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Inspired by Thessaloniki's tasty tidbits, Jamie cooks a flatbread and chargrilled chicken
What places were visited?
The assistant starts off by mentioning how the narrator loves to travel to the Mediterranean for inspiration for new recipes. They describe it as their favorite kitchen, comparing it to paradise. The narrator expresses their excitement about exploring the Mediterranean and discovering the surprising ways people build and celebrate flavor in their dishes. They mention their desire to meet the very best at making traditional dishes and those inventing new ones, all in the pursuit of creating new recipes and flavors that can bring a bit of holiday to everyone's homes. The assistant ends the blog post by toasting to the joy of travel and cooking.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Photo by Aggelos Oikonomou
The narrator arrives in Thessaloniki, Greece and describes the bustling and lively city. They express their excitement to explore the great restaurants in the area and discover the heart and soul of the food in Thessaloniki. The narrator visits a fishmonger and shares their love for "plate watching" to decide what they want to eat. They then meet a restaurateur who also acts as the chef and fishmonger. The narrator is impressed by the innovative techniques used to prepare the fish and is excited to taste the dishes. They thoroughly enjoy the meal and are inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean.
Thessaloniki, Greece
Skopelos, Greece
Photo by John Voglis
The narrator travels to the island of Skopelos in Greece and mentions its abundance of fruit trees and beautiful produce. They visit a deli to learn about local specialties and indulge in a variety of meze dishes. The narrator is particularly fascinated by a dish with smoked aubergine and feta, as well as beef cheek cooked to perfection. They have a conversation with Thomas, the deli owner, who talks about the simplicity of Greek cooking and provides recommendations for where to eat and what to try. The narrator expresses their fond memories and inspiration from the visit.
Skopelos, Greece
Skopelos Plum Farm
The narrator visits a plum farm on Skopelos Island and engages with the 103-year-old owner and his son-in-law. They learn about the different types of plums and witness the process of drying and preserving them. The narrator is captivated by the flavor and notes that the plums are a key ingredient in various island recipes. They also express their admiration for the long life of the owner and the love and care put into the plum production. The narrator feels inspired and excited to incorporate the plums into their own recipes back home.
Glossa, Skopelos
Photo by andromachi stamou
The narrator visits the village of Glossa, also known as the "high village," on Skopelos Island. They enjoy the stunning view and have a conversation with a local chef who specializes in nomadic cooking. The chef prepares a variety of dishes, including roasted monkfish and sardines cooked over an open fire. The narrator is impressed by the traditional cooking methods and the use of local ingredients. They express their excitement and inspiration from the experience, noting how it will influence their future cooking.
Glossa 370 03, Greece
The narrator returns home and feels inspired to recreate the flavors of Greece in their own kitchen. They decide to make a Greek-inspired flatbread using charred aubergine, tangy feta, and marinated olives. The assistant provides a step-by-step recipe for the flatbread, highlighting the importance of charring the aubergine for flavor. The narrator expresses their enjoyment of the meze concept and the ability to try different flavors and combinations. They reflect on the simplicity and harmony of Greek cooking and how it has influenced their own culinary style.