It is no coincidence that Cyprus attracts a large number of tourists from around the world. This third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea is rich in historical traditions and unique natural landscapes.
Amazing Cyprus
Many rightly call it a pearl. After all, here is the warmest sea, the longest summer and amazing national cuisine. But the real merit of Cypriot culinary culture is fish meze. It is served here in a fashionable restaurant, and in a small tavern by the sea. Many tourists, having first arrived in this paradise, mistakenly believe that mezedes is a separate dish. But, having gotten a little accustomed, guests understand that a gourmet surprise is hidden under an unusually sonorous name - a special menu that includes several meal changes.
A bit of history
Experts say that this style of dinner was invented by the Greeks in antiquity. It is noteworthy that fish meze is still loved in Cyprus more than meat. And this is understandable: the Mediterranean Sea has always been famous for its gifts.
Scientists have tried more than once to unravel the phenomenon of this culinary peculiarity of the Cypriots. Some expressed the opinion that Mesa came to the island from Arab countries and was firmly integrated into local life. Others speak with confidence about the local origin of this custom. But, despite the disagreements of authoritative people, the fish meze in Cyprus has become a culinary symbol.
Features of the culinary attraction
Modern mezedes more closely resembles a full-fledged lunch, flowing smoothly into dinner. As already mentioned, 5-6 changes of dishes can be included in the menu, and sometimes this number reaches twenty. There is no strict regulation, so free style reigns. Each institution has its own "repertoire". The owner of a tavern or restaurant tries to surprise the guests, and everything that he has is gradually appearing on the table. Tourists are happy to take the chance to try seafood in such an unusual performance as meze. As a rule, this small culinary performance lasts several hours.
But in a friendly company, flight of time is not felt, and a comfortable atmosphere allows guests to relax and enjoy communication. The cost of such a rich menu is pleasantly surprising: usually it does not exceed 20 euros per person. What can I say - a very affordable price, especially when you consider the abundance of food. You need to eat fish meze slowly, feeling the taste of each piece. This custom fully reflects the basic principle of living on the island: “whitefish-whitefish” (or quietly).
Traditional products and exclusive features
Most often, during the tourist season, all establishments offer guests a standard menu. It necessarily includes local sauces, appetizers from vegetables, cheeses and, of course, fish and seafood, that is, without which it is impossible to cook a full-fledged meze. An obligatory component of the menu is bread of different types. It can be a flat cake - pita, croutons or white bread. Without dessert, too, the picture will be incomplete. Usually served seasonal fruits, which in excess of Cyprus. Different institutions may have their own characteristics, but everywhere seafood occupies a central place on the table.
It can be fried fish or souffle, squid in batter or shrimp, deep-fried squid or caviar of a sea urchin. The Mediterranean Sea is rich in gifts! The final chord of the whole meal will be strong Cypriot coffee. The elegant taste of this drink will complement the well-played symphony.
To all that I want to add, Cypriot meze is especially popular during fasting. For locals, it is an ordinary everyday food. Cypriots are very proud that the culinary tradition, born among the common people, has become the property of the island.
For lovers of exotic
Each tourist is to some extent a researcher. He studies with interest the places of interest, architectural monuments and the peculiarities of the national cuisine of the place where he ended up by the will of fate. Those who get to Cyprus are given an amazing opportunity to experience and appreciate the unique flavor of local cuisine. There are places for real gourmets on the island to relax: you can relax in a chic restaurant at an elite hotel, or you can pass the time in a modest establishment far from tourist parties. In a relaxed atmosphere, I want to relax and enjoy something unusual, exotic.
Only in a tavern by the sea you will be offered fish meze of excellent quality. The owners of such establishments are trying to attract customers with fresh products. Therefore, the catch of local fishermen directly from the nets migrates to the cuisine of coastal taverns. The owners of such establishments include fresh mussels in the meze. This delicacy is very healthy and tasty. A variety of gourmet dishes are prepared from the mussels on the island. Mussels are usually served in the sink or without it, stews are made of them, and they are also included in various salads. All this culinary splendor, of course, inspires any traveler at first, but then the question arises: how to cope with an exotic dish at the table so as not to become an object of ridicule. Let's try to figure out how to eat mussels so that you can safely enjoy their excellent taste.
Mussels in shells
If the mollusk is cooked in a sink, and the taster first encounters such exotics, he is often overwhelmed by doubts about the edible qualities of the internal contents. Some deprive themselves of a valuable product, fearing clumsy actions when opening the sink, and abandon the experiment. Others, unknowingly, remove in their opinion the unnecessary elements of the finished clam. In a word, everyone does as he sees fit. In fact, in mussels, with the exception of the shell itself, everything is edible. They can be baked in the oven, boiled, but, regardless of the method of preparation, they are very useful and taste good. Of course, the product must be fresh and of excellent quality.
When extracting clam meat from a shell, a fork is allowed. The second option, provided by etiquette, is the use of one of the shell wings as an improvised means.
Tasting Rules
Often a person who finds himself in a restaurant finds himself in a difficult situation, not knowing how to handle an exotic dish. For this reason, an amazingly delicious dish can remain untouched until the end of the evening. The described situation is observed when fish and seafood, especially shellfish, are on the table. First, you should check the availability of necessary devices for such an unusual meal. Special tongs and an oyster fork should be on the table. The first item is needed to fix the mussel on the plate, and the second - to extract the clam from the shell.
In the case when the mollusks are served on the leaves, it is allowed to eat them without the use of special appliances. This is done as follows: put half of the shell with meat in one hand, flavored with sauce and carefully placed in the mouth. On the table must be dishes with a slice of lemon and a towel. These attributes are required to rinse your fingers.
Conclusion
Knowing how to eat mussels, and what to do after a meal, you can safely go to a restaurant. True, today they are more often served on a dish or in a more extravagant form - strung on skewers.
Seafood has unique taste and beneficial properties. Therefore, when they are on the table - it is always a holiday for real gourmets.