Crete's Culinary Sanctuaries

Cretan Cuisine Goes Global: Cooking Classes for Everyday Living

2 Daytime Classes on the Northeast Coast
for small groups of adults (at least 18 years of age)
Click Here to Return to Schedule
email:  info@cookingincrete.com
www.cookingincrete.com
Copyright © 2004 Nikki Rose. All rights reserved.

Meet us on the magnificent northeast coast for cooking classes followed by a relaxing lunch.  
Classes are held in traditional tavernas at a remote fishing port.  Fresh and local ingredients are
the menu!  The setting is casual, like cooking with family or friends at home.  The program is
designed for you discover new ways to pack flavor and nutrients into everyday menus.

Program Overview

Day 1:  Traditional Cretan Cuisine from the Garden and Sea

The seafood we will enjoy is straight off the boat at our port.  Vegetables are straight from the
garden a few meters away.  Resident chefs will tell us about the types of fish available and best
accompaniments that encompass traditional Cretan Cuisine.  Sample seasonal menu:

  • Grilled or roasted fish with olive oil and lemon sauce (latholemeno)
  • Aromatic rice in edible containers:  grape leaves, zucchini flowers, tomatoes or peppers
  • Purees:  Yogurt-cucumber (tzatziki); Eggplant (melitzana salata); Fava (yellow split peas)
  • Roasted or stewed vegetable medleys, such as green beans with onions and tomatoes, or
    zucchini, potato and greens, or roasted eggplant, zucchini and tomatoes
  • Typical accompaniments – simple, delectable salads, excellent artisan cheeses, whole
    grain breads and olives (of course).


Day 2:  Easy Cooking Techniques and Modern Interpretations of the Cretan Diet  

The regional cooking of Greece is diverse.  We'll feature delectable seasonal menus using
ingredients readily available outside of Crete so that you can apply what you learn easily in your
own kitchen.  Sample menu based on the season:

  • Swiss Chard with black-eyed peas, sautéed onions, garlic and fresh herbs
  • Potato salad with cabbage, arugula and chili peppers
  • Lentil salad with sweet red peppers, spring onions, olives and garlic
  • Roasted beets or sweet red peppers with simple marinades
  • Grilled vegetables with aromatic herbs and olive oil marinade
  • Whole grains and herbs:  Maximizing the flavor and nutrients from the land
  • Simple meat or poultry roasting or grilling techniques (selection based on student interests)

Cost:  280 Euros per person based on a group of 6 to 8 students

Cost Includes:  2 daytime cooking classes followed by lunch featuring a set menu of fresh and
local specialties and wine (2 glasses per person) or a local nonalcoholic beverage.  Recipes and
additional menu suggestions also provided.  Time frame is 10:00 am to 2:30 pm.  

Program does not include anything not mentioned above.    

Registration is on a first-come, first served basis.  Full course fee is required upon registration.  
If you are traveling to Crete on your own, we can keep you informed of classes with space
available.  Smaller group private classes can be arranged upon request.  If you’d like to learn
more about Cretan culture and cuisine and explore the island, see our Schedule page for a
range of comprehensive educational programs.

Available Dates 2008:  (Tuesdays and Wednesdays):  

May 26 - 27
June 9 - 10
Sept 1 – 2

Class Location:

Class location is in a remote coastal region, one hours’ drive east of Heraklion.  We’ll provide detailed driving
directions.  There are a dozen tavernas, rooms to let and 2 small supermarkets along the coast.  We suggest
that you rent a car if you want to explore the area after classes.

  • A range of accommodation is available in our area.  
  • Simple apartments to let are within walking distance of class (ranging from 30 to 40 Euros per night for
    single occupancy and 40-80 Euros per night for double occupancy).
  • Private villas and high-end hotels are from 20 minutes to an hour away by car (you will need to arrange
    your own transportation to class -- rent a car or take a taxi).  
  • We can provide a short list of lodging.  In the case of apartments near class, we can make reservations
    for an additional fee.  In all cases, CCS has no affiliation with lodgers and bears no responsibility for any
    services they provide.  Contact your travel agent or review options on the web.  
  • The nearest town for shopping or banking is 20 minutes by car or about an hour on foot along a rocky
    unpaved road.  Most shops, small lodge owners and tavernas require cash payments only.  The public
    bus service is minimal (stops here only once in the morning and once in the afternoon on school days).  

Options for getting to class:

1.  If you’d like to stay in one of the simple apartments to let nearby (advance reservations and payment
required), we suggest that you arrive the night before and settle in before your morning class.   You can either
rent a car at the airport or take a taxi (approximately 50 Euros).  There is local bus service from the airport to our
region.  However, the service does not come all the way to the coast on a frequent basis and requires 2
transfers.  The nearest bus stop is in the resort town of Malia.  From there, you can take a taxi to our base (costs
about 25 Euros).  

2.  If you prefer to stay in high-end accommodation in the area, we suggest you rent a car to get to class.  Taxi
service, while available in this region, is minimal without advance reservations.

Travel to Greece:  Contact your travel agent or see our Links section for more info.

This program is subject to change without notice based on the weather and other unforeseen conditions.  

If you have any questions, just ask us.  We look forward to cooking with you in Crete.
Crete, Greece
Here's your chance to gain practical info about the renowned
Mediterranean Diet on the island where the concept originated
and apply this information in your own kitchen wherever you live