Most of us have a favourite ‘go to’ restaurant where we like to take visitors, celebrate special occasions or just start the weekend off in style. Gourmet Taverna in Kato Paphos is that for many. The stylish restaurant has been a family owned and run for the last three decades, and is a lovely venue where you’re ensured a warm welcome, excellent food and wine, and a memorable experience.

Found on the seafront, with a fountain outside, this venue is hugely popular with all sorts of customers, serving Mediterranean and international cuisine.

Dishes burst with flavour, and important extra touches lacking in many other venues, give the right amount of decadence to an overall reasonably priced evening. Our amuse-bouche is a demitasse of chef Nikolas’ tasty soup and a smaller version of a regular sized traditional village bread accompanies.

We are a party of two and chose to sit inside the restaurant. An enclosed outdoor area to the front of the restaurant has heaters and fills up fast. During the summer tables and chairs are placed outside to the front ensuring an optimum view of the sea.

The interior of stone, wood and glass manages to hold onto a traditional charm while incorporating a stylish, modern aspect.

We start with Grilled Foie Gras with sweet onion and balsamico, and Smoked Salmon with Chilled Prawns and avocado and seaweed salad. Both starters are simply plated and the foie gras is light and moreish, while the prawns are set off with a sweet chilli punch. The Gourmet salad is also a popular choice, a concoction of lettuce, rocket, baked brie, sweet onions, almonds, balsamico and honey.

My companion orders my usual choice, a medium rare tenderloin steak which comes with caramelised onions and mild garlic butter, I sneak a taste, its perfect and melts in the mouth. I decide to try the Broiled King Prawns for the first time, unbelievably, as they are one of my favourite foods. They come with a sumptuous and decadent lobster and ouzo sauce; it is delicious. Everything is cooked to perfection and the prawns are a good size. (A finger bowl may be a good idea.) Both of our mains come with local potatoes (pureed) and fresh seasonal vegetables.

The table next to ours orders a main course of Sea Bream BLT. The grilled fillet is accompanied by wood smoked bacon, spicy lentils and sun dried tomatoes and judging by the appreciative murmurs, its tasty too. Kleftiko, suckling pig, stifado and mousaka are also on the menu as are pastas and a mixed grill.

Service is slick and unobtrusive and the staff interact just the right amount with customers, despite it being a busy evening. Tables and chairs are well spaced and comfortable.

Leave room for desert, they are a must. We both opt for the homemade Milk Chocolate Lava Cake with vanilla ice cream. It was expertly cooked and full of an incredible, melted flow of chocolate lava that streamed across the plate once cut into.

We both ordered coffee and the chef’s wife Eva offered us complimentary drinks; this happens on a regular basis here, a nice touch which used to be the norm in all restaurants in Cyprus.

Gourmet have honed their skills and this is apparent on every visit; consistently good food and service and a bill that won’t break the bank.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY International

WHERE Gourmet Taverna, Posidonos & Dionysou 1, Paphos

WHEN Monday to Saturday 6pm- 10.30pm. From March 1: Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, dinner 6.30pm- 10.30pm

HOW MUCH Special lunch menu for two €19, wine €17-90, fillet steak €24

CONTACT 99 563020

It’s good to see Larnaca expanding and starting to feel more cosmopolitan with the addition of new bars that seem to be popping up. Gone are the days when people would have to be satisfied with visiting their regular haunt through lack of choice. You can now mix it up with a whole host of different options.

One bar that seems to have appeared out of nowhere is a rather chic bar called Joel. Located in an alley off of Ermou square, Joel is new on the scene having opened its doors in December.

We went for a midweek drink so it was fairly empty, only two other tables were occupied. Upon entering I could tell that a lot of thought, effort and expense had gone into making it what it is. The furniture was all brand new and looked like it had hardly been sat in. The comfy bar stools are a mustard yellow, the island table chairs with the hugging back support were red and the chairs on the booth tables were blue. It sounds like a random mixture of colour but it works!

Despite the modern furnishings, there is also a vintage feel to the place with classic frames around mirrors and a renaissance style painting on the wall at the back. The great, elegant detail behind the bar with the combination of deep red and gold fixtures felt like it was something out of The Great Gatsby. Alongside the picture on the wall at the back is a golden curtain. We opened the curtain to take a sneak peek at what was behind it. I won’t spoil the surprise, it’s better to go see for yourself!

The list of signature cocktails was very interesting. They have blended together some very interesting flavours in some of their drinks. The Humble is a gin drink with scents of bell pepper and carrot but I chose to go for The Sophisticated as I was intrigued by the whiskey infused with figs. I thoroughly enjoyed my drink which was served in a martini style glass but I think I would have liked it to be served in a different glass. My friend ordered the Old Fashioned. Joel serve it in a small bottle (made on the spot, not pre bottled) for the customer to pour over the ice in their glass as they wish.
Joel is not a large bar and we were lucky that it was fairly empty. Had it been on a night where it was filled to the rafters, perhaps it wouldn’t have had the same vibe.
I would definitely go back to try some more of their interesting and tasty cocktails.

Joel
Where: Ermou 106-108, Larnaca
When: Daily from 6pm
Contact: 99 518080

When gaining a vacant parking space in the centre of our capital city during the current Monsoon season, traversing the rising flood level without a lifebelt and on reaching the destination discover the premises are closed, without notice, what do you do?

‘Let’s try elsewhere’. Certainly madam. It is considered a good move, when drowning, to park as close to the chosen venue as possible. I believe the Deity appeared in the title of the restaurant until the era of idiocy, now it’s not God but Goodness we have to thank. Never mind, they have a commodious carpark; we are safely parked, sheltered and seated in about two minutes.

A large notice on the wall adjoining the restaurant advertises a two course dinner is served after 16:00 hrs Sunday to Thursday. Sadly it is 14:00hrs and Wednesday. On entering we are made welcome and take the car-side option, which although provided for those few smokers that now exist it affords an opportunity to see the world pass wetly by.

The restaurant can seat 280, but not so many today.

Big tables, big chairs, very comfortable for me but madam the slim companion would like a little more upholstery. Our waitress, charming and with a gentle yet professional manner guides us through the delights of TGI. It is my first visit to such a venue. There are six of these enterprises in Cyprus and they are among the busiest in the franchise, which is not surprising. The service is seamless, all the staff move as though on wheels. They don’t have menus, they have libraries – the bar menu is six pages of drinks in a hard cover. Cocktails are paramount. Beer in tins, bottles and draught; craft gins.

Special lunches comprising every kind of chicken salad; meals for vegetarians. Halfway through the ‘Hand Crafted menu’ we encounter food – the first five pages are for drinks. But we have come to eat.

The appetisers have 15 offerings; four of them are share platters. Six fast food starters of the usual suspects, and a little section headed ‘small plates’, from which we chose the onion rings and baby calamari. The portions are very generous and the rings are served with a dipping sauce, the squid with a taco slaw, fresh lime dressing and sour cream. One is immediately impressed by the kitchen’s batter, it is tempura quality.

We didn’t come to try the very healthy testament to quinoa burgers and pomegranate chicken even if they do contain cranberries and broccoli slaw. The companion has spotted the Grill and Steak deals. There is a moment of temptation over a grilled duck with mashed potatoes, but I liked the batter and I would like it embracing some very large king prawns – this company is American so all prawns are shrimps. And I order Friday’s Shrimp with chips and chef’s vegetables. Madam the Italian is determined to have the Black Angus until she spots the veal. Can it be correct? Two rib-eyes, nearly 300g, fire-grilled, served with mashed potatoes flavoured with Cheddar cheese; ‘rare please,’ says the companion.

The starters are first rate; no need to request fresh cutlery, two wrapped sets are delivered with the first order. My prawns are excellent but the fries are a disappointment – if I liked chips I wouldn’t like these. The veal is a revelation, the mash pots memorable. Neither of us can complete the meal.

This type of franchise is oiled to perfection. I have always viewed them as a birthday party establishment, but they are much more. I noticed it attracted groups of young women that appeared very comfortable in their surroundings.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY American Diner Cuisine

WHERE Prespas 2-4, Central Nicosia

WHEN Noon to Midnight daily. Book for parties.

CONTACT 22-873593

PRICE Reasonable

As if the universe just aligned so that I could have a good time and the bar could get a sparkling review, I walked into the Lazy Bones bar early on a mid-week night with three female friends to find two female employees setting up for a women’s day party with touches of carnival décor.

A smoothly decorated interior, with wooden panels, framed classics of Jim Morrison and Amy Winehouse and other gems no longer with us, and dark-coloured paint on walls embellished with little quotes, with some being entertainingly misspelled, the inside is charming.

We ordered house cocktails to check out the bar’s unique fairy dust and I’ll definitely be returning for more of my concoction of choice: the La Luna cocktail.

We sipped our cocktails (each with its own different glass), while a playlist shuffling through 90s-2000s Top 40 tunes had me drifting back to days less complicated and singing Destiny’s Child Bootylicious because we’ve all been there at some point. Or most of us anyway.

The woman behind the bar was super friendly and got to know each of us while the second did her equally friendly introductions before going to hang some decorative skulls on the walls and throw paper strips here and there for the party that was bound to fill the narrow space with people.

Prices are good, you’ve got the regular price of €6 for your gins and vodkas and so on with their mixers.

House cocktails are around €8, which is fine for one or two rounds but then I’d have to crawl down to my rightful place with the plebs for simpler drinks at lower prices.

Overall a very pleasant experience, with great vibes and friendly, open people. Highly recommended!

Lazy Bones

Where: Boumboulinas 12a, Nicosia

When:  Daily from 8.30pm

Contact: 97 669820

There are some restaurants dotted around Larnaca that you won’t stumble across while having a stroll in town, which is more the pity. One such restaurant is Red Pepper; tucked away behind a bank on one of Larnaca’s main roads it has been in operation since 2010.

With friends visiting, we decided to try something different from the norm and headed there. On entering we were greeted by a hostess and guided to our table next to the fireplace where there was a roaring fire, making the restaurant very homely and welcoming.

We were given our menus and I noticed the number 1,854 in the top corner. When I asked what it was, I was informed that the chef adapts the menu every day and since the opening in 2010 this was menu number 1,854. I was very impressed!

The menu wasn’t extensive but everything sounded delicious. Eventually, we all decided on having rib-eye steak as main but then discovered that the chef’s wife is Sicilian! Only a fool would pass up the opportunity to have pasta when under the close inspection of somebody from Sicily. Luckily, the pasta comes in two different sizes, so we ordered a small portion to share as a starter. The chef made an appearance to say hello and make sure we were ok which a pleasant surprise was as it isn’t something one usually experiences in Cyprus. We asked him about the ‘Chefs selection’ on the menu and I was sold when he said ‘baked camembert’.

While waiting for our food we were each brought a small serving of homemade tomato soup with some bread. The soup was very good indeed, it only excited us about what we were about to receive. Shortly after, the food starting coming. The ‘Chef’s selection’ starts consisted of crispy squid, crispy beef salad, beetroot salad, a halloumi dish and of course, the baked camembert! It was all sublime. You could literally hear the ‘mmmms’ around the table as each dish was sampled. The carbonara had also arrived. This ‘small’ portion was enough for four people to have an adequate amount each as a starter. The bacon used was fantastic, not processed slices that you could find at any supermarket, but meaty, smoky flavoured chunks giving the dish great flavour.

Not too long after the table had been cleared of our starters, the main dish arrived accompanied by a plate of chips for us to share. Juicy, tender, succulent rib-eye steak all round. The steak was cooked to perfection. I ordered mine medium to well and the balance of cooked to red meat was perfect, in my opinion, exactly how it should be. There was not one bite that I didn’t thoroughly enjoy.

After dinner as we sat letting our food digest Chef Simmons made another appearance to check on us to see how things were and have a friendly chat. I find this a lovely touch – it doesn’t take much to come out and say hello to the diners at a restaurant but it doesn’t happen enough so it was good to see the chef spending time to give each table some attention.

Just as we decided we couldn’t possibly manage another bite we were asked about dessert. I asked what was on the menu and we were told it is a surprise and they couldn’t tell us, just that it is their own unique dessert. Curiosity got the better of us and we all ordered one. I can honestly say that the high quality we had experienced thus far did not flail. A small, square dessert was brought out with a mini jug of fresh cream. It wasn’t just the flavour that was spot on, the size of the dessert was just right. Not too small but not so large that you’re struggling to finish it.

Considering the amount of food and drink we ordered and its exceptionally high quality, I feel that Red Pepper is definitely reasonably priced. I can, without a doubt tell you that I am definitely going back to Red Pepper. I hear the Sunday lunch is also fantastic!

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALITY International

WHERE Red Pepper, Kritis 1, Larnaca

WHEN Daily from 6pm

CONTACT 24 333484

Sunset Breeze in Paphos is a cosy, welcoming neighbourhood venue that serves a wide selection of drinks, snacks and meals all at a reasonable cost.

Set off the main coastal road in Kissonerga (on the way to the Cynthiana Beach hotel), this is a popular casual spot with good service, modern decor and lovely staff.

Opened in 2013, Sunset Breeze is hugely popular with locals, especially expats, and has a fair share of customers holidaying in Paphos as there are a number of hotels and tourist apartments close by.

An outdoor terrace is an appealing place to savour a glass of wine, cocktail, soft drink of tea or coffee. Enjoy the Mediterranean sea in the distance from the shaded outdoor terrace which is dotted with shrubs and plants that add a splash of colour.

The modern white interior is clean and bright and offset with various shades of blue. Chairs and tables are well spaced and comfortable and the overall atmosphere is welcoming.

An array of hot drinks include Capuccino at €2.90 and a selection of teas at €2.50, while €6.50 for a 20cl bottle of Treviso DOC prosecco is well priced, and there is also a good selection of wines, including new world wines and offerings from local wineries. A glass of Andesitis Kyperounda Winery is €4.25, Tsangarides Xinisteri €4.25 a glass, and a selection of popular cocktails include Margarita at €5.80 and a refreshing Pimms at €5.50.

If you like vodka, try the Sunset Breeze cocktail at €5.80 or if you prefer something non-alcoholic the Elderflower Spritzer at €4.50 is delicious.

If time is not pressing, you may find yourself meeting friends for a drink and extending your visit to include a snack or meal and won’t be disappointed.

Food is of a high quality and well priced, a daily lunch menu, which consists of a soup of the day and a main course is only €7.99.

An a la carte menu is also available, as is afternoon tea with pre- booking.

Sunset Breeze is also well-known for its Sunday Lunch (book ahead) which is flavourful and only €9.99. A vegetarian option is also available.

Children are also catered for and there is a small play area. Events, weddings and parties are often held here and catering for up to eighty guests is available.

Sunset Breeze is a great venue with friendly staff, excellent value for money and boasts a large number of repeat customers. It’s easy to see why.

Sunset Breeze

Where: 35 Mosfilion Street, Kissonerga, Paphos

When: 11am-11pm

Contact: 26-940791, 96-239030, 96-239029, office@sunsetbreeze.net

Price: Price: Beer from €2.20, Prosecco €6.50 Treviso DOC, 20cl, Margarita €5.80

Elderflower spritzer €4.50

By Tracy Roth-Rotsas

Ouzeraki, a little stone tavern in Erimi is just a little bit quirkier than most – situated along a narrow, cobbled road that runs parallel to the main road, this little eatery filled with Cypriot artefacts and decor is easily missed during the day. However, at night, a host of fairy lights strung across the ceiling and windows might appear to be forgotten Christmas decorations but serve as decoration to indicate the place is open for business, helped by a neon blue sign along the wall.

Inside, the dark wooden tables adorned with traditional blue and white chequered tablecloths are squashed in, hopeful to fit 50 but realistically only servicing about 30 at a time. A large flat screen graces one wall, a line of tables the other, and a small bar more for decoration than actual use, lines the other. In the centre of the room is a cosy wood oven stove which generates a surprising amount of heat. Toilets are another matter. Very clean and nice, but as they are located outside and down a flight of steps, not so great for the immobile.

It was a Saturday night when we popped in – no reservation – and there were about five or six tables occupied, a fifty-fifty split between foreigners and locals, although we got the impression the foreigners had visited many, many times before. The locals watching football on TV with the volume turned down had clearly made themselves at home. No matter to us: we were not interested in the match, but we were starving!

Menus consisting predominantly of traditional dishes were duly handed to us and while we were perusing them, the neighbouring table received their order. Wow! Gigantic plates and portions! We tried to subtly steal a glance, but we needn’t have worried. The owner, dressed in a long apron and wearing a huge smile, enthusiastically whisked their dishes while their cutlery was still mid-air and brought them to OUR table, showcasing each dish and its value, obviously very proud. Seeing the amused looks on the faces of the other customers, we gathered they were used to it. By the time the third plate had been brought in front of us, we couldn’t stop giggling.

Their order consisted of a very appetising charred pork kebab, salad and chips on one plate and a gorgeous array of seafood on another, so we decided to take two dishes to share between the three of us in order not to over-order.

In fact, the seafood plate looked so good, we opted for that: a large octopus tentacle grilled nicely, a couple of mussels with a mustard sauce, some fresh calamari (much nicer than the frozen calamari rings so often served), a large fillet of white fish, some crab claws, and a couple of very tasty prawns, accompanied by salad and chips meant we all got what we wanted!

To accompany our seafood platter extraordinaire, we chose a Greek salad for which the menu listed three price categories: €3, €5 or €7. Advised not to take the €7 one by the waitress as it was “very, very large”, we opted for the 5 euro one and were really impressed. It was a huge serving – more than enough for all of us – and included cabbage, lettuce, a little carrot, onion, green peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, capers and feta.

We also ordered tzatziki with pitta, and the pitta, which had been warmed, was replenished every time it ran out for the duration of the meal.
The food was fabulous – and more than enough, so much so, we have ordered delivery (it is free to surrounding areas), and eaten in, several times since. Attentive staff fluttered in and out of the kitchen, keen for us to enjoy our experience, while the owner rushed in and out of the restaurant with delivery orders snug within massive polystyrene containers.

When it came to dessert, confusion ensued as a bowl of oversized mandarins which we didn’t order, came to our table, along with three plates each sporting a sliver of cake. It turns out, because they have no dessert menu, it’s included! The fruit (seasonal) and the cake (one choice ordered daily from a bakery) are offered for free. A really nice way to end the meal.

Very down-to-earth with glowing reviews online, this place deserves at least one visit in your lifetime….

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY Cyprus cuisine
WHERE Ouzeraki Tavern, Nikou Georgiou 10, Erimi, Limassol
WHEN Monday-Saturday: 12pm-10.30pm, Sunday: private parties only
CONTACT 25-107381, 99-020332, 99-960581, www.ouzerakitavern.com
PRICE Avg meal: €10-12, cash only

By Tracy Roth-Rotsas

Pink elephants and sparkles aren’t what you’d normally find in a bar, yet that’s what it’s all about at Nand’s Bar in Episkopi. Owned and run by Steve and Dave, the bar is named after and dedicated to the memory of Steve’s enthusiastic, fun-loving wife Nand, who died not so long ago. Her extensive involvement in local and expat community life focussed on ensuring everyone felt included and there was always a place to go. Nand’s bar continues in that spirit – and with the place buzzing with activity on even a Monday night, clearly it’s working!

From the outside, it’s a deceptive place… very unassuming with untraditional décor. Upon entering, it looks quite small and cosy: there is a billiard table to one side, in winter, a patio heater running on full – lovely and warm – some rattan chairs and simple tables. On the walls are LOTS of posters advertising a host of activities. Step inside the next section of the bar and it opens up a little. Clever puns grace the walls in large cursive writing and a panel showcasing the signature cocktail The Pink Nanda ensures that everywhere you go Nand is a part of it. Clusters of cushioned tall white stools huddle around large chunks of wood tables jutting out from the walls around the edge of the room provide more of a bar look, and a dart board and TV screens cover the stock-standard entertainment needs.

But it doesn’t stop there. Past the homely bar, the toilets, and fully renovated kitchen with all the bells and whistles (for a new menu to include chicken tandoori skewers and homemade pies), is the way to the magical Nandland. It’s a Wow! moment for down a small flight of steps (access for physically-challenged people is via a ramp at the side) is a huge area which can fit 200 people easily, complete with stage and bar! And it is here that the events advertised take place. Everything from Queen tributes to comedy functions for just €5-10 a ticket, as well as private parties and charity events (the upcoming Lions event raising money for children with cancer on April 21 is next on the cards), happens here, the higher calibre of entertainment provided as they are working with an actual events management company.

We go back into the bar, where there are a couple of lagers and a bitter on tap and healthy array of spirits behind the bar. Most of the drinks are a very affordable €3, daytime meals and snacks a fiver and dinner under a tenner. They even offer a doggy breakfast in addition to the standard English breakfast of a morning!

The owners explain that they want Nand’s bar to offer fair prices, a welcoming atmosphere and above all, lots of activities. Their current schedule includes Casino Nights on Sundays, Quiz on Mondays, Free Modern Jive lessons on Wednesdays 6-7pm, Curry night Thursdays, DJ Humf from BFBS on Fridays, and live music and karaoke as advertised. There is mention of a 16 member ukulele band too!

Nand’s Bar

Where: 14 Road n34 (just down the road from Lyssi Market), Episkopi, Limassol

When: weekdays 12pm-12am, weekends 9am-2am

Contact: 95-124160

By Sarah Coyne

A friend whose gastronomic opinion I trust implicitly told me that there were only two excellent fish restaurants in Paphos, so I wondered if The Monkfish, which has recently opened on the coast road, perhaps could be a third option?

The restaurant is sited one floor up in a large white development on the road between Paphos and Coral Bay and to serve everyone’s needs is accessed by stairs or a lift. Once upstairs there are extensive terraces with direct sea views which will be wonderful in the summer months. The inside area has a very smart vibe and reminds me of a trendy London restaurant. Wooden tables and very comfortable rattan chairs mix with art all centred around a huge fish chandelier. The tables were all set with sparkling glassware and exquisite cutlery.

The Monkfish is a lifelong dream of chef George Halkides and his wife Jaana. They have worked together for the last 18 years running the restaurant at Secret Valley Golf Club. Over the years with his passion for cooking fish, he has longed for a place by the sea where he could be known for his seafood. The charming Janna works front of house. The menu is extensive but with one very strict rule: all the fish is fresh and never frozen. George has been a keen fisherman since childhood and fishes in his spare time off the Akamas but most of his fish are bought locally from just two fishermen.

We were surprised to be presented with a beautiful basket of seeded bread and complimentary fish soup to start the evening off.

There is a choice of eight starters with a couple of non fish options for those who don’t enjoy seafood. Although we liked the sound of all of them, we decided to share two between us. First up, the battered king prawns and vegetables which were coated with avocado and wasabi cream. The presentation was amazing (but the green king prawns did look slightly strange) and the taste was sublime; I can’t remember enjoying a starter quite as much. Thankfully the wasabi was very mild! The other starter was grilled octopus glazed with honey and lemon served with a taro potato puree and an aubergine dip. The octopus was beautifully cooked and the whole concoction was a medley of various tastes that went very well together.

Moving to the main courses, the most popular is the fish meze at €25. I liked the way that there was no list on the menu as to what was included in the meze, as George explained that it changes every day depending on availability. There are ten other fish mains and first on the list are the monkfish medallions, which are George’s favourite fish. Again my partner and I decided to share, a salmon steak and a sea bass. The salmon steak was a very generous portion served with a butter sauce and herb crust. It was cooked to perfection with nice flaky chunks as you cut into it. The sea bass was served with a sauce of capers and black olives, delicate enough not to overpower the fish. For the lobster lover they are available from the aquarium.

Other main non fish options ranged from a rib eye steak to a Caesar salad which means that guests who are not keen on fish are very well catered for. There is even a vegan option in the form of stricoli pasta. We were very full after our three courses so declined dessert but the neighbouring table was very impressed with their panna cotta, one of five options priced at a very reasonable €4.

There is an excellent wine list ranging from local wines at €15 upwards and from around the world, to a bottle of Cristal brut champagne at €285. The Monkish is a smart venue with a wonderful menu and somewhere we will definitely return to. I’ll also be telling my friend that I found a third option for him to enjoy fresh fish in Paphos and I am very sure he will be suitably impressed.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Fresh fish

WHERE The Monkfish, Mediterranean Plaza, Kissonerga, Paphos

WHEN 6pm – 11pm Wednesday to Monday. Also Sunday lunch 12.30-3.30pm

CONTACT 26 931222

PRICE Main courses €10-52

It has been a while since Larnaca municipality decided to pedestrianise part of the main shopping street of Ermou. The result is a lively hub and if you go down on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning, the place is usually heaving with all the trade at the surrounding cafés creating a lively feeling of hustle and bustle.

One place in that area and has been in operation since 1997 is Preserve lounge bar. Coffee shop and chilled café by day and bar by night, Preserve has what you want if you are after a lazy day in town or if you are a bit of a party animal.

If going down to Preserve for a coffee, you’ll be pleased to hear that they serve Illy coffee so there is no wondering whether you will be getting quality or not. Be warned though, you will not be enjoying a quiet coffee in town on a Sunday morning as it is regularly packed. Understandably, the quality of the service drops slightly on days like this while the serving staff rush around trying to tend to each table.

When walking in to Preserve you’ll notice a modern and very clean cut décor. While it looks good, they haven’t rubber stamped the place with their own identity or with any special characteristics. It’s a well put together standardised design package, much like an Ikea flat pack. Looks fine and does the job but anybody else could easily have the same.

However, this does not stop the hundreds of people flocking to Preserve every Saturday night. Either get there early or make a reservation because if you head down there for a night out without being prepared you will have a battle on your hands to get in! Preserve isn’t really a big space so when it fills up on a Saturday night, you could start to feel a little claustrophobic. This feeling may soon disappear though when you start enjoying the variety of Greek and English music they play and order yourself one of their creative signature cocktails from the in house mixologist. Preserve lounge and bar also have live music on a Wednesday and a Sunday with what seems like a handful of local artists on rotation. You can keep tabs on this on their social media if that is also something that might interest you.

Preserve Lounge Bar

Where: Ermou, Larnaca

When: Daily from 9am

Contact: 70000407

Do you know where that is located? No. Shame on you… and on me. Did you know that you can enjoy a three course meal for €8 prepared, cooked and served – under expert supervision – by the embryonic chefs, head waiters, food and beverage and hotel managers that will secure the financial future of our hospitality industry? How often is the public invited to witness the progress our young citizens are making on their chosen passage to graduation?

In our country where every family anticipates a lawyer, doctor or an accountant among their progeny, we forget the economy runs on coffee, chef’s specials, lager and our famed hospitality.

How many of our most prominent owe their wealth and position to the pappou who broke his health in the kitchens of the great hotels and restaurants of the English speaking world?

If there was a World Cup for service, hospitality and souvla, we would reach the finals.

If you wish to dine in this immaculate establishment on a different form of Mediterranean cuisine every week, you must book. The college has 50 covers, and on the Thursday we joined them there were 23 staff on duty – how about that?

They publish the menu for the day on their website. The day we chose it was to draw from the tradition of the Maghreb: Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. The lands of the Berber and the Tuareg, the food of the mighty Rif.

Each week in the months of the Spring semester, they change the menu: February was every form of Hellenic cuisine – island and mainland; March: Byzantine; Armenian; Smyrneki, Politiki and Turkish – where do you go or that in Nicosia these days? Next month features Middle Eastern; the Best of Foreign influences on Cypriot dishes, and all the Lenten meals for those that fast.

We are met at the Institute car park and guided to the restaurant by one of the students. It is apparent that they are accustomed to seating at tables for 20 and 10. We are shown to a table for two, perfectly furnished, and if the customer has forgotten the on-line carte, the charming staff will provide a decorated single sheet of the food on offer which is gathered from a buffet in the next room – self service requiring self discipline. The buffet can destroy many an appetite by misjudging one’s capacity for that extra quail.

No quail today, but we do have appetisers that include Spicy Tomato dip; Fava Salad; Aubergines and Tomato Salad; Olives and Grapefruit Salad; Bulgar, Asparagus and Chickpeas; Moroccan Beetroot and Yoghurt and some others. One may wander past the starter area and take some of each. There are crispy breads at the end of each row. The main dish section has Couscous, Marinated Fried Fish; Tagine of Lamb and Olives – this is so dark it could be mistaken for liver – Tunisian Grilled Meatballs; Spicy Chicken; Potatoes with Olives, and Carrot and Raisin Casserole.

Two of the starters were memorable; the Bulgar and Asparagus, although the supplier forgot to include the sprouts, nevertheless it was a clever dish. Beetroot and Yoghurt? Unbeetable.

The companion and I covered most dishes and our complaints were few: I thought the asparagus, at the end of its season, was a little stringy, the lamb, bite-sized and tender was betrayed by the darkness of the olive pitch. When the two cooks, Styliana and Georgia, made their rounds to discover our level of satisfaction I suggested that ‘Chermoula’, Nile Perch, can be a very tough customer and doesn’t respond well to deep frying. All taken with the best of spirit.

The sweets included rice pudding – never knowingly overlooked – some fruit salad and pastries with fruit. This is a weak area; fruit should not be cut into slices and left exposed to the air as it oxydises.

However, Loizos the Major-Domo, Field Commander and Overseer of this empire is a man who has served his time in the great five-star kitchens of our coastal areas, and furthermore on the high seas with the ever demanding tour-line passengers.

Overall a memorable occasion, not just for the food but to see our young students totally committed to their future. Bravo to the whole team.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Depends on the week

WHERE Higher Hotel Institute, Aglantzia Avenue, Nicosia

WHEN 1.30-3pm term-time, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

CONTACT 22-404800, 22-404847, www.hhic.cy Booking essential

HOW MUCH €8 for three courses

For lack of a section entitled ‘Cutest Coffee Spots in Town’, my review of Kafeneio Apomero will just have to go here. Besides, if a bar is defined as a place where you can go and sit, and feel relatively wobblier the next time you get up, Apomero has got that covered.

True to the name, Apomero is a secluded spot. A strip in the heart of the old town but magically cut off from it. A place to unwind from the hassle of our daily lives and the equally tiring hassle of dealing with penetrating glances from random all-too-curious passersby.

But what makes Apomero a gem, is its owner. Androulla, a tiny but rock-solid elderly lady with a smile and a greeting painted on her lips, gives Apomero something almost none of the myriad of coffee places scattered across the old town have: heart.

Like all coffeeshops, you’ve got your Cypriot coffee and Nescafe/Frappe, but taking a giant leap up from traditional kafeneia, Apomero offers all the common espresso variations with prices not exceeding €3. For tea-lovers, Apomero has its own beautifully crafted tea menu presenting the large variety of organic teas on offer, each with its own special introduction.

In terms of booze, you’ve got your beers, wines, ouzo, tsippouro and zivania, all bound to set you straight. Last but definitely not least, going to Apomero without ordering a plate of Androulla’s hand-made sweet and/or savoury pieces of paradise is borderline sinful. Cheese, spinach and olive pies are made fresh daily, as are the deserts: galatopourekko, baklava and orange pie. All priced at just €2.50 a piece.

Now, the orange pie deserves its own paragraph, because it is out of this world, especially when coupled with vanilla or mastiha ice cream. Calling all sweet tooths out there: you have not lived until you’ve tried Androulla’s orange pie. Seriously.

Apomero
Where: Polyviou 24, old town, Nicosia
When: Daily 9am-11pm
Contact: 97 848155 or 99 358919

I think it’s fair to say that the cuisine in Cyprus has evolved rapidly over the last few years. New ideas, creativity and a variety of different types of restaurants have been injected in to our little island. One fairly new place that fits that description is Edem’s Yard in Larnaca. Located down one of the little side streets that connect Zinonos Kiteos to Phinikoudes, Edem’s yard is a breakfast and brunch yard. The entrance is simple yet classy, two taupe coloured doors with Edem’s yard in shiny silver on a brilliant white backdrop on either side.

This was actually the third time I had attempted to try Edem’s yard. They have a policy of making no reservations and the previous times I had not fancied waiting in what was a very long queue! There was still a queue this time but at least unlike other times, we were able to get in through the door so decided to wait it out. It is a little frustrating when you have been stood waiting and the host comes and announces that a table for two has just been freed up and the people who arrived 10 minutes after you get a table. Despite this, Edem’s yard consistently has a steady flow of people coming back so this is testament to the quality of the food they serve. Luckily, we only waited 15 minutes and when you are in good company, that isn’t a very long time to wait. The host Stefanos, was very friendly and helpful and made sure that we were comfortable.

We were presented with the menu and while it doesn’t seem like there are many options available, there was definitely something for everyone and it all sounded so tempting that it took a while to actually decide! We found ourselves trying to take sneak peeks at food that was coming out of the kitchen to help us make up our minds. It actually didn’t help much because it all looked fantastic! We finally decided. The Croque Madame, a grilled ham and cheese sandwich covered in béchamel sauce and a fried egg for me and the Avocadaise, a creamy avocado puree with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon over rustica bread. We both ordered a coffee and shortly after one was brought out. Expecting to receive the other coffee more or less straight after; we waited for a while and in the end, had to ask for it. Unfortunately, it had been forgotten. The waitress was very apologetic and brought one out very quickly.

As the place was absolutely heaving, we waited quite a while for our food to arrive. While waiting it gave us the opportunity to take in the wonderful surroundings. It is very clear that a lot of thought has gone in to the design and trying to make the place unique. A beautiful stone wall added a lot of character and the many large plants added plenty of lush greenery. Pictures on the wall in large gilded frames that had a lot of intricate detail on them added to the ambience and the spotless chess board like floor as you enter is a nice touch.

Our food arrived and after having seen lots of wonderful dishes previously, I was a little underwhelmed at what my Croque Madam looked like. What it lacked in presentation, it made up for in flavour. The béchamel had a wonderfully creamy flavour without being too rich and over powering. However, it did mask the flavour of the ham a little. I wasn’t left feeling full afterwards, which was a good excuse to start thinking about a dessert! My partner was very pleased with her dish. The bacon was very crispy and the light, flavoursome ‘avocadaise’ was a great accompaniment to the fluffy scrambled eggs.

All bar one of the desserts is either pancake or toasted French brioche based. I was tempted by the chestnut brioche as the chestnut jam intrigued me while my partner opted for the Italove, ricotta stuffed pancakes with maple syrup and honeycomb butter. There wasn’t really enough of a helping of the chestnut jam to make much of a difference but I was still happy with the white chocolate and mastic ice cream that came with it. The Italove was more unique. The flavours perfectly balanced. There was just the right amount of creamy ricotta cheese so that it wasn’t overpowering and allowed you to enjoy all the other flavours.

A bit of a heads up before you venture down there; make sure you take plenty of cash! We discovered when it was time to pay that strangely, they do not accept visa. Luckily, we had enough cash to cover the bill and not have to wait while one of us ventured out to try and find an ATM!

I would definitely go back to Edem’s yard as I want to try other dishes on the menu that I feel like I missed out on.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Breakfast and brunch

WHERE Edem’s Yard, 8 Karaoli & Dimitriou Street, Larnaca

WHEN Tuesday to Sunday 9.15-5pm, Wednesday closes at 4pm

CONTACT 97 714793

HOW MUCH On average, €7.50 for ‘main’ and €6.50 for dessert

With the promise of summer just around the corner, thoughts turn to beach life, al fresco dining and venues with a view. Step in the recently revamped Baracas lounge on the Chlorakas seafront, which with some of the best cocktails in Paphos comes highly recommended.

Opened in 2016, it closed during the winter for a spruce up and has just re-opened with a new menu and drinks list.

This is a fantastic all-day space, open every day from 9am, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Currently closing at around 10.30pm, from May, it will open until 1.30am.

Ample outdoor seating is shaded and provides one of the best spots on the island to admire a stunning view.

At night, soft lighting in turquoise and blue mimics the sea, and white tables with comfortable colourful chairs add to the stylish interior.

A good selection of food and beverages have been carefully chosen and service is casual, friendly and warm. This is a premium location, and the prices reflect that, but it’s worth it for the ambience and overall experience.

A selection of delicious and refreshing fresh juices priced at €5 are made to order and include pineapple, orange and strawberry.

All sorts of new cocktails have been added this year, some with tongue in cheek monikers, such as a delicious tequila-based Mango Divorce. Signature cocktails are around €8.50 while ‘classic’ cocktails, such as mojito, daiquiri and margarita are €7. All are perfect and made with top ingredients.

A good variety of local wines, beers, coffees, teas and soft drinks are also available.

Luxury ice cream, brownies, waffles, lava and carrot cake all hit the spot and if Shisha  (hookah), is your thing, around 12 flavours of tobacco, including orange, kiwi, blueberry, strawberry and watermelon are offered at €20.

All sorts of events and happenings are planned for the coming months including DJ sets, live music and a beer festival. Private events such as small weddings can also be held here.

Baracas is a superb venue and is only getting better as time goes by.

Baracas

Where: Baracas Lounge, 129, Leoforos Chlorokas, Paphos

When: Open 7 days a week 9am-1.30 am

Contact: 99 082363, Facebook – Baracas lounge

Price: Classic cocktail €7, Signature Cocktail €8.50, Wine glass €5, Baracas breakfast €7.50

By Tracy Roth-Rotsas

At a time when restaurants, bars and café come and go, it’s good to see that some things just stay the same or rather improve with age. Case in point: Franx Bar and Restaurant located just opposite the Mediterranean Hotel on the seafront road in Limassol.
Proudly family-run, this bar/restaurant epitomises “comfortable”. It’s not just the warm welcome, the personal service or the homely décor, but the casual atmosphere, the choice of music (a lot of great classics in there), and undeniably delicious flavours wafting in from the kitchen that confirm that Franx is a great choice for a stop, with or without kids!

On this occasion, it is a catch-up with a friend. I am starving and she is mildly peckish. We choose a large, booth-style table at the back, bypassing the more jovial bar section at the front (flat screens abound for when there is football) in favour of a quieter space, with very inviting satin-covered cushions. Looking around, black and white photographs of famous entertainers grace the walls; a tribute to the “greats” and tastefully done. Upstairs, it turns out there is also a pool table.
We order wine by the glass, which comes in a tiny bottle. I opt for a Chilean red and my friend, a local sweet white, both of which impress us and only serve to enhance our meal experience.

The menu is quite substantial and caters to the full range of customers who might stop by. Apart from an English breakfast which runs for most of the day (till 4pm!), there is a range of salads, jacket potatoes, finger foods and platters for sharing, as well as a healthy array of burgers, grilled meats, pizzas, Mexican dips, pasta, fish/seafood dishes and local specialties. Kids are also catered for with their own menu and all vegetarian dishes (there are a good few) are marked clearly with a “V”.

We lament just missing out on the set menu (from 4-8pm) which is just €13.50 for a 3-course meal including tea or coffee! However, after much deliberation, I opt for the homemade tomato soup and some garlic bread. It’s a larger serve than I expect and filled with sweet, plump tomatoes, it has a slightly pulpy texture. It’s light yet flavoursome with a swirl of cream as a garnish. The garlic bread? Definitely worth going back for! It’s a large bap comprising a heavier dough, toasted on both sides, and inside spread with a melted, parsley-green tinged butter that squelches a light garlic flavour with every bite. Mmm.

Back at the table, dinner arrives and it’s a “wow!” moment. My friend has chosen the Garlic Chicken Fillet and I, the fillet steak (medium-rare) with, to be difficult, both sauces on offer: a piquant peppercorn, red wine and gravy sauce as well as the rich creamy garlic mushroom sauce, which arrive exactly as described. The garnishes of dill leaves with vegetable roses on oversized wavy rectangular plates are quite striking, and complement the substantial piece of meat sitting at the centre of each plate. The accompanying colourful and generous serve of vegetables (slightly overdone broccoli, carrots and sweetcorn mini-cobs) are plated separately along with baked potatoes, though we could have chosen chips or rice instead if we preferred.

Intrigued as to how my steak has turned out, my first action is to slice it clean in half, virtually expecting it to be either under or over-cooked. Ordering a medium-rare steak is like playing roulette: you never know what you’re going to get! I couldn’t be more wrong: it was perfect! It’s difficult to convey the joy of eating a good steak cooked well: juicy, tender, soft, tasty. Yes, a true joy for the palate. My friend is equally delighted with her well-cooked chicken fillet and manages to devour the entire plate mopping up the sauce with an extra bread roll! We have ordered onion rings and happily chomp away on those in addition to everything else. They too, are very crisp and tasty and good value for money.

Too full for dessert or even coffee, we had hoped to follow up dinner with some drinks at the cocktail bar, but instead trudge off home, pleasantly full and make a date in our diaries to do it all over again.

VITAL STATISTICS
SPECIALTY International
WHERE Franx Bar & Restaurant, Amathountos Avenue, Limassol
CONTACT 25 325050, www.franxbar.com
WHEN Daily 10am – 2am
HOW MUCH €7 for starters, €15 for mains, €16 for wines

The heart of Paphos old town has been upgraded and now provides great accessibility for pedestrians wandering the narrow streets and alleyways. And one of the best established restaurants here is Laona, found hidden away down one of these passageways.

Laona is a family-run, traditional Cypriot restaurant and an excellent example of local hospitality and home-cooked food.

Set down a newly-paved, gently sloping street, Laona has seating available both outside and inside a lovely old building and is predominately a lunchtime eatery although they are open all day on Tuesdays and Fridays. It is essential to book for dinner.

Food is hearty, fresh and flavourful and created with love and pride as recipes have been passed down the generations. Laona’s vision is to serve regular and new customers authentic Cypriot cooking with well-honed dishes that reflect the change of seasons and highlight the best of what’s fresh and available.

A Saturday morning stroll resulted in my companion and I deciding, on the spur of the moment, to drop into Laona for lunch. I have been coming here for years and turning the corner the familiar and enticing smell of local herbs and spices wafted down to meet us. Thankfully, as this is a busy place, we were lucky enough to find a table.

The welcome here is always warm, and greetings made we moved inside as a black sky threatened. We settled down on traditional Cypriot chairs (which thankfully have cushions for comfort) at a wooden table covered with a checked table cloth. I always feel as if I’m in the Cyprus of my youth at this venue.

The menu is written in different coloured chalk on a large blackboard which is brought to our table and each dish explained, in detail, as it’s read out. Dishes are made fresh on a daily basis, so don’t expect all of the ten or so choices to be available if you turn up for a late lunch.

Most of the dishes are priced at €10, although black eyed beans were €8. A meal and an accompanying salad is chalked up at €12 and a special meze €17.

The aromas from the kitchen are tantalizing and it’s a busy service as usual, but we don’t have to wait too long. Sliced local bread is brought to the table and there are a number of good quality wines from local boutique wineries, such as Vasilikon and Ezousa, available to order by the glass, or in a carafe or bottle.

I decided on the peas with lamb, as the octopus casserole had already sold out. Our food arrives on white china, plated in a basic way, but the taste and quality of the dishes are superb and the delicate use of spices and herbs consummate.

Succulent pieces of lamb, with peas and carrots, potatoes and tomato really hit the spot, this is comfort food at its very best.

My companion is delighted with the rabbit stifado which is packed full of perfectly cooked shallots that give the rabbit a wonderful taste and sweetness. The meat falls off the bones and is tender and bursting with flavour.

Fish in the oven, meatballs, marinated pork in wine and coriander, stuffed oven roasted vegetables, beef stew with vegetables, moussaka, chicken stew and fried lamb’s liver were also on the board.

A delicious slice of complimentary homemade cake was brought to the table which is well paired with a traditional Cyprus coffee to finish off the meal.

The staff are truly hospitable and ensure that the ambience here is just right. I always find it calming, welcoming, relaxing and pleasurable, a hard mix to get right but they do.

Laona offers Cyprus at its best and is hugely popular with both locals and visitors who long for an authentic Cypriot experience. Happily they are not disappointed.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Traditional Cyprus dishes

WHERE Laona Restaurant, Votsi Street, Paphos Old Town

WHEN Monday to Saturday 11am-3pm, Tuesday and Friday open all day until 9pm

CONTACT 99 541249

HOW MUCH Main course €10

By Tracy Roth-Rotsas

With the Christmas gluttony behind us, Easter temptation ahead of us and summer trying its best to break through the winter chill, there’s never been a better time to embrace a healthier lifestyle! Cue a visit to Green Life, located in the Limassol court district.

It’s a small shop, but cute, with some table and chairs outside. The ceiling is enviably high and the décor of thick ropes with suspended lightbulbs together with the bright green paintjob is modern and unobtrusive. A large fridge bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables leaves no doubt as to the contents of the menu items. On the main wall, juice and smoothie blend names are painted together with images of ingredients underneath, cleverly avoiding both language barriers and confusion.

I’m out of my comfort zone: do I opt for a badly-needed Slimming juice blend (pineapple, kiwi, green apple), a potentially-helpful Liver Cleanse (grapefruit, orange, apple, lemon with optional turmeric) or a super-healthy Detox (apple, celery, spinach, kale and optional matcha)?

Advice is to go for the super-popular Immune Boost (apple, carrot, orange, ginger and optional turmeric) and I’m pleasantly surprised at how light and tasty it is, despite no ice (ginger is warming, and most people prefer it that way, I’m told). I feel healthier already and I like it much more than the warm water and lemon I’ve been advised by friends to drink to achieve the same.

Next up is Berry Bliss with raspberry, strawberry, apple and yoghurt. This, I love! It’s cold, tangy, sweet, and very berry – perfect for summer!

Finally, there is the Chocolate Milkshake made with a choice of whole milk, coconut milk or almond milk, together with raw cacao (apparently VERY good for the brain) – honey, vanilla and banana. I must give it due credit: it doesn’t taste healthy at all – it tastes delicious and I’m shocked!

Perusing the menu, I notice I could have added goji berries, bee pollen powder, blueberry & Lucuma or many more toppings to my order. Also listed are smoothie bowls and some rich non-dairy, non-refined-sugar, vegan, homemade energy bars and plant-based protein bars, just one of which – the peanut salted caramel one, in case you’re curious – carries me through the morning and well into the afternoon!

Suddenly being healthy doesn’t seem so hard after all… anyone free tomorrow morning?

Green Life Natural Food & Beverage Bar

Where: Anastasi Shoukri, Shop 8, Themis Tower (opposite Starbucks), Limassol

When: Monday-Friday 8am-6pm, Saturday 10am-3pm, Sunday and public holidays closed.

Contact: 77778586, Facebook: Greenlifecyprus

How much: Coffee: €2-3, juice/smoothie: €4-5

With street names and squares normally being given the name of a former president or war hero, its quite refreshing that Larnaca has chosen to give a more cosmopolitan name to Europe Square, which is just at the top of the famous Finikoudes beach front. It’s also fitting that this square has been given a modern name as one of the bars just off it fits in perfectly with that description.

Rumtree is a refreshing change from the popular gin bars that seem to have been the trend for the past couple of years. Walking in, you will immediately get the feeling of being in a bar that you would expect to stumble across near the beach front in the Caribbean where some of the best rum in the world is produced. There is also a chilled, outside seating area, perfect for sipping your cocktail while relaxing with friends on a warm summer evening.

The softly playing music really sets the mood, unlike some bars that have the music blaring so loud that you can barely hear the person next to you!

The main problem I faced when at Rumtree was what to order! With the house mixologist using fresh ingredients and a selection of only the very best rum available to create the perfect cocktail, I wanted to try almost all of them! The decision was made even more difficult when looking around at what other people were drinking as the cocktails are all amazingly presented. The cups and tiki mugs alone are enough to tempt you! I ordered the Hemingway Daiquiri, a blend of rum (of course), fresh grapefruit, lime and maraschino.

Fear not if rum is not your thing, you can still enjoy the chilled vibe of Rumtree as they also have a selection of other drinks.

Don’t forget to check out their social media to keep up to date with some of the events that are regularly hosted. From tiki nights, to live rhumba dancing and even comedy nights, there’ll definitely be an evening that you’ll want to go down for.

I’m looking forward to getting down there again and trying some more cocktails!

Rumtree

Where: Leoforos Athinon, Europe Square, Larnaca

When: 7pm-1am daily

How much: average price per drink €9

Contact: 99 787389

What could please the Almighty more: breaking bread and eating marine dwellers on Good Friday. All this in an avenue that was once the province of the halt, lame, nightwalkers and those disposed to taking their sustenance through the nose or vascular system. It is now so cleansed that the Holy Relics – protected and accompanied by the Police Band – can be carried from Phaneromeni and paraded before the fishy diners. What a happy prospect. However, if you wish to dine in our capital city on Good Friday prepare to be frustrated to the point of self destruction before finding a parking space even though the Blue management provide a guide to parking in their website.

The group that operate this establishment have an interesting pedigree, one might state enigmatic: they are the Green-Food people, with organic products all over the cities – ‘Fresh & Bio’ is their logo and they assure me; their ‘Watchword’. And I have no reason to doubt it. They claim all the fish they sell is fresh. Furthermore it is the widest choice of ocean dwellers I have encountered in 15 years of exploring fish restaurants in Cyprus.

There is an air of excitement inside bordering on chaos. We are seated at a table for two, there is only one other. The diners at Blue arrive ‘en famille’, fortunately not too many children. It is a brave parent that takes a child to a fish restaurant.

The lady in the floral dress that seated us, does not take orders. ‘Someone will come,’ she cries. I fear I have stepped on her status. The menu is extensive and covered in very attractive Darwinian prints one might suppose came from the Origin of Species. When I saw fish soup was on offer I knew we were in for an interesting night. I love fish soup. But my previous encounters in Nicosia have been disappointing. The Italian companion, whose family were magicians at Zuppa di Pesce, raised an eyebrow, but I was unmoved.

Yanis, who insisted on telling us he was from Lesbos, handled the order, and guided us through the variety of ouzo on offer. If you like ouzo try this: Varvagianni Green – he put me off the Blue, same price but ABV 43 – perfect accompaniment for fish.

The menu offers seven salads, including boiled seasonal greens. Thirteen cold starters: a tuna dip, an interesting crab dip dressed in mustard, chef’s mayonnaise, onion dill and lime. The usual suspects, and a dish called Trilogy – Tahini, Hummus and Fava.

Yanis delivered the ouzo with a bowl of Cretan olives and a plate of hot unleavened oregano bread. Good start. Soup was excellent. Next up the small fresh cod bites served with a dish of sweet tomato sauce; very large portion of torpedo shaped deep fried specimens: first rate. Companion ordered zucchini fritters to start and the ravioli made on site enclosing bream fillets, shrimp, spearmint, haloumi, all in a creamy tomato sauce.

Blue offers three platters to share headed by the mysterious ‘fish catch’. There is a generous range of pan fried or grilled specimens – all cooked in the open – from which I selected tiny squid that were quite delicious, and followed this with a plate of what the menu described as crayfish, but were actually langoustines all served with hand cut chips. The ravioli disappointed: the contents were incompatible and the wrong side of al-dente.

The main course menu has no less than four varieties of grouper, includes parrot fish and many more never before seen in Nicosia. They are sold by weight, so be careful.

A thoroughly enjoyable evening. The manager, Savvas Mouzakis opened the sliding windows to ensure we all appreciated the band and holy relics; imagine. This is an operation with good intentions.

Once Blue settles down, it will thrive.

VITAL STATISTICS

SPECIALTY Fresh Fish

WHERE Onasagorou 35, Nicosia

CONTACT 70007011, Book

PRICE Reasonable

Some bars make you mellow and heavy and ready for a good heart-to-heart, and others make you feel like you’re sitting on a chair of thorns every time you sit down to take a breather from all the dancing. Square bar in Nicosia is of the latter variety, with the thorns in this case being the incredible music – strictly electronic – that seems to keep pulling you away from the few stools that line the bar, dragging you back to the dancefloor strip that makes up most of the interior.

The space has a dark, underground vibe that’s rare for the island. A long red strip of light hangs across the bar, the rest of the lighting is left up to the visuals and lights dancing across the wall behind the DJ booth, which mostly hosts local electronic DJs.

Since the bar is more like a hybrid bar-club, in the sense that it tries to accommodate the best of both worlds, the party doesn’t kick off till quite late. It’s central location (metres away from Eleftheria Square) and its late closing time at dawn means that those whose liver or knees are still intact can make it their second or third bar of the night.

Events are hosted mostly on Fridays and Saturdays, with the exception of the occasional weekday event. Some have an entrance fee – usually around €4 – which some, including myself, may find disheartening but then I remember that our local maestros of the DJ booth also need to make a living somehow, and all is right in the world.

The folks behind the bar are refreshingly friendly and things are kept simple in terms of drinks. No extravagant cocktails, just our regular old spirits and mixers. The magic here isn’t in the alchemy but in the frequencies it seems.

Square

Where: Evagorou 1, Nicosia

When: from 7pm

Contact: 99 226613