Traditions

 

Photo taken in the village square of Vourliotes, 1917

Emmanuel Lagos

The photograph at the top of this page was taken in the town square of Vourliotes, 1917.  It is difficult to see, but directly behind the flag of Greece in that picture, there is a building that has been owned by the Lagos Family for 4 generations (since 1886).  There has also been a family operated café at that same location since about 1912.  It is a place where Kathy and I always enjoy having dinner.

As authentic Old World charm gets harder to find in urban settings or at busy tourist destinations, many Europeans have made Samos Island their favorite holiday spot to relax and reconnect with their Old World roots.  We are lucky to encounter in it at every turn here, from the hand forged hinges and hasps on the shutters and doors, to the families that have been living and working in this village for generations.  The food here is another part of that living tradition.  Much of it is grown and picked within walking distance of the restaurants it is served in.  Some of the restaurants here serve food that is grown in their family owned fields or gardens.

 

Eleni and Diamantis Café, in Vourliotes Square, 2017
(taken from the same spot 100-yr. later)



Eleni and Diamantis Lagos' Café is about 50 steps from our door.  There is are printed menus for the table and chalkboard menu out front with specials dishes that change as different vegetables come into season.  While the ingredients are fresh, some of the dishes are prepared from recipes have been in the family for generations.  There is a simple and delicious elegance about the food at Eleni & Diamantis Café that is as rich and unpretentious as the local soil from which it is harvested.  Eleni also makes great special desserts that change with the season.

 

Diamantis and Eleni

For a video with more background and old pictures see:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyfDdmpwqbw