As the old song says… “When you go to Kalamata, bring along a Kalamata scarf…”
But when you meet Kostas, I say — let yourself discover the authentic flavors of Messinia.
It may sound like a blessing, and indeed it is one from the heart. I wish that at least once in your life you find yourself there, to be welcomed with true hospitality.
In the middle of nowhere, surrounded by fields, in a courtyard shaded by mulberry trees, Mrs. Maria creates wonders — using only the simplest local ingredients to craft unforgettable, almost magical flavors.
During my visit to the 2nd Messinia Forum, I was reminded of this place.
A small eatery that had deeply impressed me on a past trip.
There is no pomp, no glossy signs — only Kostas, tucked away among the fields, serving genuine Messinian cuisine, dishes that carry you on a journey of taste and tradition.
A Meal at Kostas
I listened to the orders being taken at the neighboring tables by Kostas.
In his white uniform, explaining about meats and railways, lamb fricassee with mushrooms, giant beans and soutzoukakia, tuna and grilled sardines.
For my Messinian culinary experiences at Kostas, I started with the classic fish soup, which had impressed me at the time, velvety, with finely chopped fish and traces of carrot!
Balm for my weary body. This was followed by giant beans, eggplant with beef stew, and eggplant with olives and onions, something like imam!
And of course, all my attention fell on the cabbage rolls, “the orphans” as Kostas described them, which arrived on a platter swimming in extra virgin Kalamata olive oil!
I almost snatched a piece of cheese pie as it passed by me. But the cumin caught me red-handed, giving me a knowing look from within the proud soutzoukakia. Soutzoukakia sitting high on their mountain of golden fries.
Goat stews in rich tomato sauce were parading across every table, but I stayed focused on the grilled sfela cheese with red pepper chutney. While at the same time dipping my bite into the silky, olive-oil-drenched eggplants…
Conclusion
I’ll stop here…
I won’t describe any more. You simply have to go, eat, and honor Mrs. Maria for the Messinian culinary experiences at Kostas’. May she always be well, cooking such delights for us!
As for the duo, Kostas and Giorgos — the artistry of taking orders and the effortless, friendly, and swift service.
I’ll save that story for another episode…
Ah, but wait I’m not done yet!
I almost forgot the warm galaktoboureko that arrived at the very end, its taste still lingering with me. I’m even thinking of skipping dinner tonight, just so that memory doesn’t fade away…
This is what true gastronomy is about — and it’s the kind we must all support!
At Kostas
Bournia, 241 00
Tel. +30 272 10 83 957
https://stoukosta.blogspot.com/p/blog-page.html
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Text and photos GiorgioGrigor
At #TasteLocalGreece, we taste and promote all our favorite hangouts.
The local products we discover, the places we visit, and those that fit our philosophy.
The taverns we discover in our culinary quests. Our articles have no commercial benefit. Often, the restaurants we visit are unaware that we will be mentioning them.
They are all our personal experiences, and we share them with you. We strive to highlight forgotten flavors, authenticity, and simplicity that have been lost from our lives.
We strive to highlight forgotten flavors, authenticity, and simplicity that have been lost from our lives.
The information we provide is based on the period when we visited the place.
