Inspired in Halkidiki Greece

There are few pleasures in this world greater than sitting in a traditional quayside Greek tavern overlooking the stunning Aegean Sea, while sipping on a cold beer.

This, Dear Reader, is where I find myself one lazy November afternoon and let me tell you, it doesn’t get much better than this! The gentle breeze offering a welcome respite from the heat of the day, the pleasant sound of locals going about their day, the calm lapping of small waves against the shore.

Of course, being the snack enthusiast that I am, the only thing missing for me was the perfect gourmet accompaniment to my ice cold beverage.

With my appetite awakened, it was then that something caught my eye on the other side of the bar…something so vibrant and enticing that I couldn’t help but take a closer look. Framed by the turquoise blue of the Aegean Sea was a large glass Kilner jar filled with the deepest green and purple olives I had ever seen. Truly a treasure trove of gems!

On closer inspection and after questioning Dimitri, the jovial yet burly tavern owner, I discovered that these jewels were indeed home-grown Halkidiki and Kalamata olives, a local speciality. I simply had to try them!

As Dimitri decanted a selection into a terracotta ramekin I was hit by the unmistakable aroma of fragrant rosemary along with the pungent sharpness of garlic; a beautifully pleasant assault on the senses. As for the taste? Well my friends, the combination was simply sublime!

Juicy, succulent and drenched in flavour, I could have eaten the entire jar!

Desperate not to forget this taste sensation I scrambled to find my trusty notebook, nearly knocking my beer and several chairs over in my haste.

“Mr Filbert’s Mixed Olives with Rosemary and Garlic” I scrawled in large writing across one page; a flavour combination not to be forgotten!