why Filoxenia+Cooking?

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Filoxenia is a Greek concept that has no literal translation. It's an inherent state of being present and open, of befriending strangers, of genuine hospitality, of opening our hearts and hosting with ease and connection.

Together with Lily, we wanted to created a space where food is the conduit for bringing people together and learning

So the journey begins for me, from fast paced commercial kitchens, and a 30 year fantastic food business to a personal journey that allows my love and understanding for Mediterranean food and bringing people together over the dinner table to shine and bring joy to others.

Lily and I both grew up in house holds that value meal time rituals, from selecting or growing the produce, to preparing, cooking, presenting and enjoying meals with friends and family. Our house holds were full of people and the dinner table was always set for more as inevitably guests will arrive. Our meals were simple, and we always had enough for others. Both our parents could laden a table with olives, tomatoes from the garden, pickles, a dip, any left overs and the memories created over those dinner tables has stayed with us through out our life times.

Ikaria

Both our parents are from the gorgeous Greek island of Ikaria. What is being currently be reported as a 'Blue Zone' holding the key to longevity, good health and happiness. This is in principle how we were raised. We ate a large variety of whole, fresh food. We ate with family and friends; our table had young and old people sitting and communicating together, ( I have memories of being a teenager sitting with Lily's 101year old Papou and hearing the most amazing stories from him). We walked, we gardened, we were part of a community.

It was a time a place that making appointments to see friends was unheard of, our parents went visiting during the week, during a school night, and if we didn't attend a Saturday night dance; the friends who did attend had no problem in knocking on our doors at 2am demanding coffee and nibbles.

Yes, times have changed, and yes we have changed with them. What has remained is

• the hosting with ease and presence

• connection and joy good food brings

• understand how good food 'feeds' our bodies and our souls

the garden

digging up our entire lawn and turning it into a kitchen garden is a part of this new journey. I am an absolute newbie at gardening, but that certainly didn't stop Peter and I from starting this project.

The dream is to eat freshly pickled veggies and fruit straight from the garden to the table. And hopefully to be able to share this joy with others.

So back to the WHY? did we start Filoxenia + Cooking

• we want to start a community through Mediterranean food events

• we want to show how to host and create your memories around your table

• we want to organizing intimate cooking classes that feel like social events.

• we want to show how sharing meals fosters connections and celebrates cultural richness.

• we want to create stories of memorable gatherings that inspire

  
  

Love Tina and Lily x