O Kafenes tou Kayabi
Kayabis Ouzerie in Heraklion |
Kayabis cafe and ouzerie in Heraklion |
"O
Kafenes tou Kayabi" is an ouzeri & kafeneion in the center of Heraklion
in Crete, owned by Dimitris Kayabis.
Dimitris offered us the recipe for Kolokithokeftedes (fried courgette/ zucchini balls). |
Dimitris
is a native of the village of Avdou, just inside Lassithi and a
few kilometers south of Hersonissos. Dimitris taught himself to
cook and owned a taverna in Avdou for five years before opening
this current café-ouzerie
in Heraklio. It is one of the pleasures of living in this small
city that we have so many good eating places to choose from. They
may be plain and simple, built in the same style, but each offering
something different, often depending on the owner’s personality
and tastes.
Some places catch the eye, and are always full. Every night people
fill Dimitris’ little café-ouzerie, and they like
what they find. Good music, rebetikes and traditional songs, and
a warm welcome from the man behind the counter. His collection
of photographs is impressive, a patchwork of memories. Primarily,
Kafenes Kayabi (from his family name), is known for good simple
cooking and excellent wine. The wine is his own production and
the food is fresh.
Dimitris’ tavern can be found close to the centre of Heraklio.
Follow 1821 Street, up from Liondaria, or Lion Square. It will
bring you to a big crossroads in about three minutes. Cross with
the traffic lights and you are facing a two way fork in the road.
On the right fork, continuing your direction from the centre, you
will see Dimitis’ excellent eating house. Call him on 2810
226 286 if you want to sit down with a big group for a late
dinner.
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