Culinaria Greece: Greek Specialties

This is without question, the finest collection of photos, anecdotal information, and cultural overview that I have ever experienced. At the turning of each page I was greeted with things that I had never heard of, or seen regarding Greek foods and spirits. As a second generation Greek-American, I had heard much from my yayias and papous (grandmothers and grandfathers) about the traditions and foods of their homeland, but their recollections were very localized. This wonderful book would be the equivalent of having hundreds of yayias and papous all spinning tales of what they did for the Easter Feast, or namesday celebrations, or the wonderful olive oil that they made in their old village. My only suggestion would be to increase the size of the fonts around the many beautiful photographs (which comes from the Greek words for light and writing--there you go). It looks like about a 6 point font, and is somewhat distracting. Yayia would need a magnifier to read them, but would nod approvingly and tell yet another story just like the one in the book.

I have loved the CULINARIA series from the very first volume that I was given as a gift. If you are interested in lerning the history and culture of Greece by learning about the food eaten there, this is the book for you. The book is divided into chapters by geographic regions. Each region is described by the physical features that make it unique, the foods and ingredients that are special to it, and recipes are given for the dishes that define it. There are abundant sidebars about significant topics either historical, political or cultural in the region that have shaped the food or people. Then there is the photography. Beautiful photographs of the landscape, detailed photographic charts of ingredients, appetizingly displayed prepared dishes, step-by-step series showing ingredients being made, and people lovingly portrayed going about their daily lives. This book is BIG, no bedtime reading with this one, you won't be able to hold it up! If you love cookbooks for the way they tell the story of a country, the CULINARIA Greece is not to be missed.

I am also Greek American and have been through at least 7 Greek cookbooks. Finally I found one with a Pastitsio recipe that tastes just like Yaya's. The photos are beautiful, the recipes (I've used several) are very authentic, and the text is amazing. I love how they break down the regions. I could never find certain recipes that I grew up eating from the Thrace region, but they are in this book!!! I love this book and have given it as a gift as well. In fact, the entire Culinaria series cookbooks are great!

I am a Greek-American and have been cooking since I was 5 years old. This book is the greatest, one volume, book on Greek Cuisine I have ever seen. Though I know a great deal about Hellenic Cuisine, even I learned a few things. The photography is FANTASTIC! The information is plenteous, accurate and very informative. Haven't tried any of the recipes, but they look good and authentic. The book covers Hellenic (Greek) Cuisine from region to region and is very thorough. It is also so beautiful, that it will make a great "coffee table book" as well. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book!

I am living in Greece and was given this book as a gift. This book will give you so many insights into Greek regions, foods, wines and life. It is broken down into food groups such as vegetables, cheeses, meats, and wines from each region. The photography is also amazing. After having lived here for two years, I can really understand why certain foods are from each region and how the cuisine has evolved. I have found the book very accurate and the recipes excellent. I have given this book to 3 others since receiving it one month ago.