Self Catering Accommodation in Larnaca, Cyprus Blog

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Commandaria is the oldest wine in Cyprus and the oldest wine brand name in the World; it was first drunk by the ancients at festivals celebrating the life of Aphrodite and has been drunk throughout the ages by Kings and peasants alike. Richard the Lionheart described it as, “the wine of Kings and the king of wines”. It is so named after the place where St. John of Jerusalem (who bought the island of Cyprus from Richard the Lionheart) had his headquarters, near Limassol, in a place aptly named, Commandaria.

Commandaria is made using two grape varieties, Xynisteri (green grape) and the Mavro (purple grape), which are left to over-ripen before picking, left to stand in the sun, then pressed, left to ferment and matured for at least two years in oak barrels before bottling.

The wine is traditionally served as a dessert wine as it is very sweet and quite alcoholic with an alcohol content of up to 15%. However, it is not as simple as that! The production of Commandaria is limited in various ways to keep it as traditional as possible and to limit the production so that it remains sacred to one particular area of Cyprus. It can only be made using the two afore mentioned grape varieties and they can only be picked from vineyards that have been planted for at least four years and watering the vines is banned. Further restrictions apply, only allowing the fermentation process to take place within the fourteen villages in the Commandaria region of the island. Once produced the wine has to age for at least two years, although this can take place outside the region itself.

Commandaria is acknowledged by countries all over the world as a fine dessert wine and a speciality of Cyprus. Tempted? Why not look into finding a bottle for your next dinner party and see if Cyprus can tempt you into a visit to its shores…

The production of Zivania, one of Cyprus’s traditional alcoholic drinks, dates back to the end of the 14th century.

Zivania is produced by distilling pressed grape residues in special stills or cauldrons using a simple, age-old tradition passed proudly from generation to generation in the island’s wine villages. The traditional technique helps to separate ethanol from zivania’s distinctive aromatic ingredients. Truly a drink for the brave, the alcohol content of this white spirit can range from 40% to 99%. It usually accompanies a good meal such as meze or is served with dried fruit and nuts, and is best enjoyed in good company.

ZIVANIA

Have you come across the local drink in Cyprus called Zivania? The drink is building in popularity and is an after dinner tipple not for the faint hearted.

Ouzo the traditional drink in Greece is much more mellow and can be drank with mixers, whereas Zivania is definitely an end of the evening drink.

Zivania is made from local grapes grown throughout the island and its heritage dates back centuries.

The drink is best drank straight back and is served in a small shot glass, there is no distinctive taste but when the drink hits the back of your throat you know its ZIVANIA.

Zivania is mainly drunk by local Cypriots but good hosts always offer a Zivania at the end of a meal, it is taken as an insult if men refuse to drink, a sign that they haven’t enjoyed their meal.

Zivania is a great way to finish your meal especially after local meze which is served in lots of the traditional restaurants around Larnaca.

One of the best know restaurants for Meze is Militzis whose location is on the Larnaca seafront, the restaurant becomes so busy that if you have not made a reservation you will struggle to find an empty table most lunchtimes and evenings.

I am not one to like steak!  
I am not a big meat eater!
So when I heard my friends say the plans for the evening I was disappointed to hear the words ‘Steak House’!

Welcome to the Stone Grill!
The restaurant has used dark mahogany wood to the maximum. The doors, the tables, the floors all a matching deep chocolate colour.
A large central chandelier, bright red, is the main focal point of the restaurant.
Square tables fill the restaurants main floor, with secluded dark leather booth’s shaped around the edge. Large cosy cushion of a shapes and sizes dress the chairs with elegance and style!

Steak, King Prawns, Chicken, Pork all available, but the last thing you would accept is for these to be presented to you…Raw!
This is why The Stone Grill is unique; they pride themselves on being different and offering something that is a truly memorable experience.

The memories will start when the waitresses after taking your order, bring round the apron, this can only be described as a babies (crumb catcher) bib!
This is the moment when camera’s start to appear! 

Your meal is served to you on a thick, square, stone platter that has been placed in an erne and not taken out until the stone is nothing less than 250 degrees. Once the stone has reached the desired temperature the stone platter is in front of you within seconds, and placed neatly on top is your requested meat!
The chef has kindly left the rest up to you!
You are then required to cook the meat to your required taste! Rare. Well done. Medium, which ever you prefer. This stone grill will retain its temperature for a good half an hour.

If you, like me, prefer the vegetarian option there is still plenty for you to choose from, compared to the meat dishes it may seem a little boring as your food will come out cooked, but boring is something the flavour is not!
Creamy pasta, chunky vegetable’s, crisp salad’s, Italian breads, all fresh, exquisite flavour, perfectly presented!

Located in the centre of Larnaca, The Stone Grill is easy to find.
I would recommend booking a table to avoid disappointment!
Make this restaurant a must when you visit Cyprus!

We had been recommended a restaurant to visit by a couple of friends who had already been to Cyprus several times. We were only in Cyprus for a few nights and had already made plans to eat in several other restaurants whilst we were there!

Our friends ranted and raved about this certain restaurant every time we saw them prior to our visit, so before we travelled we decided to give them the benefit of the doubt and change our reservation.

A table for two, 8 o’clock, waterside!!

We were ready earlier than we thought so we decided to arrive at the restaurant early to enjoy some pre-dinner cocktails!
I walk through the double glass doors.

The restaurant was modern but elegant, minimalistic but cosy, chic but not extravagant, traditional but stylish!

The first thing to catch my eye was the detailed table dressing, beautiful crisp white napkins, folded so neatly each corner touching each corner! The cutlery gleaming in the early evening sun placed on sparkling white square plates. The large perfectly polished wine glasses positioned flawlessly inline with the side plate.

The large chrome bar is on the right hand side and the cocktail bottles are screaming at you with that many colours and shapes. The waiters dressed in fresh white polo shirts all matching with smart sea blue aprons.

We ordered our drinks and walked outside onto the light wood decking and choose a table. We bask in the early evening sun as dusk approaches, the light reflecting on the cool waters of the Mediterranean Sea. 
This is an absolutely breath-taking view!
As the sun sets and the light fades to dark, across the water the twinkling lights of Larnaca glow in the distance.
The restaurant has tea lights positioned everywhere, catching the glow in peoples eyes as they flicker in the wind!

The menu is packed with a fantastic range of exotic and traditional dishes.
Our meals arriving beautifully presented, the aroma filling your imagination, every mouthful, full of delicious flavours.

Where is this place I here you ask

Kudetar! Located on the waterside just five minutes from Larnaca, it’s a well hidden secret. The restaurant is popular so you will find you need to book especially to guarantee pole position on one of the waterside tables.
When you arrive at the restaurant you will need to get into the mindset of a Cypriot, laid back and relaxed, as the service isn’t the most attentive.
Enjoy!!!!!

I found a little gem of a restaurant whilst recently holidaying in Larnaca Cyprus.

Kantara is a beautiful lush restaurant situated on the Dherklia road about 100 yards from the Palm Beach Hotel -which upon entering you feel the ambience and relaxed atmosphere.

I visited on a Friday evening and a sure sign of a good restaurant is when the locals are eating there.

The restaurant was quite busy with some holiday makers but mainly locals.

During the evening there were several birthdays being celebrated by local people and this added to the lovely atmosphere,

Veronica our host for the evening was excellent nothing was too much trouble for her.

The Menu choice is mouth watering I choose the Steak and my partner choose the sea bass, both were served with elegance and Veronica chose a beautiful wine to accompany our meal.

After a long pause between courses we also tackled desert a HUGE portion of strawberries & cream which melted in your mouth they were so sweet.

The evening was capped of by Baileys Coffee’s which drew the evening to a close.

The whole experience was one of those nights you never want to end!

I can would definitely recommend this restaurant If you are looking for something a little more up market with out being too formal Kantara is a must!.

Make sure you pay Kantara a visit soon