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Greek Tavernas - Your Top 10 Tips When Eating Out in Greece

By: Graham Yates

Greek tavernas are a great traditional place to experience the best in Greek cuisine. When you are eating out in Greece, you can be assured of a great time. Good food, great service and wonderful atmosphere. There are some things you need to know to help you get the most out of the experience.

These top 10 tips will apply to the vast majority of Greek tavernas you visit in the resorts of Greece and Crete.

Tip #1

Many Greek tavernas have uncomfortable seating. So if you haven't your own personal padding, or there are no cushions available, be prepared to walk or limp away with a dull pain in the backside.

Tip #2

After visiting a few tavernas you'll soon notice that menus are very similar. Good, simple, wholesome Greek food which is fresh, seasonal and plentiful finds its way onto every menu -- and not much more.

Tip #3

When choosing from the menu always factor in a second or even third choice. Due to the seasonal and fresh nature of the foods sourced by tavernas, some ingredients are unavailable at certain times of the year. Don't, for example, expect strawberries after May or June, or expect grapes before August.

Tip #4

Starters can come served with the main course - or sometimes after! Also don't expect a main course to contain "meat and two veg" -- it won't. If you want vegetables you'll need to order these separately.

Tip #5

Food is often served at room temperature and will NOT always be piping hot.

Tip #6

Cutlery will normally be found in the bread basket that accompanies every meal. You will not normally be given an extra set of cutlery for each course -- so try to hold onto your knife and fork!

Tip #7

Expect slower service than you are used to. Take your time, relax and enjoy your meal. Dining can take two hours on average. From asking for your bill to actually leaving the restaurant can take up to a further hour.

Tip #8

A comprehensive sweets, pudding or desserts menu is rare. You won't need one! However you will be given, free of charge, a small dessert of fresh fruit, traditional sweet pastries or ice cream.

Tip #9

Expect a complimentary alcoholic drink such as a carafe of Raki (local fire water, especially in Crete) or jug of wine, or a glass of Metaxa (Greek brandy) after you've asked for the bill. This is served with the complimentary desert.

Tip #10

Your bill will generally be far less expensive that you think, so always leave a generous tip!

One last thing, olive oil is one of the most important ingredients in Greek food. Don't think it's just oil, it is in fact one of the healthiest and most natural foods in the world, and is the juice of the olive. Both the inhabitants of Crete (especially) and Greeks in general, lash their dishes with this precious oil, so don't be afraid - enjoy it!

Graham Yates wrote this article. To learn more about vacations and living on the Greek islands visit http://www.completely-crete.com/ and http://www.simply-santorini.com/.

An independent insider's guide to Greek island life.

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