Dreams come alive in the Cyclades

Returning back to her hometown after a long and successful career in the media, Katerina Remoundou left everything behind for something entirely different. Cooking had always been very close to her nature and what she loved doing more than anything. So she turned her grandfather's old cafe in the mountainy village of Pitrofos into a beautiful little atmospheric restaurant with a small patio immersed in greenery.

She walked into the kitchen determined to add her own decisive touches on the -until then- extremely traditional fourtalia, a typical Andros specialty exuding a sausage and marjoram scent that is to die for. And she did the same with many other then established dishes, such as zucchini with cheese, garlic pasta, lamb with fresh oregano, and even bread and unforgettable seasonings.

Apart from having the opportunity to taste a delicious traditional meal, you will no doubt get to experience a wonderful evening. But keep in mind that the restaurant is small and space is limited; so make sure you book in advance, especially on those laidback summery and autumny nights.

Edith Piaf's melancholic, smoky voice may well be the last thing you'd expect to hear when entering Tou Josef on a hot summer's afternoon in a little village called Pitrofos, on the island of Andros. But then again the same could be said about the restaurant's owner, Katerina Remoundou; she's definitely not what you'd expect a traditional Greek island chef to be.

Gregarious Katerina Remoundou welcomes you to her sitting room or her tree-lined courtyard, like a long-lost auntie. She'll show you what she's cooked and chat with locals and visitors alike as they sup on true Andriot fare like stewed kid, or fresh local cheeses such as rich, creamy tsinomizithra . Call ahead.