Cypriot

I've been eating at Ropas since my first season here, the year they opened in 1991 … It's one of my favourite places to go if I fancy truly authentic Cypriot Meze.  Costas and his wife Nikki have of course become very good friends and I have to say this guy oozes traditional Cypriot hospitality.  So too, Nikki and son Stelios out front and daughter Flora helping Nikki in the kitchen, tbh this family team is really hard to beat!

I met Daniela at The Cyprus Bar Show in Kapparis, and when I found out she had recently bought one of my favourite eateries 'Cinnamon Lounge Bar' at the 100+-year-old Mansion aka Shongas Inn, in the heart of Deryniea Village, I just had to find out more.  So we arranged a meeting and over a delicious coffee I was more than pleasantly surprised, this lady is on another level ...

This is without a doubt, one of my favourite bars on the strip and now one of my favourite eateries too ... I asked Andreas, why the '3 Jokers'?  He said in Cyprus, the Joker is the one that does all the jobs.  So I asked Floris what are you now, King of the Bar? He laughed and said ... No! I'm the Jack, here to keep the peace lol

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 said "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 ... Here's a link to their full Menu 

... Now, this is where this place excels ... they call them seasonal 'Rain Gifts' because Tony and the family are dedicated to bringing you the freshest and most sought-after wild Cypriot produce, like baby wild Artichokes, Snails, fresh Asparagus, and Tony takes a regular trip to Paphos to find rare wild mushrooms, all part of the norm.  Tony often walks 15km to 25km a day to bring you the best selection that night ... needless to say if you like wild Mushrooms omg, this place is an absolute must!

Out front a comfortable covered terrace, high tables, and stools, and over on the benches a big cuddly teddy bear with an Amarilino Yellow kit on.  Just inside, more high stools around a high table, visually supported by an old baker's bicycle, and three high chairs looking into the window bar.  Inside its modern, quirky little areas, sofas, Alice in Wonderland style highbacked chairs, and a cool selfie mirror adorned with greenery and flowers and on the back wall, 'Amarilino Makes Me Smile', it made me smile!

I am delighted to introduce you to The Lordos Group of Hotels as I've worked closely with their 3 hotels and indeed the Lordos family since 1993.  They are without a doubt one of Cyprus' leading companies and their 3 hotels certainly excel when it comes to location, comfort, and hospitality.  Each hotel with its own specific features, each hotel unique in its own way, all ideally situated in perfect locations, pretty much, right on the beach!

As soon as you see this place, you'll know it oozes quality ... but tbh, it's much, much, more than it first seems ... Effectively, it's a mini resort, with a spacious area boasting a large swimming pool and cafe-style pool bar, surrounded by mature trees, delicious green lawn, palm sun shades, canvas sails and a lovely relaxed ambiance in a truly wonderful setting with free sunbeds and free WIFI ... and they're open all year except maybe January ...

Serving traditional Cypriot cuisine, or as Artemaki calls it, ''pure horthiaytiko'' or 'village-style' in English. The food is always cooked fresh, mostly over real charcoal, so it'll take at least 20 minutes to be served, but let me just say; it's worth every minute! and don't worry the pitta bread, dips and salads will wet your apatite. Whilst Arimaki's mum cooks traditional Cypriot dishes for your delight!

... 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 ...