Posts of interest to me: cooking, shaving, politics, science, cats, movies, books, ….
Nothing like a good cup of coffee, is there? Well, perhaps a good cup of tea. I know that one of my readers, Steve, is a big fan of Greek coffee, and I wanted to draw his attention to FreshCoffeeShop.com, which has a focus on Greek and Turkish coffee. The site proprietor is also a wet-shaving aficionado—see how everything that rises does converge? He probably likes fountain pens as well.
Written for the man who wants to enjoy his shave. User comment: "I bought this as a gift for my fiancé, along with a wet-shaving starting kit and a safety razor. He DEVOURED this book, and finds himself reading it again and again. He finally enjoys shaving. This book has helped him figure out so many things about wet shaving, and has recommended it to all of his friends and family. Truly a great source of information for any man."
Zach said,
1 April 2008 at 9:15 am
There is no such thing as “Greek” coffee; it’s really Turkish coffee, and it’s one of the many things attributed to Greeks that’s really a holdover from the 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire (last week, March 25 was Greek Independence day, since 1821 [which set forth the revolutions of 1848 that ended Ottoman rule]).
Greeks do make coffee, and they drink a LOT of it, however, it is of Turkish origin, like Baklava (any desert with honey and nuts; they’re all from Turkey by way of Egypt and other countries) and Moussaka, and all those other Arabic sounding dishes. Even yogurt comes from the Turks I think. 400 years is a long time!
LeisureGuy said,
1 April 2008 at 9:26 am
I was going to comment on that, but as you know the Greeks and Turks have certain feelings about each other (probably due to the long occupation you mention). When I was in Greece I noted that the signs for Camel cigarettes, whose slogan here refers to a ’satisfying blend of domestic and Turkish tobaccos’, there omitted any reference to Turkish tobaccos.
Zach said,
1 April 2008 at 9:40 am
There are lots of reasons why they don’t like each other; the reasons differ if you ask a Greek or a Turk!
And the owner of that site, who is Turkish, does a very nice job of explaining that it’s called ‘Greek Coffee’ because “Greeks have a long tradition of brewing Turkish coffee”. Very smart way of explaining it!
FWIW, you can get good Greek coffee that’s made here in the US, the Greeks prefer Vassilaros, Bravo, and Venizelos coffee, all have web sites and sell online, but your link (especially if you need gear or fresh coffee beans) is as good as any I have seen.
And you must buy the Briki (or Ibrik in Turkish), you can’t make it right in a pot!
Steve said,
1 April 2008 at 4:39 pm
Michael thanks for the link. As Zach points out “Greek” coffee is Turkish in origin,and in fact Greeks called it “Turkish coffee” up until 1974 when the Turks invaded Cyprus. I grew up in Montreal calling it “Turkish coffee” as did my parents. I made the mistake of ordering a Turkish coffee while in Crete in 1975 and almost had my throat cut by the coffeeshop owner who was dressed in traditional garb with the black bloomers, boots, headscarf, and….knife in his belt.
That being said, the Greek blend is quite different from the Turkish one, the former having a hint of chicory blended in for smoothness. Few people know that fact, but you realize it when you have coffee in both countries. It would be fair to say then, that there is a Greek-style Turkish coffee. And, of course, even Turkish coffee had its origins somewhere else, as the coffee bean is believed to have originated in Ethiopia. Here’s a good review of its history.
Corey said,
1 April 2008 at 7:56 pm
Thanks!
I’ve been looking for these goods ever since I had turkish coffee at a greek resteraunt here a few years ago. I could only find dented and unusable used goods.
LeisureGuy said,
1 April 2008 at 7:58 pm
Later On aims to please.
neuroaster said,
3 June 2008 at 8:33 am
I’m a caffeine kinda guy
Di said,
27 July 2008 at 9:46 am
A Russian friend made me discover “Turkish coffee” and I am just crazy about it. I have since been trying to find a Ibrik or cezve in Montreal without success. I have found the stainless steel one but I would prefer to buy the the brass or copper one. Can anyone help me?
LeisureGuy said,
27 July 2008 at 9:49 am
I believe that Steve of Kafeneio is your man. Steve?
Steve said,
27 July 2008 at 11:29 am
Not easy to find. I bought mine in Greece Turkey, or in New York (Astoria). Adonis and Marche Akavan both carry them although they tend to be a little too small and overly ornate for my taste. They are also available on-line, although I have never bought one that way (have bought a sh#^load of other stuff though - mainly shaving - without any problems).
Titan Foods in Astoria is, I believe, the largest Greek supermarket in America. Awesome to visit! They also have an on-line store (see URL below).
2556 31st St
Astoria, NY 11102, USA
(718) 626-7771
http://www.titanfood.com/mm5/merchant.mvc
Many other on-line merchants carry them, jus Google “briki” - I found lots, its just a matter of finding one that appeals to you and is of the right size. Be careful: “Makes 2 cups” means two very small demi-tasse cups, not American coffee cups. I would go for a medium or larger one.
Di said,
27 July 2008 at 6:33 pm
Thank you very much Steve for the information. I was told about Akavan but would have prefered to find a store closer to where I live. I guess I will not have the choice than to visit Akavan hoping to finally find one that I like.
If not, I will order it on-line.
Appreciate your help