Returning to London for its third consecutive year is the London Greek Wine Festival. Organised by Theodore Kyriakou and the team behind The Greek Larder Restaurant, the celebration will run 13 and 14 October at West Handyside Canopy near King’s Cross Station and maybe a minute’s walk from The Greek Larder.
In anticipation of the festival I dropped by The Greek Larder last week for a taste of things to come as well as of what’s on offer anytime at the restaurant.
Food at the Larder was ace.
From the meze menu fava and brown crab meat “mousse” with white crab meat and tomato relish and grilled flat bread was a particularly moreish treat (£10.50) as was the kefalotiri saganaki (pan fried cheese) with dry cured kalamata olive paste, sesame seeds and wild thyme honey (£7). Certainly yummy but falling short of my high expectations was the octopus with chickpea, fennel, caper manouri cheese, basil salad and ladolemono (£13). Pork neck souvlaki with tomato sacue, tzatziki and cos lettuce (£7.5) was tender, succulent and tasty.
As for desserts, a scoop each of Greek mountain tea and masticha flavoured ice cream (£3 each) was a flavoursome way to end the meal … especially as it was accompanied by a glass of 2013 Omega dessert wine (£8 for a glass). Full bodied with a long finish and not too “sticky,” Omega was a sweet promise of how delicious the discoveries at the upcoming festival might turn out to be.
But I didn’t just end on wine. Giving structure and depth to the savoury side of my meal was a bottle of 2015 Wild Ferment (£55.50). Made from Assyrtiko, a grape native to Santorini, its minerality and tangy tones were distinctive and worthy of more than few sips.
Every time I’ve tried Greek wines, I’ve been pleased. Dinner at The Greek Larder was no exception and I suspect the London Greek Wine Festival will be a winner as well.
The Greek Larder is located at ArtHouse, 1 York Way, N1C 4AS. Find out more at thegreeklarder.co.uk.
The London Greek Wine Festival will take place 13 and 14 October at the West Handyside Canopy, Handyside Street, N1C, essentially right round the corner from The Greek Larder. Tickets start at £5. To find out more and to book your place go to londongreekwinefestival.co.uk.
