We had the pleasure of meeting with Mariana, a native of the West Coast of Crete, one of the most beautiful Greek islands. Mariana was born and raised in the city of Chania, where she now makes a living by sharing her rich Cretan heritage.
Insider Tips From Chania to Amsterdam and Back
Tell us a little about yourself: Where are you from and where do you live now?
Hi, it’s great to be here! I am from Chania, Crete. After living in Amsterdam, Rethymnon (also in Crete), and Athens for 25 years, I moved back to Chania where I have been living for the last three years.
Insider Tip: While in Chania, make sure to stroll through the Old Venetian Harbor and savor the local seafood at the waterfront tavernas. The bustling Agora Marketplace is a food lover’s dream, offering everything from fresh produce to local cheeses and honey.
Exploring the History of Greek Food
So, you are a historian specializing in food? What exactly is it that you do?
I am an experimental archaeologist specializing in Greek food history and gastronomy. Experimental archaeology involves replicating and interpreting the material fingerprints of ancient humans. In the context of food, this includes everything from food acquisition and plant domestication to food preparation itself. Personally, I try to reconstruct the food and tastes of the ancient Greeks, Byzantines, and early Ottoman Greeks using archaeological data, literary sources, and authentic cooking methods.
Eat Experience Highlight: Join Mariana for an exclusive cooking classwhere you can learn to prepare ancient Greek dishes using traditional methods. This hands-on experience is a unique way to immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of the Aegean.
Favorite Ancient Greek Recipes
What is your favorite ancient recipe?
Myma, a meat dish from the 1st century B.C. It is a delicious dish that features 13 herbs and spices stirred into the meat and giblets.
Foodie Tip: When visiting Crete, don't miss trying Myma, along with other traditional dishes like dakos (Cretan barley rusk salad) and kalitsounia (sweet or savory cheese pies).
Unconventional Ancient Greek Cooking Techniques
Are there any unconventional techniques in ancient Greek cooking? What would be the most unknown process for us?
Greek cooking methods were usually pretty simple, but the sauces could be quite elaborate! An example is garum, a salty condiment made by fermenting small fish or the blood and intestines of fish.
Culinary Adventure: Explore the art of ancient sauces and condiments with Mariana. Discover how these flavors were used to enhance dishes and try your hand at creating your own garum.
Mariana's Award-Winning Book on Greek Gastronomy
You also wrote an award-winning book! Could you give us a quick summary?
"The Language of Taste" is a dictionary of the history and culture of Greek food. It covers many aspects of Greek gastronomy, such as ingredients, regional dishes, historical recipes, and cooking methods.
Book Recommendation: Pick up a copy of "The Language of Taste"to deepen your understanding of Greek culinary traditions. It's an invaluable resource for anyone passionate about food history and gastronomy.
More Than Just Research
So, other than research, teaching cooking classes, and writing books, what else do you do?
I am a consultant to museums on historic dining and the founder and co-organizer of the Symposia of Greek Gastronomy, a biannual conference devoted to all aspects of Greek food and drink.
Memorable Moments and Cultural Exchange
What has been your most memorable moment when sharing your knowledge with others?
I will never forget a series of six dinners titled ‘My Life on a Plate’. These dinners explored the immigrant experience and its influence on Greek cuisine through historical tales, personal stories, food, and recipes. It’s dinners like these that warm me up from the inside!
Cultural Dining Experience: Attend one of Mariana's 'My Life on a Plate' dinners for a truly immersive cultural and culinary experience. These events highlight the rich tapestry of Greek cuisine and the stories behind the dishes.
What has been your funniest moment when sharing your knowledge with others?
People often roll their eyes when they hear the stories about using blood and garum in Greek food. It’s funny to witness their facial expressions as every culture is so different; they expect it to taste horrible, but they are pleasantly surprised! I love that I can share this with people and help them experience new food.
The City of Chania: A Blend of History and Myth
Tell us a little bit about the city you live in. Are there any ancient myths about the area?
Chania is the second biggest city in Crete and has been continuously inhabited since 4000 B.C.! According to legend, it was one of the three cities founded on Crete by King Minos.
Travel Highlight: Explore the ancient ruins and Venetian architecture of Chania. Don’t miss the Archaeological Museum, housed in a former Venetian monastery, which offers fascinating insights into the island’s storied past.
Insider Travel Tips for Greece
Do you have insider tips for traveling in Greece? What are your favorite places?
My biggest travel tip is that there are a lot of Greek islands you can still visit in winter! Greece has some of the best beaches in the world, but they also have amazing little villages. Almost every village has at least one “kafeneion” (coffee house) that serves cheap and wonderful food! Also, don’t miss Athens and the Epidaurus Festival!
Island Hopping Tip: Besides Chania, consider visiting Ithaka in the Ionian Sea and Koufonisia and Milos in the Aegean Sea. Each island offers unique culinary experiences and stunning natural beauty.
Embracing Social Dining with Eatwith
How do you feel about the Eatwith experience? What does social dining mean to you?
I believe that Eatwith contributes to understanding foreign cultures by eating their food, so I am really looking forward to being part of the Eatwith community! Social dining is a way to discover the world, exchange knowledge, and share experiences. I can’t think of anything better.
Join the Community: Participate in Eatwith experiences to connect with locals and fellow travelers. Share meals, stories, and traditions, and gain a deeper appreciation for Greek culture through its cuisine.
Thank you, Mariana, for chatting with us and sharing your life on this beautiful little island. If you want to know more about ancient Greek recipes, make sure to drop by her place next time you visit Crete and sign up for one of her cooking-classes!
