Michelin-starred Pelagos at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens invites connoisseurs of fine dining to embark on an exquisite culinary journey with its third annual ‘Pelagos On Tour’ menu series
This year’s ‘Pelagos On Tour’ at Pelagos, Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens pays homage to the rich gastronomic heritage of three sun-kissed Cycladic islands: Sifnos, Santorini, and Naxos.
Head Chef Luca Piscazzi, a master of his craft, along with his dedicated team, spent a week traversing these islands, unearthing nine extraordinary ingredients that encapsulate the essence of their landscapes, cultures, and histories. These ingredients are artfully showcased in two captivating tasting menus: ‘Discovery’ and ‘Adventure’. Additionally, this year’s series introduces a special six-course ‘Best Of’ menu, celebrating beloved dishes from previous tours, featuring inspirations from Crete and Tinos.
A Celebration of Unique Flavors and Cultural Heritage
Pelagos on Tour is more than a gastronomic expedition; it is a tribute to the islands’ authentic essence. This year’s journey brought Chef Luca and his team into close collaboration with local chefs, small producers, and family-owned businesses, unlocking exclusive insights and inspiration. The result is a trio of summer menus that not only celebrate distinctive ingredients but also capture the unique personalities of these diverse islands.
“The original mission of Pelagos on Tour was to explore under-the-radar destinations, support small artisan producers, and shine a light on exemplary local products,” Chef Luca shares. “This year’s Cyclades edition delivered all of these aspects and so much more, including a reminder to cherish life’s simple pleasures – genuine hospitality, the ease of slow living, and enjoying nature’s gifts in their purest form.”
Exquisite Pairings and Signature Cocktails
Accompanying each of the new summer menus is a curated Greek wine pairing, offering diners an opportunity to explore both local and international labels through the expert insights of Pelagos’ sommeliers. Complementing the culinary delights is a menu of four bespoke cocktails inspired by the Cyclades, featuring the signature Ariadne – a refreshing blend of Kitron liquor, Aperol, melon, and Aegean tonic, paying tribute to Naxos.
Discovering the Cycladic Islands
From the volcanic terrains of Santorini to the fertile landscapes of Naxos, each island provided a unique ingredient that now stars in Chef Luca’s summer creations. Highlights include:
- Tuna Tartare: Infused with the piquant twist of Sifnos capers, complemented by the smoothness of caper ice cream.
- Lobster: Paired with creamy chickpeas, Romesco sauce, and apricot, celebrating Sifnos’ legume heritage.
- White Aubergine: Santorini’s unique produce, harmoniously combined with Madras curry, pork belly, and oyster.
- Dry-Aged Beef: Showcasing Naxos’ specialty, accompanied by tomato consommé, cucumber, and sesame.
The ‘Best Of’ menu reintroduces iconic dishes from previous tours, such as:
- Lamb: From 2023’s Crete tour, featuring tender meat with wild greens, plums, and pita.
- Kariki Cheese: From Tinos in 2022, presented with Kristal caviar in a ceramic pumpkin-shaped dish.
A Journey of Discovery and Inspiration
This culinary adventure commenced in Sifnos at Narlis Farm, where the team explored water-free farming methods, delved into local ceramics, and hiked to ancient monasteries. In Santorini, known for its volcanic soil and vibrant produce, they learned traditional wine-making techniques and sampled the island’s famous tomatoes and fragrant pistachios. Naxos offered lush landscapes and visits to small producers, enriching their culinary experience with aromatic cheeses, grass-fed beef, and the finest olive oil.
Chef Luca, who earned Pelagos its Michelin star within six months of opening, returned to Athens brimming with inspiration. “I wanted to explore the link between each island and its inhabitants – their history, culture, and gastronomic heritage,” he reflects. “Inspiration comes from sampling products in their natural habitat and learning about the culinary traditions from the people who know them best. Each dish on our new menus is a homage to the people behind the flavors, colors, and aromas of each key ingredient.”
A Tribute to Culinary Excellence
Pelagos at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens continues to elevate the dining experience by celebrating the rich culinary traditions of Greece’s Cycladic islands. This year’s ‘Pelagos On Tour’ is a testament to the art of storytelling through food, capturing the essence of the islands and presenting it in a symphony of flavors that honor the legacy and craftsmanship of local producers.
For those who seek to indulge in a gastronomic journey that transcends the ordinary, Pelagos offers an unparalleled experience, where every bite tells a story of passion, tradition, and the timeless beauty of the Cyclades.
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