Loves Greek to Me: A Hallmark Journey of Romance and Culture

Synopsis

In the charming Hallmark movie “Love’s Greek to Me,” viewers are transported to the picturesque landscapes of Greece, where love, tradition, and family intersect in a heartwarming tale. The movie revolves around Ilana and Mike, a couple who embark on a journey to Greece for Mike’s sister’s wedding, only to find themselves navigating the complexities of their own relationship amidst the backdrop of Greek culture and familial expectations. Loves Greek to Me Stars Torrey DeVitto, Yannis Tsimitselis and Marina Sirtis.

The Story – Loves Greek to Me

Ilana, an accomplished archaeologist, and Mike, a hotel developer, are in a serious relationship and have been dating for almost two years. The movie opens with Ilana giving an inspiring lecture about archaeology, highlighting her passion for unearthing the past. As the semester ends, Mike surprises Ilana with a trip to Greece for his sister’s wedding. Ilana is both excited and nervous about meeting Mike’s family, especially his vivacious and traditional mother, Athena.

Upon arriving in Greece, Ilana is immediately charmed by the breathtaking scenery and the warmth of Mike’s family. Athena, while welcoming, is a strong-willed matriarch who has high expectations for her children. She is deeply involved in the planning of the wedding and hopes to see Mike and Ilana follow suit soon.

As the preparations for the wedding unfold, Ilana and Mike’s relationship is put to the test. They face the pressures of blending their different backgrounds and visions for the future. Mike is eager to embrace his Greek heritage and considers moving back to Greece, whereas Ilana is deeply rooted in her career and life in Boston. Their differing views on where to live and what their future holds lead to a series of heartfelt and sometimes tense discussions.

The movie beautifully portrays the couple’s journey as they navigate family dynamics, cultural traditions, and personal aspirations. The picturesque Greek setting serves as a perfect backdrop for their story, adding to the movie’s charm and romantic allure.

Recipes Inspired by the Movie Loves Greek to Me

One of the most delightful aspects of “Love’s Greek to Me” is its celebration of Greek cuisine. The movie showcases several traditional Greek dishes, each adding to the authenticity and cultural richness of the story. Here are some recipes inspired by the movie:

Souvlaki

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the pork cubes to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
4. Thread the marinated pork onto the skewers.
5. Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the pork is cooked through and slightly charred.
6. Serve with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of Greek salad.

Baklava

Ingredients:

• 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a bowl, mix the chopped walnuts with cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it to fit the baking dish. Cover with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out.
4. Place two sheets of dough in the dish and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have 8 sheets layered.
5. Sprinkle a thin layer of the walnut mixture over the dough.
6. Add two more sheets of phyllo dough, buttering each layer. Continue layering nuts and dough, finishing with a top layer of 8 sheets of phyllo dough, buttering each layer.
7. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
8. Bake for 50 minutes until golden and crisp.
9. While baking, combine the sugar, water, honey, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
10. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over it. Let it cool completely before serving.

Saganaki

Ingredients:

• 1 block of Greek kefalotyri or kasseri cheese (about 8 ounces)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges

Instructions:

1. Cut the cheese into 1/2 inch thick slices.
2. Dredge each slice in flour, shaking off any excess.
3. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add the cheese slices and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side.
5. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Traditional Greek Wedding Meal

A traditional Greek wedding meal is a feast that reflects the rich culinary heritage of Greece, featuring a variety of dishes that celebrate family, love, and togetherness. Here is a recipe for a traditional Greek wedding meal centerpiece:

Greek Roast Lamb with Potatoes (Arni sto Fourno me Patates)

Ingredients:

• 1 leg of lamb (about 5-6 lbs), bone-in
• 6 cloves garlic, cut into slivers
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 lbs potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup white wine
• Fresh oregano and rosemary for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Using a sharp knife, make small incisions all over the leg of lamb and insert the garlic slivers into the cuts.
3. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, rosemary, salt, and pepper to create a marinade.
4. Rub the marinade all over the lamb, ensuring it is well coated.
5. Place the lamb in a large roasting pan. Arrange the potato wedges around the lamb.
6. Pour the chicken broth and white wine over the potatoes.
7. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil and roast in the preheated oven for 2 hours.
8. After 2 hours, remove the foil and continue to roast for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the lamb is golden brown and the potatoes are tender.
9. Let the lamb rest for 15 minutes before carving. Garnish with fresh oregano and rosemary before serving.

The Wine: Asyrtiko

Greek wines play a significant role in the cultural and culinary landscape of the country, and “Love’s Greek to Me” highlights this beautifully. One of the wines mentioned in the movie is Asyrtiko, a unique and versatile white wine from Santorini.

Asyrtiko Wine Profile:

• Origin: Santorini, Greece
• Grape Variety: Asyrtiko
• Flavor Profile: Asyrtiko wines are known for their bright acidity, minerality, and citrus flavors. They often have notes of lemon, lime, and green apple, with a distinctive salty tang due to the volcanic soil of Santorini.
• Pairing: Asyrtiko pairs exceptionally well with seafood, grilled vegetables, and light salads. Its acidity also makes it a great match for rich dishes like saganaki and souvlaki.

Serving Asyrtiko: To fully appreciate the flavors of Asyrtiko, serve it chilled at around 50-54°F (10-12°C). Its crisp and refreshing nature makes it a perfect choice for warm weather and outdoor dining.

Conclusion

“Love’s Greek to Me” is a delightful Hallmark movie that captures the essence of Greek culture, cuisine, and the complexities of love and family. Through the romantic journey of Ilana and Mike, viewers are treated to stunning visuals of Greece, heartfelt moments, and an appreciation for tradition and heritage.

The movie’s culinary highlights, including recipes for souvlaki, baklava, saganaki, and a traditional Greek roast lamb wedding meal, offer a taste of Greece that can be enjoyed at home. Paired with a glass of Asyrtiko wine, these dishes bring the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table, creating a perfect accompaniment to the enchanting love story.

Whether you’re a fan of romantic movies, a food enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates cultural tales, “Love’s Greek to Me” provides a rich and engaging experience that celebrates love, family, and the beauty of Greece. So gather your loved ones, prepare these delicious Greek recipes, and enjoy a movie night that transports you to the heart of Greece.

Author: Bob

With over 20 years in Bioinformatics and AI in Molecular Diagnostics, Bob Stavrou advises BiCos, focusing on authenticating OLIVE OIL DNA. He's also a passionate contributor to YouTube Cooking with Greek People and appeared on Greek TV show Savvatokiriako Me Ton Manesi, bridging science and culinary arts. Watch it on Alpha TV.