19th January 2022

Discover the secrets of Cretan cuisine with

MasterChef Winner Irini Tzortzoglou

Culinary Weeks at Arosmari: New for 2022 from Simpson Travel

Irini Tzortzolglou, 2019 MasterChef winner, olive oil sommelier and champion of Cretan cuisine is delighted to announce that she will be working with independent villa and boutique hotel operator Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com), as part of its new special interest holidays programme.

In July 2022, she will be hosting two very special Culinary Weeks in her home island of Crete, based at Arosmari Village Hotel, Simpson Travel's boutique property located at the foot of the White Mountains, in the west of the island.  The weeks provide a unique opportunity to learn how to recreate a selection of delicious Cretan dishes in an authentic setting. Demonstration dishes include traditional Skafia pies, served drizzled with honey; spiced tomato jam, prawn saganaki and kalamari kritharoto and traditional sourdough bread baking in the hotel's ancient bread oven.  In addition to the cookery lessons, there is a tasting session of local olive oils, gastronomic trips to learn to a small but state of the art dairy and an expertly, family run winery.  After a week of immersion in the local cuisine, participants will even help to prepare the farewell dinner, which Irini will host.

Commenting, Irini says 'My roots are in a small village in the heart of the island but I have always had a soft spot for the natural beauty, charm, produce and cuisine of Western Crete and the idea that I will get to share some of my love and knowledge as well as favourite spots with other foodies fills me with pride and excitement.  Since training as an olive oil sommelier, I am particularly passionate about spreading the word on the health benefits and culinary applications of extra virgin olive oil – some of the finest of which comes from Crete.   I am convinced that it was the passion for local produce as well as my early memories of the simple, healthy but delicious Cretan food that won over the MasterChef judges as much as my technical ability and skill as a cook!'

The holiday also provides plenty of time to enjoy the idyllic location.  The peaceful Arosmari Village Hotel is set in the traditional village of Vamos in the foothills of the White Mountains. Ten charming 1 and 2-bedroom stone and cypress wood cottages surround a beautiful garden, interspersed with touches of the rural past – a shepherd's hut, a threshing circle and even a small chapel are spread among the olive trees and lawn.  With its tranquil grounds, pool, small spa and Turkish Haman, it has plenty of relaxing corners to escape to. Alternatively, the local village of Vamos is a small slice of old Crete, whilst the pretty villages and golden beaches of western Crete and the cosmopolitan city of Chania, with its superb restaurants, colourful markets and spectacular Venetian harbour are just waiting to explored.

Simpson Travel's Culinary Weeks with a Master Chef at Arosmari take place on 19th-26th July and 26th July – 2 August 2022.  Prices from £1928 per person including flights, car hire, accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis, all demonstrations, workshops, tastings, local excursions and a farewell dinner.

For bookings, contact Simpson Travel (www.simpsontravel.com  020 8003 6557)

For further information, recipes and photos, contact  Irini@irinicooks.com (www.irinicooks.com)