What's On Cyprus

Over a delicious Illy coffee, I asked Charbel how it all started; he said, "In the past, I was an HR Operations Manager in the F&B Sector ... Then we found this place, and between 2016 to 2021, we took Rise of the past, and Re-Branded it ... it was during the pandemic where I got the idea to take it to a new level and we had the time make some improvements, the idea was to 'Elevate your Hotel Experience' ... it's not just about the decoration it's about culture and spirit"

An eatery of the highest esteem, I love the crazy paved terrace, shaded by tall mature trees, that twinkle delightfully as the sun sets, the crazy colourful tables and chairs, almost kindergarden'ish, little alcoves of comfy seating, hammocks set up high in the trees, whilst down a tier, skirting the rocks, a pathway leading to the almost private beach on the left, that'll have mellow music and waiter service and there's plenty of sunbeds, all with a view to die for, a sea of serenity at Sirena Bay ...

Naturally I'm a little bias, but Cypriot cuisine cooked the Cypriot way is just unbeatable!

There will be music, there'll be dancing, there'll be children bouncing around, there'll be plates of food arriving at tables ... And somewhere in Meneou, there will be clay-sealed clay ovens quietly doing what Cypriot clay ovens do best, for literally hundreds of years ... Making kleftiko ... We’ll see you there – preferably with an appetite.

The setting is as good as on the beach, it's a traditional village house with alcoves and arches edging the shaded patio out front, overlooking the beautiful Mediterranean sea.  The ambience is relaxed outside and continues inside, with comfy lounge style sofas and 4 huge TV screens to watch all the live sports, there's a pool room with plenty of seating and two lovely open fires to keep your toes warm in the winter.

It's a picturesque setting, with the restaurant literally on the riverbank, overlooking the fishing shelter, on the estuary of the Liopetri River aka 'Potamos', with stunning views stretching all the way to Cape Greko.  Inside, traditional, comfortable seating, fresh fish fridges, old photos on walls, and outside on the terrace with decking, where their two fishing boats are docked, seating for around 150 diners, lined with umbrellas for a little shade, and with the sea just a few metres away. you couldn't find a more perfect setting to eat fish!  btw, Haris and Margaritas' grandfather Nicolas opened this delightful beachside location in Potamos 50 years ago, so all the local fishermen could enjoy their days' catch, and btw, they still do.

They'll turn up, on time, every time, and cook you everything from breakfast or brunch to a three-course a'la carte meal, in your kitchen or the venue of your choice, even if you want it served around your complex pool or on the beach.

So, I asked George to tell me about his choice of beef ... and quite amazingly he told me; "We were the first to bring the burger scene to Larnaca.  We mated Black Angus steers with our cows at several local farms, which gave birth to more Angus beef and we're now in our 16th generation and naturally, we get our beef fresh from our associated local farms ... ah ha! that's why my burger tasted so good!

Vangelis said he had extensive training in Naples, not at collage but at an academy at a traditional pizzeria, with top pizza chefs.  The rewards; pizzas as authentic as you can get this side of Italy, the dough, 4 simple ingredients, hand made, but fermented for 48 Hours before use, a Neapolitan influence, which enhances the flavour, then topped with your favourite toppings and baked to perfection in a traditional stone fired revolving oven ... the result a thin base with a light fluffy crust ... I have to say they're delicious!

Pioneers Launching this, the first in a group of exclusive hotels in 1979, The Lordos Beach Hotel ranks high as one of the most prestigious...