Squashed Tomato
Greek cuisine we are told represents as a whole Mediterranean food and shares characteristics from Italy, the Balkans and Turkey, so looking at the menu from this established and popular restaurant, I am happy to see that being reflected and perhaps more.
We have just been to the very popular restaurant "Tomata" overlooking the marina at Sani resort, Greece. I'm excited as I note this little establishment has received many awards, including being voted one of the top 25 restaurants in Europe and serves modern Greek Cuisine . As we wait for our table, I notice on the wall a large photograph of a squashed tomato which reminds me of a picture you might pick up at Ikea on a Sunday morning and then realise when you get home, you actually have no room to hang it and wonder why on earth you bought it in the first place? A bit seventies for me and how about a hand painted version by a local artist instead? It's not always easy to get a table as dining is generally limited to a small cluster of tables outside and this has become a very popular restaurant amongst the many guests who are staying at one of the hotels surrounding the Sani marina. But we are lucky tonight and are immediately handed some nice freshly baked homemade bread wrapped in parchment paper and settle down to admire the splendid yachts in the marina just a few feet away. We start with Asian duck rolls which are extra crispy after being deep fried and served with a sweet and sticky hoisin sauce coating to the soft duck inside and accompanied with a nice tomato and avocado salad and a generous tangy lemon dressing. Three large grilled prawns come with a wonderful aromatic and punchy dense sauce. All very satisfying and slightly worrying as we need to get through another two courses still.
The wine list is varied enough although some bottles are slightly pricey, but we opt for a nice crisp Gris de Noir on recommendation from our lovely waitress and just perfect for our starters. My main of a mushroom risotto is good and served with a subtle truffle infused oil and some fried mushrooms to enhance that earthy quality. The menu also offers a pork leg and as we discover you get just that, well a pork shank, tender and collapsing from the bone immediately it receives a prod from a fork and served with some rustic wedges on the side.
Does food taste better when you are on holiday? Well, there is no mistaking, you are generally more relaxed, have more time to enjoy your meal and perhaps can dine al fresco rather than sitting in a large featureless restaurant, so possibly you may feel more inclined to appreciate your food, but one thing I know, we left here very happy and sure we would have felt the same, holiday or not
As we depart, I notice a small kitten siting on the wall purring and hoping for some scraps. Sorry moggy this food is just too good to give away - you will have to try somewhere else.
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