Feast Greece

Synopsis

Feast Greece is a nine-part journey into an ancient land with a gloriously rich past. With its dramatic mountains, magical islands and deep blue seas, Greece is a country which seduces its travellers back time after time. From the awe-inspiring rock pinnacles and monasteries of Meteora, to the mastic trees of Southern Chios. From the stone villages of mountainous Zagoria, to the bustling metropolis of Athens; this series highlights the many facets of this wonderfully diverse country.Following the success of Feast India and Feast Bazaar, Chef Barry Vera embarks on the journey of a lifetime, experiencing first-hand the culture, traditions, cuisine, and people of Greece.

Episode 1 - Lesvos - "The Garden of the Aegean" In the North Aegean Sea lies the unspoilt island of Lesvos. Carpeted in olive groves and blessed with natural abundance, the island is renowned for its beauty and hospitality. Closer to Turkey than to Greece's capital Athens, its many rulers over the ages have left a legacy of culture and traditions still seen today.

Episode 2 - Lesvos - "The Virgin Mary Festival" In the Greek Orthodox Religion, no saint is more celebrated than the Virgin Mary. Barry takes part in the annual pilgrimage to the small village of Agiassos, one of the holiest places in Greece. Home to a precious icon and religious relics, the village welcomes thousands of pilgrims from all over the island of Lesvos and the rest of Greece to celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

Episode 3 - Chios - "The Weeping Isle" The North Aegean island of Chios is home to one of the most treasured and rare natural products in the world. Widely regarded for its therapeutic properties and as a prized culinary ingredient, the resin of the mastic tree has shaped the island's history, prosperity and architecture.

Episode 4 - Athens - "Athena" The bustling metropolis of Athens is Europe's oldest city, and a centre of great antiquity. But alongside ancient ruins is a modern community where chaos and calm co-exist. Barry explores this vibrant city at street level, discovering the real Athens as lived by its locals. And what better way to observe daily life than at the hub of every community - its marketplace!

Episode 5 - Crete - "Milia" Greece's largest island Crete is so large and diverse, it's like a country in itself. From bustling cities and ports to traditional mountain villages, Crete attracts visitors from all over the world with its natural beauty and rich variety of food. Barry visits the mountain retreat of Milia, a restored traditional Cretan settlement where sustainable living, organic farming and home-style cooking are paramount in their preservation and protection of a natural way of life.

Episode 6 - Crete - "A Taste of Honey" In a land where vendettas are still fought and settled, Barry finds that the people of Crete are some of the most hospitable in the world. Barry learns more about these traditions by visiting artisans, craftsmen & food lovers who are all committed to maintaining a link to their extraordinary past.

Episode 7 - Zagoria & Ioannina - "Behind the Mountains" In the Pindos Mountain Range of Central Greece lies one of the most spectacular regions in the world. The isolated stone villages of Zagoria are reminiscent of another time and place. Steeped in history and tradition, the area is known for its amazing stone architecture, its iconic bridges and some of the most breathtaking natural scenery in Europe. Whilst exploring the region, Barry discovers a local delicacy growing in the hillside forests and embarks on a mushroom hunt!

Episode 8 - "Meteora" The stone forest of Meteora is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. The monasteries perched atop these inaccessible rock peaks are amongst the most religiously significant places in the world, and have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The monasteries were founded by monks seeking refuge from wars and persecution, and their isolation ensured them a peaceful and safe existence. Barry explores this amazing location and learns of a saint after his own heart.

Episode 9 - "Greek Offerings" In celebration of the wonderful culture and cuisine of Greece, Barry is back in the kitchen creating some Greek classics, adding his own imaginative twist. Recipes include the classic grilled octopus, white bean dip and rusks with tomatoes & soft feta.