Page 90 - NUMO JOURNAL 2024

FO L LOW MOUNTAIN ROAD E-BIKES
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BIKES, TOURS & ADVENTURES

Sourcing most of the ingredients directly from
farmers and producers on Crete, the menus
tale to tell! The entire island is full of sto- include fresh local produce, with a variety of
ries and mysteries. While the past is most seasonal greens, fresh fruits, and local nuts.
certainly an inspiration, the present is also
very important to consider. I try to con-
stantly link the past and present together
when I am making a pot or researching a
topic on the ancient world. in Chania, I found myself in Ierapetra of food. Plus they learn how to dance and
How did you transition from ceramics to Mi- around 2004 studying Minoan pottery speak a little Greek! Not to mention, they
noan cuisine? How are these two connected? from local excavations in Lassithi. In 2006, learn a bit about the island’s history. For
This is a wonderful combination – ceram- I started working on Minoan cooking and Minoan Tastes, creating partnerships is
ics and Minoan cuisine! Ceramic cooking cuisine and have not stopped! One of the fabulous! We like this too.
pots are one of the most dynamic objects handiest dietary habits practised in Iera- The dishes of Minoan Tastes that for-
that anyone could hold, look at, and even petra is people’s use of sun power to dry eign guests appreciate the most are all
use to cook food or boil water for herbal and preserve food, especially in the sum- those cooked with pork, the various ways
tea! Not only is the design of the vessel mer. Learning these techniques helped we prepare octopus, and our honey-
interesting, but there are critical points of me think about cooking and food preser- flavoured lentils. They are very surprised
interest, such as the type of clay the pot- vation in a different way, especially when when they enjoy the different, more tra-
ter used, the type of lid needed to build using various tools like ceramic pots. ditional, tastes involving rabbit, sheep, or
up the heat inside the vessel and ensure Each region of Crete is special and offers goat! Occasionally, we make snails, which
the food was cooked, and, most impor- something new! some guests adore!
tantly, how one could use fire to cook the What experiences do you offer through Mi- Share with us a favourite spot in the broader
food. Everyone living in Crete in the Mi- noan Tastes? area of Ierapetra that you discovered through
noan period knew fire cooking techniques Currently, we offer a variety of ceramic your involvement in the region.
that included the use of ceramic pots. For cooking and eating party options for My favourite spots are the gardens my
me, it’s the perfect merging of the ancient small groups. Before the pandemic, we friends have created at their homes. These EXPERIENCE THE AUTHENTIC CRETE ON A BICYCLE!
and modern worlds to better understand participated in numerous large-scale are unique oases where we congregate
how people lived and can still live in the events organised for public and private for meals, music, and conversation, espe-
East Mediterranean. occasions. I hope we will return to these, cially during summer nights, feast days, Our desire to make mountain bike adventures in Crete accessible to all became the passion we share everyday with
You established Minoan Tastes based in Iera- as they were a lot of fun and a fabulous and Sundays. Each of these lovely spac- you! Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or a beginner, want to ride for a day or longer, private or in a group,
petra. What fascinates you about Cretan di- way to build community. es has a large table, shaded by various
etary habits? What are foreign visitors’ favourite experi- plants, and is decorated differently from we have exactly the right experience for you. Join us for inspiring cycling tours to fully explore the wonder and joy
The south coast of Crete has always been ences? all others. While Ierapetra is very comfort- of the wilderness of Crete Island or rent mountain, road and e-bikes to create your own route of exploration. You
a favourite place of mine. It’s warm dur- Foreign visitors always enjoy evenings ing as a whole, these spaces are primar- will follow us through off the beaten paths in a range of day tours, multi-day tours and longer cycling adventures.
ing the day and cool at night with the sky when we pair meals with traditional ily about the people who make them and
full of stars. There is a sense of peaceful Greek chefs! They like the Minoan and the company they keep. These moments
intrigue as you look out across the deep Greek Nights together. It is fun for them, around a large table are precious to me,
blue sea. It’s wonderful! After many years as they can have different tastes or bites and I hold them close to my heart! •

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