REVIVAL OF MINOAN GASTRONOMY

In an effort to preserve ancient practices that connect the past to the present, cultural organization Branding Heritage organised a cultural experience of gastronomy entitled “Cooking Like Minoans” in collaboration with the British School of Archaeology at Athens and the support of the Region of Crete. The event took place at the Knossos Research Centre of the British School at Athens. American archaeologist Jerolyn Morrison, founder of “Minoan Tastes”, prepared a Minoan meal by employing ancient cooking practices and using earthenware replicas of Minoan cookware, which she had herself recreated. The menu included Lentils with Coriander and Honey, Chicken with Figs and Honey, Pork with Petimezi grape syrup and Pears, Pork with Sage, and Lamb with Xinohondros frumenty (trachanas) and Cretan Herbs. For several years, the American archaeologist has been creating her own versions of “Minoan flavors”, having researched dozens of archaeological findings, such as food remains found in ceramic storage containers in Minoan palaces. Dr Morrison informed the audience attending the event that “although there are no written sources on eating habits and cooking in Minoan Crete, we do have evidence of the use of legumes, herbs, oil, honey and sea salt harvest. Capers, bulbs, nuts, lavender, sage, rosemary, fish, seafood, pork and wheat are some of the ingredients we know were used in Minoan cuisine.”

His Royal Highness Prince Charles of Wales (Patron of the British School) graced the event with his presence, accompanied by the Minister of Culture and Sports, Lydia Koniordou, the General Secretary of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports, Maria Vlazaki, the British Ambassador to Greece, Kate Smith, the Director of the British School at Athens, Professor John Bennet, and Knossos Curator, Kostis Christakis. The prince was welcomed by the representatives of the British School, Chrysanthi Papadopoulou and Evangelia Kyriatzi, as well as the Founder of the Branding Heritage Cultural Organisation, Journalist Katerina Frentzou. Among the honorary guests were the Governor of the Region of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis, Marianna Vardinoyannis, Mareva Gabrowski-Mitsotaki, the Director of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Stella Mandalaki, the former Vice-Chancellor of the European Parliament, Rodi Kratsa, the Advisor to the Minister of Tourism, Maria Kalitsi, Aegean Airlines Public Relations and Press Director, Stavroula Saloutsi, the official choreographer of the lighting ceremony of the Olympic Flame, Artemis Ignatiou, Creta Farms Head of Communications, Elena Domazaki, the Managing Partner of Militos Consulting S.A. and the Founder of KNOWL Social Enterprise, Olga Stavropoulou, Cultural Manager & Advisor Elena Mavromichali, as well as Stella Kokosalaki, Christina Chalkiadaki, the painter of the Palace of Knossos, Giannis Politis and the founders of Apivita S.A., Nikos and Niki Koutsiana.

Among the journalists invited, the following were also present: Harriet Quick (Vogue UK), George Tsiros (Editor-in-Chief of Greece IS Magazine), Elis Kiss (“K” Magazine & KATHIMERINI Newspaper), Christina Poutetsi (Protagon), Melissa Stoili (“Gefsignostis” Magazine), Amanda Dardanis (Athens Insider), Antonis Nomikos (Athens News Agency – Macedonian Press Agency), Andriani Angelidaki (Crete TV), Athanasia Angelopoulou (“Eleftheros Typos”). Greek creators inspired by ancient Greek culture were also invited, including internationally acclaimed designer Sophia Kokosalaki, Zeus+Δione co-founder, Mimika Kolotoura, designer of Ancient Greek Sandals, Christina Martini, jewellery designers, Polina Ellis and Voula Karabatzaki, costume designer, Faye Chatzi, founder of the brand Philomela, Georgina Alexandri, founder of the brand Klotho, Alexandra Theochari and founder of Minoan Spora, Maria Adamaki. The meal was prepared using Cretan products, courtesy of the companies Minoan Spora, Creta Farms and Chalkiadakis.

GUIDED TOURS
CENTRE LIBRARY | VILLA ARIADNE | STRATIGRAPHICAL MUSEUM

The meal was concluded with a guided tour of the Knossos Research Centre’s library and the Stratigraphic Museum, given by the Curator of Knossos, Dr Kostis Christakis, which was then followed by a tour in the garden of Villa “Ariadne”, provided by the Director of the British School at Athens, Professor John Bennet. The villa was built in 1906, following Sir Arthur Evans’ instructions and has been used both as a residence and as a workspace. At the suggestion of the Knossos Scientific Committee, the historic garden of Villa “Ariadne” was designated as a Protected Natural Monument in 2012.

GALLERY

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