Authentic flavors of ancient Crete

In 2012, a small group of archaeologists, potters, and cooks in the Lassithi prefecture of the island of Crete began fashioning meals based on the Minoan culture, circa 2700 to 1450 BCE. Lamb braised in enormous earthenware pots over wood fires, wild asparagus tossed over the embers at the last minute, olives plucked from nearby trees and cured in salt. What started out as an academic experience morphed into the most fantastic of dinner parties, all committed to the meticulous recreation of an authentic Minoan meal.

Today, we welcome people from around the globe to join us under the prickly oak trees of Crete to learn more about this fascinating culture, cook in Minoan-style pots over live fire, and share a meal you won’t soon forget. You absolutely must join us one of these days!

Read more here about the experiences we offer.

The Food

Organic cooking from pot to plate: Ancient flavors from the land, sea, and sky of Crete.

For Minoan Tastes, we source most all ingredients directly from farmers and producers on Crete. The menus include fresh local produce, with all variety of seasonal greens, onions, and mushrooms, fresh fruits like pears, grapes, pomegranates, and figs, and local nuts like almonds and chestnuts.  You’ll find meats like lamb, pork, and goat, most roasted or braised. Our waters are brimming with sea bass, red mullet, tuna, sword fish, sardines, flounder, octopus, and cuttlefish—so many, they all but jump from the blue waters of the Mediterranean onto our plates. We serve hard and soft cheeses like graviera, myzithra, and kefalotyri made from local dairies, a mix sheep, goat, and cow’s milk. Olive oil flows like water, and you’ll be able to taste several varieties from the island alone. We are committed to choosing organic whenever possible.

Gluten free options are available. With a minimum 7 days notice, we can accommodate most any food allergy.