Kythera- Karvounades Traditional Fournos-Bakery

The Greeks take their bread very seriously. Bread is bought fresh every day to accompany lunch, the main meal of the day.  Every neighborhood has it's bakery and Greeks compare one "fourno" to the other mercilessly! Don't mess with their bread.

As a result, what Americans consider gourmet artisanal bread is everyday bread for the Greeks. Round loaves, sourdoughs, whole wheats, semolinas, all are displayed prominently at the fourno. Also, one can buy hand made dried pasta called "hilopites" as well as different kinds of rusks.

People line up to shop

 

One of these bakeries caught my attention on a windy village road in Kythera with it's variety of breads and savory pies. "Ta Kythera" is on the main road of Karvounades and it is known for its  woodburning ovens.

The display of different kinds of cookies

Marathopita. Fennel pies! They were amazing!

Little savories filled with spinach or goat cheese. Yummy!

Panagia, the Virgin Mary looks over the family business

Opening fillo

Pies filled with a milk custard

 

Panagia Myrtidiotissa- The Virgin of Myrtidia- the icon f the island protectress hangs in the bakery

The Kasimatis'-The owner and her son

 When you come to Greece, make sure you hit a neighborhood "fourno". Even better, try to visit "Ta Kythera" and taste it's particular delicacies.

Enjoy!

Maria