Shortieweb

Depressing stuff. The fires again, and this time very close to local vilages. A massive amount of the mountain greenery on this side of the mountains was destroyed in a massive blaze the day before yesterday. So sad. The helicopter and planes battled all afternoon in the wind to try to extinguish the fire and managed to control it enough for on the ground fire fighters to put it to rest but not before the damage was done. The fire crept towards Agia Marina on the North face of the mountain, it was scary witching it's approach but again, massive praise to the fire fighters that saved the day.
Anyway! Martin and Nicole, a couple we have become very fond of and enjoy their company a great deal, set us a bit of a challenge. Nicole had never eaten Rabbit and wanted to try a Rabbit Stifado. Now, I'm no expert, this is a meat that I have never cooked and only eaten a little of so I asked the locals where will we get the best Rabbit Stifado. 3 restaurants were highly praised for their interpretation of this dish bit many others were suggested. The Lemon Tree was one but was closed n the afternoon yesterday so that left the Potamaki and Asteria out of the 3 highly recommended.
We put it to Nicole and she chose Asteria.
         
On the way we met at the Papora Beach bar, where we will be spending some time soon with Big Tony and Chris and enjoying some delights from the restaurant too on our annual feast. As always, Papora's george was happy and smiling and as with everyone, happy to see us.
Right, after a light refreshment it's off to the Asteria.
        
We bumped into Unkle Kev on the way and he say's hi to all you shortiewebbers! He's been working on that tan a bit! Do you remember that article in the spoof newspaper the Real zante Times the other year!!? Click here to read it. You'll have to scroll down to find it, but it is worth it.
Moving on.
         
Here we are seated in this lovely setting. Wine in place, Martin and Nicole in place and so were we.
                           
Charlie, Lambros, Gratsioza and Yiannis came out to greet us. All the staff are very friendly here and it is a real family run business. This is a real feel of Greece and a real feel of Zakynthian hospitality. I say Zakynthian because I think the Zakynthians are unique. All Greek people are nice but there is a quality about these people, almost an innocence that makes them special and that is why, I believe people are so drawn to this place.
        
Jules enjoying a couple of hours with good company, nice setting, some local family wine and hopefully some good food.
        
The scene is set! Bring on the grub!! We're all starving too!
        
Out come the appetizers! We all chose one thing to try and share.
Martin chose cheese pies, Nicole, Feta stuffed mushrooms, Jules mushrooms in Balsamic vinegar and I chose Octopus in vinegar.
        
All the appetizers were great. The star of the show though were the Feta stuffed mushrooms. A whole mushroom cap filled with feta and a little cayenne pepper and coated in breadcrumbs and fried, absolutely delicious! The balsamic mushrooms were excellent too.
Now for the thing we have been waiting for. The star of the show, the Rabbit Stifado.
Prepared and cooked by Lambro's Mum, Zoza this dish looked nothing less than superb as it hit the table and I cannot explain the smells wafting from the plates. Devine!
        
Wow! Sunshine, sea, great company, great wine and this gorgeous looking Rabbit Stifado!
Never mind the look, the taste!! it was heaven on a plate! homecooked bliss! This meal has lived up to everybody's recommendation and should be tried! Delicious!
All in all a big thumbs up for the Asteria Alykes, you are truly amongst the great restaurants in the area.
The Asteria is right on the beach in Alykes, but from the main road you turn in by The Sugarbush.
         
A really nice couple of hours. I had a busy afternoon so it was off to the Cosy to prepare for the evening after that, so Bye bye Asteria and thank you very much!
After a couple of hours working and after all that food and wine there was only one thing for it! and Jules caught me on film!!
         
10 minutes was not enough though!
        
Our first Dutch customers that I can remember. They've been in a few times. Kees and family came in for a Sunday roast and were a little shocked by the size of it! I don't think the kids liked it much! they should have tried the burgers maybe! Mum and Dad returned for the Midweek roast though and had a small portion!
A really friendly family and we are so happy that they joined us.
Outgoing customers, regular this year, Bye to
         
Allan and his brother. Allan ate with us most nights, but in the heat his brother had little appetite for anything that wasn't wet, and who can blame him.
         
The Harts have been great costomers over the duration of their holidays and returned from last year! Great to see you again guys! and hope to see you again sometime!
         
Thanks for coming down guys, lovely to meet you!
And incoming!        
        
These guys have eaten with us for years. They stay at the Elpida and walk down to us. Always remeber their faces and have been guilty of not knowing their names and I don't know why, they are just real nice people! Anyway, Tom, Debra and son Thomas from Abingdon. Had a bit to talk about as I lived there once too. Nice to see you back guys.
         
Sue and Ben. Sue is the daughter of Val and Roy and Ben her son. They are staying at the Pothos this year and still pop down to see us.

The Cosy Special last night - Grimsby Cod, Chips and Mushy peas! Always a winner.

  Picture by Rab_C

       
My god! would you want to have to feed this lot!! In a nest on our terrace at home, these guys are waiting for mum to turn up with the grub!! Look at the size of those beaks!

Yesterdays Weather - Hot and Sunny! For a change!! 34degs

Exchange rate in the resorts - 1.20e. At last the resort has caught up a little! Typically 2 cents lower than anywhere else though!!

ATM Watch - All working and operational.

If you are coming over - Darjeeling Teabags,Horlicks Please and Marmite. Thanks.

Big Tony has informed me that the cash machines are displaying exchange rates a lot lower than they should be. His showed 1.16 but he got 1.24 as arranged with his bank. To be sure, please check with your bank what rate you will get and also set a daily withdrawal amount.

Mossie Watch - Average for the time of year!  But not a problem to those who wear mossie stuff

If you are going to celebrate a birthday or any event at the Cosy Corner and you would like us to organise a Bananagram or a Blobbygram or even a cake, just click contact me and message me.

Note - Also, please remember to bring your EHIC card  and read our advise on our "Coming here on holiday" Page.

Note - Another thing! please bring sun lotion and creams with you. You will pay up to 20 euros for sun lotion here. Tesco or Asda must be better.