Mbelles - The History of Chios
 Picture Magnets
Picture Magnet : Epidavros Theater

Picture Magnet : Epidavros Theater
 
Picture Magnets : Macedonian Symbol

Picture Magnets : Macedonian Symbol
 
Picture Magnet : Caryatides in Erechthenion

Picture Magnet : Caryatides in Erechthenion
 
Picture Magnet : Tholos Temple at Delphi

Picture Magnet : Tholos Temple at Delphi
 
Picture Magnet : Bull-Leaping Fresco

Picture Magnet : Bull-Leaping Fresco
Picture Magnet : Akrotiri Trireme Fresco

Picture Magnet : Akrotiri Trireme Fresco
 
Picture Magnet : Minoan Priestesses Fresco

Picture Magnet : Minoan Priestesses Fresco
 
Picture Magnet : Bull

Picture Magnet : Bull' Head
Picture Magnet : Procession Fresco

Picture Magnet : Procession Fresco
Picture Magnet : Statue of Asklipios

Picture Magnet : Statue of Asklipios
Picture Magnet : Ancient Greek Warrior

Picture Magnet : Ancient Greek Warrior
Picture Magnet : Temple of Apollo

Picture Magnet : Temple of Apollo
 
Picture Magnet : Akrotiri Fisherman Fresco

Picture Magnet : Akrotiri Fisherman Fresco
Picture Magnet : Hippocrates Oath

Picture Magnet : Hippocrates Oath
 
Picture Magnet : La Parisienne

Picture Magnet : La Parisienne
Picture Magnet : Minoan Prince

Picture Magnet : Minoan Prince
 
Picture Magnet : Throne of King Minos

Picture Magnet : Throne of King Minos
 
Picture Magnet : Akrotiri Boxing Children Fresco

Picture Magnet : Akrotiri Boxing Children Fresco
Picture Magnet : Alexander the Great Fresco

Picture Magnet : Alexander the Great Fresco
 
Picture Magnet : Harp Player Fresco

Picture Magnet : Harp Player Fresco
Picture Magnet : Parthenon

Picture Magnet : Parthenon
Picture Magnet : Knososdavaras (The ladies of the court)

Picture Magnet : Knososdavaras (The ladies of the court)
Picture Magenet : Achilles Bandages Partoklos

Picture Magenet : Achilles Bandages Partoklos
 
Picture Magnet : Minoan Dolphin Fresco

Picture Magnet : Minoan Dolphin Fresco
Picture Magnet : Gazelles Fresco

Picture Magnet : Gazelles Fresco
 
 New Additions!
Sarantis Mastic Gum with sugar

Sarantis Mastic Gum with sugar
Dynamix Frappe Mixer

Dynamix Frappe Mixer
 
Greek Paper Flag 10x6.5 in

Greek Paper Flag
10x6.5 in

 
 

  Featured Destination: Kimolos

GEOGRAPHY Southwest of Siphnos and very near Melos lies the island of Kimolos. 36 sq. km. in area, with 38 km. of coast line, it is 86 nautical miles from Piraeus and has 786 inhabitants. Its capital is Kimolos. The boat link with Piraeus is via Seriphos, Siphnos, Melos, with which islands there is also a local connection by caique. A predominantly mountainous island (highest point Palaiokastro, 397 m. a.s.l.) it is mainly known for its chalk (kimolia) which is used in porcelain. There has been no touristic development on Kimolos, which is an ideal place for holidays far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life and close to nature.

HISTORY According to mythological tradition the island was named after its founder, Kimolos, and its history has always been intimately linked with that of neighboring Melos; on which it was always dependent, even during Frankish times when it was called Arzentiera. After the marauding incursion of Barbarossa (1537) it passed into Turkish hands and was a haven for pirates.

SIGHTS-MONUMENTS 2 km. north of the harbour (Psathi) is the island's capital, Kimolos (Chora) with its typical Cycladic houses clustered around the nucleus of the castle or Kastro, exactly like the houses around the castle on Siphnos. The castle consists of two concentric baileys formed by two contiguous rows of houses: Mesa (middle) Kastro, built in the 13th and 14th century, and Exo (outer) Kastro, a mid-17th century structure. Of the numerous churches, those of Christ (1592) and the Evangelistria (1608) are the oldest, while that of St. Chrysostom is particularly important. There is a small archaeological collection in the local Museum of Chora and another, mainly of sherds and pottery, in the Afentakeion Foundation. Opposite the coast, in the locality of Ellinika, 4 km. southwest of Chora, is the islet of Aghios Andreas or DaskaIeio where foundations of houses, towers and other remnants of the ancient city of Kimolos are preserved, for this islet was originally joined to the island. It was cut off as a result of an earthquake and is now linked by a shallow channel. There was an extensive cemetery at Ellinika, while at Limni-Varvarakaina there is a cave in which there are graves (nowadays rifled), very like the catacombs on Melos. At Palaiokastro remains of the fortification wall are still visible, as well as vestiges of a small, round tower which the locals call Portara.

The sea and shores of Kimolos are truly lovely and can be reached by caique or on foot: Psathi, Prasa (with its sulphurous medicinal springs), Alyki, Bonatsa, Ellinika. The only accommodation available is in rented rooms.
 

 

 Travel Guides and Information for your trip in the area


Going to Live and Work in Greece

Going to Live and Work in Greece
2005 edition

Let

Let's Go Greece 2005 edition - 20% off

Greece Road Map Set - 10 maps

Greece Road Map Set - 10 maps

Greece - A Guide to the Archaeological Sites - Travel Guide

Greece - A Guide to the
Archaeological Sites - Travel Guide

Cruise Greece DVD

Cruise Greece DVD

 Saints' Namedays in May

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
1 2
St. George
3
Timotheou
4
Pelagias
5
Eirinis
6
Serafim
7
Akakiou
8
 
9
Christoforou
10
Simonos
11
Kurillou & Methodou
 
12 13
Sergiou / Glykerias
 

14
Mother's Day

15
Paxomiou

16 17
Andronikou
18
Ioulias
19
Menandriou
 
20 21
Kostantinou & Elenis
 
22 23 24 25
 
26
 
 
27
Ioannou Rosou
28
Tis Analipseos
 
 
29
Theodosias
30
Isaakiou
31
 

 
   


 
 


Icons depicting the celebrated Saint, make great gifts for namedays.
Shop among our great collection of icons at our store. Also available, namedays, birthday, holiday, and special occasion greeting cards.

Gold and Silver Icons Hand Painted Icons Icons by Zafiris
Gold and Silver Icons
 
Hand painted Icons
 
Icons by Zafiris
 
Want to know more about Orthodox Saints?
Complete biographies of Orthodox Saints are now available.
 

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