For me this is a delight. I am in my favourite restaurant in Kalamata and I am the only customer. I have chatted to Amelia the owner and am half way through my first ouzo. Grilled octopus has just arrived with some greens, Amelia insists that I try some. I am not normally a rabbit food sort of person but they are splendid.
My heart goes out to the folks here as they are honest about when they have fresh octopus and the food really is magnificent, As is the ouzo. But they sit here just hoping that customers will turn up. It is off season and the economy is again shrinking thanks to the Nazis of the IMF and EU.
Cripes, other plates have just arrived. Amelia is rightly very proud of her food. Rightly so. It is superb. I remember turning around a restaurant in London and in the dark days before that was complete just sitting there praying that customers would arrive. It was just so dispiriting. I know exactly how she must feel.
And so if you are passing through Kalamata at any stage do yourself a favour and make your way to the Katalanos restaurant on Navarino Street. You will be made very welcome, the food is wonderful.
Cripes a plate of gigantes (giant white beans) has just arrived. Wonderful
