The taste of nostalgia: my heart in a bowl
There is only one thing I love more than exploring the wonders of the culinary world, and that is sharing these experiences with the man I love, my Chris. You see, good food has always been about quality produce and humble cooking, but what makes the meal truly great is the person or people sitting opposite or next to you. Food to me is family and family is the crux of a viable and fruitful life. So simple, yet so important.
I feel incredibly lucky to have my person. There's no better feeling than being in his presence. During meal times we talk for hours. We deliberate over current world events whilst discussing the intricacies of both our personal and joint lives. He makes me laugh. He makes me think. But most of all, he makes me realise that ordinary human experiences are the most beautiful and should be treasured.
Recently, there was an experience that sparked my inspiration to write this piece. I felt as though this was a perfect story to share with my audience. This journey started with an empty stomach and a determination to be well-fed. Although the meal was excellent, it was the story as a whole that will remain with me for years to come.
It was a Friday night. Chris and I had attended an event and we were hungry for a late-night feed. Typically, my late-night feed would consist of a greasy souvlaki or a burger from a drive-through. I wanted something light yet warm, seeing as though the colder months had set in. I had the perfect idea. All signs pointed to a traditional Greek soup called Magiritsa.
But where was I going to find it?
This dish is traditionally consumed to break the fast of the 40-day Greek Orthodox Lenten period. However, in Greece, it can be readily found in taverns around the country as a nightcap. Magiritsa is made from lamb offal. The offal is boiled for a prolonged period with the addition of aromatic dill and lemon. If preferred it is also served with tempered egg to create a creamy, tangy soup. It is a meal I wait for all year. It is the meal that draws me back to my childhood.
I had located the dish at an eatery in Melbourne’s CBD called Kafeneion. Upon entering the restaurant, we found ourselves in front of an unassuming single door that promised adventure. After walking up the flight of stairs, we were greeted by a dimly lit space that perfectly emulated the vision of a casual Greek kafeneio (cafe) with Melbourne’s eclectic charm. It felt like we had discovered a hidden gem, where the ambience created a welcoming, intimate atmosphere perfect for a late-night culinary escape. We sat at our table, ordered promptly, savoured our meal, and departed with contented hearts and lasting memories.
What Chris and I ordered that night was pure nostalgia in a bowl. I was in awe that the dish was on a menu (and might I say proud of myself for locating it), but even more grateful to share the experience with someone I love.
“Magiritsa”
KAFENEION
Level 1, 161 Spring St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia