This week sees the launch of Taverna Recipes from a Cypriot Kitchen by Georgina Hayden, a UK Cypriot who, like many from our community, grew up surrounded by food. One set of grandparents owned a taverna in Tufnell Park, and the other set of grandparents owned one of North London’s first grocery stores importing ingredients and flavours of Cyprus. It is no wonder therefore that she developed a love of cooking from an early age, and after having a number of jobs as a food writer for magazines, Georgina has worked for over 10 years with Jamie Oliver who has supported her labour of love with this recipe book.
Taverna takes the best of traditional Cypriot cooking and makes it relevant to modern home cooks. From simple vegan fast-day dishes to feasts for the family, there is something delicious for every mood and moment.
The launch party this week gave us a glimpse into some of the amazing recipes included within the book, and showcased the best of Cypriot cuisine beyond simply souvlakia, all served up with Cypriot wine, and with the delightful sound of a live bouzouki playing in the background!!
There were lots of industry press present including a few famous faces, and it was so nice to hear everyone talk so positively about the flavours, to try new foods like koupes (everyone knows the power of a koupa to draw you in!) and to highlight Cypriot culture and how its melting pot history has created a unique culinary footprint that sets it apart.
Jamie Oliver describes this book as ‘Authentic and heart-filled, this masterpiece of a cookbook gives an insight into one of the oldest and greatest cuisines on the planet.’ And we certainly agree. The casual, relaxed approach to explaining the recipes, mixed in with photos from Cyprus and stories from her childhood and memories of cooking with her Yiayia, makes Taverna so accessible to even the most novice of cooks.
Congratulations on a successful launch party, and a wonderful book Georgina!
Chriso Ioannou