What cooking techniques are commonly associated with Greek cooking?
JM: “Grilling, braising, stewing and roasting are the most common techniques used.” Legend has it that the classic, Greek slow-cooking technique originated from the Klephts, who, lacking their own flocks, would steal lambs or goats and cook them in a sealed pit to avoid the smoke being seen. The Greek word Kleftiko translates roughly into “stolen meat.” PF: Are there any chefs or restaurants currently building reputations for creativity in the area of Greek cuisine? What sort of things are they doing? JM: “The menu at Molyvos, in New York, is built upon the home-style cooking of Greece, with dishes elevated through the talents of executive chef James Botsacos. He prepares each of the authentic recipes using classical cooking techniques and superior ingredients available to him in New York, such as prime meats, greenmarket vegetables and day-boat fish. He then seasons the food with flavorful stocks and fresh herbs. Classics such as grilled, baby octopus, Cretan bread salad, stifado (gam
