What's On Cyprus

I met with Alexandra in Cafe Central, and over a delicious cappuccino I asked her to tell me more, starting with why my cappuccino was so good?  She smiled and said, "We selected Robusta coffee beans, from southern and central Africa, because it's an international multi-award winning coffee, with a woody, spicy, slightly bitter taste, that we preferred over Arabica" ... oh and just wait til you see the menu ...

Pete told me he imports the best Cod from the North Atlantic, cuts it himself into 340 gsm portions, dipped into his mums secret recipe home made batter, which he said "I cant tell you the secret coz I'd have to kill you" hmm, and then fries it fresh to order using the finest vegetable palm oil, he says; "because I think it gives my cod the best flavour" ...

... But tbh, The Square Bar is better known for their Live Music, every night from 8.30 pm 'til late.  That's mostly down to Peter and Rob, of the legendary 'Live Lounge' in Cardiff fame, who told me "We partnered up with Panicos in 2014 to bring you the very best in live bands, duo and solo artists" ... Check out their Facebook Reviews, oh and, go early to avoid disappointment, coz this place gets really busy! ... I caught the Revolverlites here recently, check out their videos and reviews here ...

There are loads of beach bars in Cyprus, and then there’s Nissi Bay Beach Bar … it's the kind of place that instantly reminds you why Ayia Napa became one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic summer destinations back in the early 90’s.  Sitting directly opposite the Nissi, aka the island, on the white sands of Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, this legendary hotspot blends tropical beach-club energy with unmistakable Cypriot summer madness.  And honestly, the moment I first stepped onto the sand with a cocktail in my hand and the bassline from the DJ booth rolling across the bay, I understood exactly why this place is so unique.

Their speciality is Simon’s Pies, and as a Master Baker for over 40 years they are 'just to die for’ … with too many to choose from, Steak ’n Kidney, Steak ’n Ale, Steak ’n Halloumi or my fav the Tandoori Chicken and for the vegetarian’s choice, Three Cheeses, or you must try one of Simon's Indian Dishes, OMG! ... and its all available for Take Away

This impeccable Wine Bar & Cafe, serves the finer things in life, just about the best coffee you'll taste anywhere in Cyprus.  Complementing your selection of over 300 different quality wines with signature Fruit, Meat or Cheese Platters, introducing you to imported cheeses from all over the world, maybe with a little marmalade, hmm, trust me, you won't find this selection anywhere else, oh, and freshly baked bread and breadsticks and btw, you really must try the new Charguterie, French-based Mixed Meat Platters plus of course everyone's favourite, the freshly made Sushi and some spontaneous finger foods encompassing the trend towards the healthy living options.

This is where they excel, specialising in over 20 different choices of kebabs.  Gyros here is a choice of 4 meats, pork, chicken from Greece, beef and lamb from the UK, each cut into thin slices, layered and seasoned, and set onto big skewers ready to be imported.  Vangelis said, "I spend a little extra, but I get the very best" ... I asked "do you then add a little more seasoning" and he said "there's really no need", tbh, the beef Gyro was probably the best I've ever tasted ...

Evi continued; "It all started back in 1912, when Wilbur Scoville charted the comparative heat of different chillis.  The greater the number of Scouville units the hotter the chilli, but don't worry, we have 8 Different Flavours of Piri Piri sauces, from Zesty Lemon and Herb to Extreme with everything in between!"  Piri Piri of course means Pepper Pepper, my favourites are the Hot & Spicy and the Jerk Chicken, OMG!

I was delighted to be invited to 'Play 4 All' to catch up with owner Lucas Polycarpou and I have to say, I had no idea just how much they do here, with 6 Full Size Bowling Alleys, a Children's Play Room, called 'The Jungle' and a fully fitted club style party room called 'La Mour' for up to 150 of your friends.  There's also a restaurant with a top chef presenting a full a' la carte menu and that's just for starters, excuse the pun … oh and, a few big screen TV's so you can just pop in for a drink to watch all the live sports and the footie! … So it really is a fun place for kids, and grown ups!

... it's an absolutely wonderful find, just off Kapparis Avenue, just over 200 metres to the beach, in one of my favourite areas in Cyprus, with a massive veranda, so you can relax overlooking the sea that’s about 200 metres away ...