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Meraki: Exquisite Greek Dining In London

Meraki brings to life the Greek concept of ‘Filoxenia’ which translates as ‘Friend to a stranger’.  Dining at Meraki is like being in a friends’ home, and the staff (the heart of Meraki) treat each guest with the hospitality Greece is known for, an ancient Greek value that still lives on today! Peter Waney opened Meraki in 2017, bringing his knowledge, expertise, and family’s passion for Greece to the heart of Fitzrovia. After seeing a gap in the market for premium, Greek, and Mediterranean cuisine in London, the concept of Meraki was created. A feature by FnB columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International

Meraki is all about Greek plates & unique craft cocktails presented in a breezy, brick-lined setting with stylish decor. Culinary Director Sanjay Dwivedi joined the brand to help realise  their vision, encouraging the talented team of chefs to use their creative imaginations, to elevate and refine the Meraki menu, for a fresh, exciting, mouth-watering gastronomical experience. Meraki’s team of impressive chefs have used their knowledge, passion and expertise to refine and redefine the menu, offering a taste of the soul of Greece infused with the heart and warmth of the Mediterranean.

Meraki is nestled in the heart of Fitzrovia. The team has scoured the length and breadth of Greece’s regions to find the most tantalising ingredients such as Bottarga from Mesologgi, tomatoes from Santorini and butter from Crete. Creating a menu that tastes of the soul of Greece with seasonally changing sharing mezze dishes, chargrilled meats and whole fish dishes that are carved right in front of your eyes at the table and offers the heart and warmth of the Mediterranean.

When you dine at Meraki, prepare to be mesmerised, they have everything you need to be transported out of London and to the stunning views of the Greek islands. They have a terrace, a main floor offering floor to ceiling windows, countertop seating where you can watch their expert chefs prepare your food as you dine. Plus, a lower ground floor with rustic bare brick walls, ideal for large groups and semi-private events. They can provide for any occasion and create the perfect atmosphere for any event.

Meraki Bar sprawls across two floors, with a separate entrance on 30 Foley Street. With three distinct areas, the cosy terrace is an ideal spot to enjoy an evening cocktail from their highly acclaimed menu, inspired by the ‘Pretty Stories from the Cyclades’. The upstairs bar is perfect to enjoy an after-work aperitivo and light bite.

Meraki was opened by Peter Waney, who along with his brother, Arjun, started their restaurant career in London 15 years ago, beginning with Zuma in Knightsbridge, followed by Roka and La Petite Maison. More recently, the Waney family has acquired and revamped award winning, internationally renown The Arts Club on Dover Street as well as Oblix at The Shard, Coya in Piccadilly and Coya Angel Court in The City.

About Sanjay Dwivedi 

London born but Delhi raised, Sanjay Dwivedi has always been surrounded by food. First learning the craft round his family table, Sanjay soon climbed the chef ladder, honing his skills at a diverse mix of notable restaurants including a decade at Zaika, the first Indian restaurant to receive a Michelin star, and Oliver Peyton’s Coast Restaurant and Atlantic Bar and Grill.  

Sanjay follows no rules when it comes to cooking, pioneering his own style, constantly pushing the envelope, and striving to create boisterous and clever dishes, Sanjay is a raconteur of the culinary world. A man who isn’t afraid of blending the abstract with the mundane, he is forever improving and researching.  

Prior to joining the Meraki family in early 2022, Sanjay played a vital role in the success of popular Peruvian favourite COYA. As the opening Executive Chef and Culinary Director for the group, he developed a menu marrying modern, European techniques with Asian influences, overseeing the flagship venue in Mayfair (opened 2012), along with international destinations including Monte Carlo, Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  

Sanjay’s gift and passion for seeing great potential and acting on it, allows him to create, and deliver ground-breaking menus to audiences worldwide. It is with this same level of dedication Sanjay aims to both elevate and refine the gastronomical dining experience at contemporary Greek restaurant group Meraki, as they embark upon their own journey around the world. Outside of the kitchen, Sanjay has enjoyed time on the small screen having appeared on number of programs including Channel 4’s Iron Chef UK and BBC1’s MasterChef.  

Conclusively, Meraki means ‘to create with your heart and soul’, and every aspect of Meraki has been created entirely with their hearts and souls. From our modern Mediterranean menu using the finest, authentic ingredients to their warm and generous hospitality. The food is exquisitely presented, vibe at the restaurant is unmatched; service is attentive and the taste of their delectable cuisine is top-notch. Highly Recommended!

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-Top News Europe

Greek conservatives win in regional elections

The regional elections came as a political test for the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who won a second term in office in this summer’s general elections…reports Asian Lite News

Greek conservatives of the ruling New Democracy (ND) party won seven out of 13 regions in the first round of regional elections on Sunday, according to the preliminary results released by the Interior Ministry, with about 40 percent of ballots counted till midnight.

The regional elections came as a political test for the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis who won a second term in office in this summer’s general elections.

“We are here to work with each governor and mayor. After all, this is what we did in the previous four years because problems have no (political) color,” the premier said on Sunday evening after the announcement of the results, sending a message of cooperation.

Candidates for regional governors, as well as mayors in the 332 municipalities nationwide, needed to secure 43 percent of votes to win the seat outright, otherwise the 1st and 2nd runners will contest in a runoff on Oct. 15.

In the region of Attica, where the capital Athens is located and is the most populous region, ND candidate Nikos Hardalias won the election with 46.53 percent of votes after 50.37 percent of votes were counted.

“All together we will fight in the next five years and together, undoubtedly, we will make it,” he said.

Athens’ incumbent Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis gained 41.27 percent of votes with 44.49 percent of votes counted, and thus will face a candidate backed by the socialist PASOK-KINAL party in the second round. In Piraeus, the incumbent mayor Yiannis Moralis achieved a clear victory with 69.8 percent of votes.

A clear picture of the results of municipal elections was expected on Monday. The local administration officials are elected for a five-year term.

Some 9.7 million Greek citizens aged above 17 were registered to vote. In addition, 17,957 citizens of 26 EU member states, who are living in Greece and have registered for the elections, could also cast their ballot, according to the Interior Ministry.

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Europe

Greek, Lithuanian envoys hail Indian culture

The Haveli is of three storeys with a basement on a small portion of the southern wing and a mezzanine floor above the shops on the lower ground floor…reports Ayushi Agarwal

As part of the wonderful ensemble in the historic core of the capital city, Golden Haveli in Gali Anar, Dharampura was on Thursday inaugurated by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in the presence of former Union Minister Vijay Goel.

Situated in close proximity to the historic Red Fort and Jama Masjid, the Haveli is located on Chandni Chowk at the intersection of Gali Anar and Chatta Pratap Singh. The envoys present there manifested their fondness towards rich Indian culture and traditions.

“I am very fond of Indian culture. This is the first time that I have come here in this Haveli, on this year. It’s very good for a foreigner because when we come to places like here in Old Delhi, it’s secret doors. The gated are closed doors and this is the door to one of the secret. It’s amazing to what Mr Goel has done. I have come here before and I will be bringing my guest here to enjoy that very traditional but very natural, authentic India in hospitality,” Diana Mickeviceine, Lithuanian Ambassador to India, told ANI.

“I think the inauguration is a very commendable effort to open secrets to foreigners like me. It gives an opportunity to people to experience real India and to it bring it closer to the world. The Minister has put it very beautifully, to bring more India to the world and more World to India,” she added.

Speaking to ANI, the Greek Ambassador to India, Dimitrios Ioannou, too, expressed his admiration for Indian culture and said that India’s G20 Presidency is an opportunity for India to demonstrate its progress and promote global society issues.

“You have a very rich culture and very rich heritage. I think everyone admires it. It’s very good that parts of your cultural heritage are shown to the foreign people so that they can more about India,” said Ioannou.

“This is a very good opportunity for India to demonstrate its progress because there has been lot of progress and development in recent years in India but it is also an opportunity to promote a lot of issues that global society desperately needs,” he added.

The Haveli is of three storeys with a basement on a small portion of the southern wing and a mezzanine floor above the shops on the lower ground floor. Former Union minister Vijay Goel, who takes a keen interest in heritage conservation, rehabilitated the haveli that had fallen into disrepair and had lost the splendour of its heydays.

Among other notable features of the restored haveli are arched entrances, sandstones and marble pillars. The surrounding of the haveli bears evidence of history through physical features. Brackets, balconies, and a multi-affiliated arched gateway further enrich its visual appeal. (ANI)

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-Top News Europe

Greek parliament approves 2023 state budget

The year 2022 would close with 5.6 percent of GDP growth and 9.7 percent of inflation, according to the budget which was passed with the votes of 156 lawmakers in the 300-member strong plenary…reports Asian Lite News

Greek parliament ratified on Saturday the 2023 state budget, which foresees 1.8 percent gross domestic product (GDP) growth and a 5 percent inflation rate for the year.

Initial estimates of 2.1 percent and 3 percent respectively given in October, were revised amidst continuing great uncertainty globally due to the energy crisis, the Finance ministry said in a press release.

The year 2022 would close with 5.6 percent of GDP growth and 9.7 percent of inflation, according to the budget which was passed with the votes of 156 lawmakers in the 300-member strong plenary.

“Economic growth and social welfare, bold reforms and prudence. These are the principles permeating our budget,” Greek Prime Minister (PM) Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in a speech shortly before the voting.

The state has supported society to cope with increased living costs with more than 15.1 billion euros (16 billion U.S. dollars) to date, while more support measures will be introduced in 2023,  Greek public broadcaster ERT reported, quoting the PM.

He also said that the year 2023 will register a primary surplus of 0.7 percent of GDP. In 2022, the country reported a deficit of 1.6 percent of GDP.

“The year 2022 will be the last one with a primary deficit. From 2023 economy returns to primary surpluses,” he said.

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Crown prince’s visit puts Saudi-Greek ties in spotlight

The crown prince went to the Acropolis Museum, where he and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek prime minister, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Saudi Arabia and Greece for cooperation in the cultural field…reports Asian Lite News

When Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman paid a visit on Tuesday night to the archaeological site of the Acropolis in Athens, the purpose was more than to take in the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek antiquity to the world.

The crown prince went to the Acropolis Museum, where he and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the Greek prime minister, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Saudi Arabia and Greece for cooperation in the cultural field.

The agreement was signed from the Saudi side by Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al-Saud, the Kingdom’s culture minister, who previously visited Athens in May 2021 to discuss aspects of cultural cooperation.

During his visit to the Acropolis, the crown prince, who was accompanied by Prime Minister Mitsotakis and Dr. Lina Mendoni, minister of culture and sports of Greece, was briefed on the ancient buildings, areas and theaters contained within the archaeological site.

Those include the Erechtheion, the Belvedere, the Parthenon, the Theater of Dionysus, and the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus theater.

Later in the evening, the crown prince was honored with a dinner banquet at the Acropolis Museum hosted by Mitsotakis. Opened to the public in 2009, the world-famous archaeological Acropolis Museum houses Bronze Age, Roman and Byzantine artifacts discovered at the site of the Acropolis.

Hosting the agreement-signing ceremony at this venue was rich in symbolism. “This has never happened before,” Adonis Georgiadis, the Greek minister for development and investment, said.

“We have never signed an MoU with any other country in the world in the Acropolis Museum. And this is just a (message) from our prime minister to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to show how we feel, that you are something very exceptional to us.”

In September 2021, the Saudi-Greek Business Council was set up to enhance bilateral trade and investment.

The Saudi-Greece annual trade relationship of almost $1 billion includes the exchange of cultural goods, services and skills. One of the main initiatives to come out of a strengthened Saudi-Greek cultural relationship are “Cultural Weeks” to be held in both countries.

During Prince Badr’s previous visit, both Greece and Saudi Arabia pledged to work together to protect tangible and intangible heritage, counter illicit trafficking of cultural property and manage the impacts of climate change.

“As Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation continues at pace, we welcome closer relations with our Greek friends,” Prince Badr had said after meetings with Mendoni.

“Both our countries have a deep and rich heritage, stretching back millennia, and a shared outlook on the positive power of cultural exchange, and the need for its protection and preservation. As the Kingdom looks to share its culture with the world, Greece’s insight and experience has much to offer us.”

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s delegation included the ministers of energy, sports, foreign affairs, culture, trade, investment, telecommunications and information technology, as well as the national security adviser.

The official engagements on Tuesday evening began with a formal reception ceremony for the crown prince at Maximos Mansion, the official seat and residence of the prime minister of Greece.

Afterward, the two leaders held a bilateral meeting, during which Mitsotakis welcomed the crown prince and wished him and the Saudi delegation a pleasant stay.

Later, Mitsotakis and the crown prince held an expanded meeting in the presence of the delegations of the two countries.

The two leaders witnessed the signing of the agreement to establish the Saudi-Greek Strategic Partnership Council, besides the exchange of a number of bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding between the two countries.

The agreement in the field of energy, signed between Saudi Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman and Nikolaos Dendias, the Greek minister of foreign affairs, sets a framework for cooperation in the fields of renewable energy, electrical interconnection, exporting electricity to Greece and Europe, and clean hydrogen and its transfer to Europe, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

The agreement will also look at working together in the areas of energy efficiency and the oil, gas and petrochemical industries, while adopting the circular economy approach to carbon and technologies to reduce the effects of climate change.

Both countries will explore the scope of reusing, transporting and storing the gas, as well as capturing carbon directly from the air.

As for the submarine cable agreement, it is designed to promote digital transformation and innovation in the fields of energy, including cybersecurity, while working to develop qualitative partnerships to localize materials, products and services related to all energy sectors and their associated supply chains, and technologies.

Concurrently, a strategic partnership was announced between the private sectors in the two countries to build a data cable project linking East and West, in a way that would ensure the smooth digital supply of data globally at a time when the world is witnessing an annual growth rate in data traffic of more than 30 percent.

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and Greek Minister for Development and Investment Adonis Georgiadis attend a Greek-Saudi business meeting in Athens on July 27, 2022. (Reuters)

Another high point of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit was the Saudi-Greek Investment Forum, held in Athens on Wednesday and attended by ministers and representatives of the private sector from both sides.

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Arab News

Greece to welcome tourists in May

The Greek government is aiming to restart tourism on May 14, as long as the Covid-19 epidemiological situation allows it, Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis said…reports Asian Lite News



The country has scheduled a test run of safety protocol in April, welcoming visitors from European Union (EU) member states and countries like Israel, which have progressed
significantly in their mass vaccination programs, Xinhua news agency quoted the Minister as saying on Tuesday.

Greece will open its gates to tourists provided that they have either been vaccinated, have antibodies or a negative Covid-19 test, Theoharis said while virtually addressing the ITB Berlin 2021 international travel trade show.

Moreover, visitors could be subjected to random testing, and any quarantine or hospitalisation costs will be covered by the Greek state, he said.

Despite the unprecedented challenges, some 6 million travellers visited Greece in 2020, Theoharis noted.

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In recent years, over 30 million people have visited the country annually.

On Tuesday, the country’s National Public Health Organization (EODY) confirmed 3,215 new coronavirus cases and 46 deaths in the past 24 hours.

To date, Greece has a total of 209,462 confirmed cases since the first one was diagnosed on February 26, 2020. Fatalities now total 6,843.

More than 1.1 million Covid-19 vaccines have been administered so far, with about 370,000 people having received both doses.

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Arab News World

Naftali hosts trilateral meeting with Greek, Cypriot leaders

Naftali hosts trilateral meeting with Greek, Cypriot leaders

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett hosted Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for a trilateral meeting…reports Asian Lite News

The leaders talked about regional security, economy and development, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement issued by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office.

Bennett said common threats in the Middle East include climate change, the coronavirus pandemic, and “security in the face of terror.”

Naftali hosts trilateral meeting with Greek, Cypriot leaders

Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis praised Israel for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak and thanked both Israel and Cyprus for their support during the large wildfires in Greece last summer.

The meeting included discussions over cooperation against Covid-19, climate change, and how to be better prepared to face emergency situations, said Cypriot President Anastasiades.

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Also on Tuesday, Israel and Cyprus signed a cooperation deal regarding scientific research and the technology for advancing scientific excellence in both countries, according to the statement.

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-Top News Europe

100,000 hectares burned in Greek wildfires

Evia’s thick pine forests, which were still ablaze on Wednesday, were largely reduced to ash in the northern part of the island, reported DW News Agency…reports Asian Lite News.

Nearly 100,000 hectares of forestry and farmland had burned in wildfires of Greece fuelled by an extraordinary heatwave at the beginning of August, said European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) on Wednesday (local time).

The extreme conditions of heat and dry weather this year along the Mediterranean have been linked to climate change, reported DW News Agency.

More than half the area of the Greek island of Evia, Greece’s second-biggest island was burned in the country’s worst fire wave since 2007.

Evia’s thick pine forests, which were still ablaze on Wednesday, were largely reduced to ash in the northern part of the island, reported DW News Agency.

“They are still very destructive today everywhere, and have a rare high level of intensity,” Mark Parrington of Copernicus, the European Climate Change service, said of the fires in Greece.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mistotakis said the 586 fires that swept through several regions of the country in just a few days was “a natural disaster of exceptional magnitude.”

Meanwhile, in the US, California’s largest single wildfire is still not contained and continued to grow on Wednesday. Dixie fire has destroyed at least 1,045 buildings, more than half of the homes in the northern Sierra Nevada, reported DW News Agency.

The Dixie Fire began on July 14 and has covered 783 square miles (2,027 square kilometres). As of Wednesday, it was only 30 per cent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

Heatwaves and historic droughts, which have been tied to climate change, have made wildfires harder to fight in the Western Region of the US. The US west has become much warmer and drier in the past 30 years, reported DW News Agency.

Also, firefighters, troops and civilian volunteers continue to battle blazes on Wednesday in forests across northern Algeria. The fires have left at least 65 people dead.

The fires have been fueled by high winds in very dry conditions created by a heatwave across North Africa and the wider Mediterranean, fire official Youcef Ould Mohamed told the state-run APS news agency, reported DW News Agency.

Algeria’s President Abdelmadjid Tebboune declared three days of national mourning starting on Thursday, to commemorate the victims of the natural disaster.

As per scientists, it’s the climate crisis that is making heatwaves and fires more frequent and intense, and therefore more destructive, reported CNN. (ANI)

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