We felt like we were transported to Greece today when we went live with Markos Chaidemenos - Managing Director of Canaves Oia Luxury Resorts (@canavesoia)! Markos joined us from Athens to share more on their stunning collection of hotels, which are owned and operated by his family. They were some of the first to introduce tourism to the island of Santorini back in the 1980’s and now their resorts are some of the most luxurious on the island! With 4 main resorts, there is something for everyone and we’ll be highlighting them below as if we are doing a “Progressive Dining Experience” - stopping at each one for a course of the meal, and sharing what makes it so special … along with food and wine pairings too!
Welcome to Santorini
Canaves Oia Sunday Suites
~ Appetizer Course ~
Perfect For: Honeymooners
Total Suites: Only 8 suite - very boutique
Restaurant: “Veranda Raw & Bubbles” - Known for their views as they sit at one of the highest points in Oia
Appetizer Course & Pairing
APPETIZER COURSE: String Bean Salad w/ Tuna & Crunchy Nori Seaweed (recipe below)
Blanch the string beans for a few minutes (in boiling salted water) in order to remain crunchy but soft. Then marinate with olive oil, salt and lime juice.
Cut the tuna in a rectangle shape and cook for 30 minutes on each side in a small pan. Then cut in small square slices. Add a marinade with soya sauce, sesame oil, chili pepper and cooked sesame.
Take two pieces of nori seaweed, cut in the middle and then in half inch strips. Lightly fry them and set aside in kitchen paper to drain.
Layer the string beans, then add the slices of tuna, plus the marinade and finish with the nori seaweed!
WINE PAIRING: Skouras Moschofilero
A dry white wine with a lively feel, vivid flavor and a crisp long finish.
Pairs Well With:
Greek Salad
Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled Fish or Seafood (like calamari)
Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel
~ First Course ~
Perfect For: Trendy / Younger Guests
Total Suites: 18 uniquely designed suites
Restaurant: “Infinity Bar Restaurant” - Greek classics presented in a relaxed atmosphere
First Course & Pairing
FIRST COURSE: Open Spinach Pie with Egg (recipe below)
Make a simple pie dough with flour, olive oil, water and salt - and leave it aside to rest.
Then sauté a bunch of scallions (cut in pieces) in a pan with olive oil. Add in cleaned spinach and cook until it loses its fluids - then set aside. Add half a bunch of fennel, anise and feta cheese - combine well.
Open the dough in a round shape (like a pizza) and fold the sides over a small circular pan. Then spread the spinach mix and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 15 minutes.
Poach an egg, batter with breadcrumbs and fry carefully for 1-2 minutes, until golden. Then place on top of the spinach pie and serve!
WINE PAIRING: Argyros Assyrtiko
This varietal is native to Santorini and considered one of the finest Greek white grapes. It is dry with a very balanced minerality on the finish.
Pairs Well With:
Oysters (fresh or grilled)
Fatty Fish (like salmon or tuna)
Lemon Dishes (think lemon chicken with orzo or lemon risotto)
Epitome Santorini
~ Second Course ~
Perfect For: Families / Groups
Total Suites: 24 luxury villas (multi-bedroom)
Restaurant: “Elements Restaurant” - Takes the local gastronomy scene to the next level
Second Course & Pairing
SECOND COURSE: Figaro’s Wedding (recipe below)
Blanch and clean a lobster - then cook for 10 minutes in noisette (nut) butter. First, simmer the butter in the pan, then add in the lobster.
Next, cook rice with fresh herbs and Vadouvan (Indian spice blend).
Layer the rice first, then place the lobster on top in a half circle. Serve with lobster broth to complete the dish!
WINE PAIRING: Vourvoukeli Malagouzia
This wine is organically farmed and it is well-rounded while also full of freshness, with a light acidity on the finish.
Pairs Well With:
Fresh Vegetables
Lightly Sauced Pasts (like spaghetti with garlic and olive oil)
Fruity Desserts (like pie)
Canaves Oia Suites
~ Dessert Course ~
Perfect For: Couples looking for an elegant & sophisticated experience
Total Suites: 30 Suites - All with plunge pools / cave pools
Restaurant: “Petra Restaurant” - Puts a creative twist on traditional Greek cuisine
DESSERT Course & Pairing
DESSERT COURSE: Pergamonto (recipe below)
Consists of a yogurt sorbet with meringue and hazelnuts
Plus caramel & pergamonto cream
WINE PAIRING: Kourtaki Mavrodaphne
This wine has a deep, dark color and it is a fortified wine, similar to a port (meaning that it has a distilled spirit added during the winemaking process)
Pairs Well With:
Fruit Platters
Mature Yellow Cheeses (like gouda or cheddar)
Pudding Desserts
We hope you are inspired to visit Santorini and “pair” the Canaves Oia Luxury Resorts with other great islands like Mykonos, Crete or Paros! We’d love to help you plan your next escape and share more on the properties above to help you select the perfect fit! As they say in Greece …