Back with a Fresh Perspective and New Inspiration

July 18, 2016July 26, 2016

Sometimes a change of scenery is just what you need to kickstart your creativity and breathe new life into your businesses. I recently adventured to the beautiful Greek island of Crete with my *mom and business partner at Better Than Yia Yia’s Mediterranean Catering.

We spent one food and adventure-filled week exploring the island, sampling local cuisine, and seeing some of the most incredible natural phenomena imaginable. Crete is one of the most unique places in Greece and, in my opinion, the island produces some of the most delicious food in the whole country. They are probably best known for their mountain honeys, olive oil, and local cheeses, which are always featured in their traditional dishes.

I will be posting more details about our trip, including where to stay, how to get around, and (most importantly) what to eat when you are there. For now, here are some highlights of the Better than Yia Yia’s Tasting Tour #btyytastingtour.

*Special applause to my mom who, at 58 years of age, decided to launch her own catering business, and at 59, joined me to travel across the largest island in Greece; jump off pirate ships; walk across rock landscapes and climb mountains.

: Breathtaking views at Gramvoussa, Crete. Far left – an old, rusted shipwreck below the ancient Venetian Castle (not pictured, on the right).

: On the Boardwalk in Makry Gialos, Crete, with a Pirate Ship in the background.

: Grilled calamari at Ble Katsarola in Agios Nikolaos, Crete.

: Makry Gialos, Crete

: Balos Beach Lagoon, Crete. A spectacular natural phenomenon.

: Caves, turquoise water and white sand line the uninhabited island Koufonisi off the south-east coast of Crete.

: Freshness is essential.

: Pink and white sand and aqua waters at Balos Beach Lagoon in Crete.

: Incredible Dolmathakia and stuffed Zucchini Blossoms at Ble Katsarole, Agios Nikolaos, Crete.

: Grilled Octopus at Ble Katsarole, Agios Nikolaos, Crete.

: Picture perfect landscapes approaching Balos Beach Lagoon, Crete.

: The talented grill-masters at Special Restaurant in Ierapetra, Crete.

Holiday Gifts from Better than Yia Yia’s

December 6, 2015February 24, 2016

A HUGE thank you to better than yia yia’s for the beautiful (and delicious!) Gingerbread Cookies and Baklava. I have been gifting plates to clients and friends this past week and the reaction has been tremendous.

So good. So addictive. So festive!

The baklava is flaky and nutty, with the subtle sweetness of honey. It is not too sweet or dripping in syrup like most Greek pastries from the store. Large pieces of almonds, walnuts, and pistachios are wrapped in the delicate spice of cinnamon, complimented by the buttery pastry. I challenge you to limit yourself to one piece.

The Gingerbread Friends are the perfect type of gingerbread cookie – soft and chewy, and filled with festive holiday spices, they taste just like the holidays. Again, they are not too sweet and have a perfect texture. Almost like a cookie mixed with a cake – dense with a good chew. For the gingerbread lovers on your list, there is nothing better.

Check out better than yia yia’s website and their holiday menu here. Best of all, you can make any of their sweets into a beautiful gift platter! Beautifully wrapped and even topped with a bow.