Florentia Kythreotou, a prominent gastronomy writer, shares her rich experiences and insights into the world of culinary delights in this engaging interview.
- Florentia Kythreotou, a prominent gastronomy writer, shares her rich experiences and insights into the world of culinary delights in this engaging interview.
- Follow Florentia on Instagram at florita__ky, visit her website at kythreotou.eu, and check out her YouTube channel at florentiakythreotou8048.
Gastronomy writer: Life in Latsia
Residing in Latsia, Nicosia, Florentia enjoys a vibrant lifestyle interwoven with her passion for food and culture. Her mornings typically start with a wholesome breakfast of two kiwis, filtered coffee with milk, and sourdough toast generously topped with butter and Cretan Gruyère cheese. This simple yet delightful meal sets the tone for her day, filled with culinary inspiration.
A Perfect Day by the Sea
Florentia’s idea of a perfect day begins at 5:30 AM. She and her husband embark on a drive to Protaras, where they find solace in the beauty of nature. After dropping her husband off at his favourite fishing spot, she indulges in snorkelling and swimming, connecting with the serene Mediterranean waters. Breakfast follows at a scenic location, where the view enhances the flavours of the meal.
Cooking from the Catch
The couple often returns home with the day’s catch, typically consisting of kourkounes (dusky spinefoot), skaros (parrotfish), and sorkos (white seabream). Lunchtime transforms into a culinary adventure as they cook together, infusing their meal with love and creativity. After a fulfilling lunch, Florentia takes time to unwind, indulging in her hobbies like reading or drawing, before welcoming friends for an evening filled with wine and delectable bites.
Literary Inspirations and Fond Memories
Among her favourite reads, Florentia cites Night Flight by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a book that resonates with her love for adventure and exploration. Reflecting on her childhood, she recalls a treasured memory shared with her father after a wedding feast at Ayios Therissos in Karpasia. Dressed in formal attire, the two ventured to the sea’s edge, where her father introduced her to the exquisite taste of freshly caught sea urchins and limpets, a moment she cherishes as a foretaste of paradise.
Culinary Staples and Musical Tastes
Florentia’s fridge is a testament to her commitment to health and flavour, always stocked with fresh fruit and yogurt. Music plays a significant role in her life, with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 3 currently accompanying her on drives, enhancing her creative spirit and setting a reflective mood.
Symbolism and Wisdom
When asked about her spirit animal, Florentia describes the fox, symbolising adaptability and resilience. She draws parallels to the fox in The Little Prince, which embodies wisdom, connection, and the importance of nurturing relationships over time. These themes resonate deeply with her approach to life and gastronomy.
Admiration and Inspiration
Florentia expresses immense pride in her husband, appreciating his literary and musical talents, as well as his patience and wisdom. This mutual respect and admiration form a solid foundation for their partnership, inspiring both to pursue their passions.
Cinematic Moments and Time Travel Dreams
A memorable scene from Wim Wenders’ film Wings of Desire has left a lasting impression on her, particularly the poignant moment featuring an angel in the Berlin library. If given the chance to time travel, she would choose Renaissance Florence, where she dreams of working as a food and wine taster amidst the masterpieces of the Medici Palace.
Facing Fears and Embracing Joy
Florentia candidly shares her greatest fear: losing her loved ones. However, she balances this with a message of self-acceptance and joy. If she could advise her 18-year-old self, it would be to embrace life’s pleasures without guilt, reinforcing the importance of love, food, and connection.
Personal Preferences and Culinary Indulgences
Florentia’s dating deal-breaker? White socks worn above the ankle with formal shoes. As for the end of the world, she would indulge in making “pittes me to meli,” Cypriot fried pancakes drizzled with honey, savouring every bite in a bittersweet farewell.
Connecting Through Gastronomy
As the Editor-in-Chief of Taste Wine & Dine magazine, Florentia Kythreotou continues to explore and celebrate the intricate world of gastronomy and wine. Her journey is not just about food but about the connections it fosters and the memories it creates, making each meal an opportunity for togetherness and joy.
Follow Florentia on Instagram at florita__ky, visit her website at kythreotou.eu, and check out her YouTube channel at florentiakythreotou8048.
