"To the best of my knowledge, there is no cookbook that features the classic Greek cooking of the Seven Islands of the lonian Sea. Most of Greece was occupied for 400 years by the Ottoman Empire. Therefore, both the Middle East and the Orient have influenced more recent Greek cooking". Because of the proximity of these islands to Italy, their cuisine has a lively mixture of Italian, Venetian and French flavors. Greece is essentially a maritime nation, and as a result, it has a history of access to the aromatics, spices, and herbs from around the world. The streets of Greece are rich with the scent of garlic, cloves, cinnamon, and allspice emanating its homes and cafes.FEAST FOR THE GODS contains 165 recipes, passed down from one generation to the next, many unrecorded before. Over 100 color photographs by Lawrence Maultsby of Wilmington, North Carolina, capture the purity of this cuisine. Greek civilization is more than 4,000 years old. A steadfast adherence to seasonal food makes it the oldest, perhaps purest Mediterranean cuisine. This book reflects the classical simplicity of Greek cuisine, fresh and healthy, rich with antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. Chef Alexis believes that the secret to great Greek food is its simplicity. He invites you to enjoy cooking for the gods! -- Amazon.com