What's On Cyprus

Coming up to their first anniversary in Cyprus I asked Nicola to tell me about the Menu ... Nicola said; "We sort of split it into three cuisines, Fresh Fish, Fresh Sushi, and Vegan Platters & Snacks ... Our head chef has been with us since day one, his qualifications and previous experience in Cyprus, the very best Sushi eateries, including Sushi La and Wagamama" ... I was suitably impressed!

It's been awhile since I strolled around this boulevard of shoe shops, bag shops, souvenirs  galore, Jewellers, leather shops and more shoe shops, whilst down cobbled alleys you'll find quaint cafes and traditional restaurants and kebab taverns and a few Indie boutiques and loads of international labels ...

It's classy, chic and unique, it's spacious, the designer obviously minimalistic with a touch of finesse.  Outside there's a large terrace, partly covered, with comfy bench sofas and seats, huge umbrellas, dropping down to lush gardens, with mature trees creating the shade, overlooking the sea, with gorgeous architectural lighting by night ... inside its all stone pillars and wood with classy finishing, stylish lighting, high ceilings, cool touches and condiments to compliment, all creating an ambience that puts them up high in my favourite eaterie rankings.

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.

... These days he's got a crew of 30, most working as part of the family for years, and 'well oiled' is an understatement ... serving the best Cod and Haddock, and a nice bit of Plaice, imported from UK, Norway, Germany and France, deep fried in Lambros' crispy batter or breadcrumbs and served, of course, with chips made with Cyprus potatoes, pure heaven! ... opps, don't forget the mushy peas or maybe gravy, or curry sauce to dip your chips into and a few pickled onions and maybe a wally ... omg, old habits die hard oh, and almost forgot a good cuppa and a slice ... perfect!

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!

The exotic decor, the ambience, their deliciously authentic spicy cuisine, and the belly dancer swaying her hips to the sultry oriental style music every weekend is all guaranteed to give you an amazing night you'll never forget !

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.

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 ...