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Monday, July 28, 2014

An Enchanted Evening in Kardamyli

Our trip back to Greece’s Mani region this summer spanned a time period that included both our wedding anniversary and my birthday. . . what better place on earth to celebrate such occasions, right?

While our days were busy with ‘chores’ related to purchasing a house there (see last week’s post) we did give ourselves our anniversary evening ‘off’ and spent it dining at a hotel restaurant that came recommended highly on TripAdvisor and had also been included in as a Top Choice in Lonely Planet’s guidebook.

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This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill hotel restaurant. The setting was one of the most magical we’ve seen in Greece ~ in the midst of an olive grove at the side of the sea. It just doesn’t get any better than that!

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Restaurant Elies is part of a small bungalow-style hotel complex  of the same name one mile north of Kardamyli (also Kardamili) town.  The setting and the décor – from the blue and white cushions in the bar’s open air lounge to the yellow and olive green colored tables and chairs -- couldn’t have been more Mediterranean. We’d want to incorporate both of these ideas when decorating that new house, we’d decided. . .
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As night approached, the restaurant transformed from its daytime casual to nighttime elegance with white table cloths and candles.

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And the menu offered such a foodie feast it was difficult to decide what to eat:

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We finally made our selections – fried giant white beans starter, sea bass on a bed of wild greens and rigatoni with a fresh basil pesto sauce.

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Wish I’d photographed dessert but by then I was in such a state of (foodie) bliss the camera was long forgotten.  If you get to the area, we’d highly recommend this place as a ‘must visit’.

We’ll continue the story of our house buying trip to Greece on Thursday. . .hope to see you then!
For restaurant or hotel information:  www.elieshotel.gr
Linking this post up with Mosaic Monday and Foodie Tuesday

18 comments:

  1. Hello Joel and Jackie,
    Happy Anniversary and the venue for your celebration party is like none I have seen before. How special.
    Wishing you a delightful week ad I look forward to your next chapter in home owning
    Helen xx

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    1. Thank you for the good wishes, Helen. And it is you who has the fascinating story of new home ownership. I look forward to your reports. Jackie xx

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  2. Happy Anniversary, Joel and Jackie! What a lovely way to celebrate your birthday, as well, Jackie, (in addition to your OTHER present!). What a beautiful place, love the colours and the food sounds delicious, too! Thanks for sharing and have a great week!

    Poppy

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    1. And Poppy thank you for your visit! It really was one of the most magical Greek settings -- but then you know us: every Greek setting as some magic to it!

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  3. For starters...a very Happy belated Birthday to you, Jackie! And a belated Happy Anniversary to you and Joel! I'm so glad that you two treated yourselves and had a nice evening. The giant white beans, sea bass and pasta?? Yes, please, I will have all three! I'm so not kidding :)

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    1. Oh Mike I was thinking of you when I put the food photos in (only because I could see you tackling those beans and then telling us how to do it in a post). It was a great meal in an equally great setting! Thanks for the comment - always appreciated. Hugs to the furry one.

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  4. happy Birthday and Anniversary - you have celebrated it in what looks like a gorgeous restaurant. I wish I was there! Wishing you happy days!
    and thank you for stopping by my blog.

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    1. Thanks so much Jill. And I also appreciate your stopping by the blog here as well. Have a great week~

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  5. It sounds like a truly exquisite way to celebrate your anniversary. :-) XO

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    1. It certainly raised the bar on interesting places to celebrate life's special days. Afraid our local places in Kirkland have paled in comparison. Thanks much for your visit - have a great week! J. xxxx

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  6. Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday, Jackie! Your choice of hotel-restaurant is tops! You made me hungry again!!!! Crossing fingers for that house!

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    1. Have to admit that I made myself hungry when I added those photos to the post. Thanks for the visit today - more coming on the house.

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  7. Great timing, Jackie, and you picked an absolutely beautiful and romantic spot. Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday!!
    Thanks for linking up this week!

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    1. We didn't quite plan to return to Greece this summer so guess it worked out well that we did get a chance to celebrate something while there. I know from the price of the flight that we won't be returning in the summer anytime soon!

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  8. Such an idyllic setting, Jackie! A place to add to the possible future visits list, then.

    I think -- and hope -- that I wished you happy birthday and happy anniversary to you and Joel already, but just in case, all the best to you both for countless years more of happy celebrations together!

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  9. One of the highlights of our trip this place is missed every day back home!

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