Spanakopita: A Greek Staple

By Samm Carbone

A staple food for many Greeks is Spanakopita or spinach pie. This dish was offered to us twice as an appetizer before the main meal in two cities in Greece: Delphi and Athens. I had heard the name before but had never tried it prior to traveling, so I didn’t know that it was a signature Greek dish or what to expect from the texture and flavors. Spanakopita is a part of Greek culinary history and is traditionally made during celebrations and family gatherings. With how popular it was there and seeing it on every single menu, I will never forget it. 

When I think of a pie, I usually envision a pastry filled with sweet foods like fruits that would be served for dessert. Unlike sweet pies, which are golden with a smooth and glossy crust, Spanakopita has a wrinkled, fluffy appearance. This type of pie is served before the main dish or as a side and is savory in flavor. Spinach is definitely the most prominent ingredient contributing to the filling of the dish, and it is typically paired with good-quality feta cheese. Onions, garlic, and herbs like parsley and/or dill are added and combined into a filling with some eggs. Although depending on the region, the ingredients of the filling may be tweaked slightly. The filling is casseroled between layers of phyllo dough brushed with extra-virgin olive oil and baked to a golden brown. It comes out with a crispy, flaky crust and warm, savory filling that makes it the perfect comfort food, and it’s relatively healthy. 

Each time I was served this in Greece, the taste and texture followed the same basic ingredients and form, aside from whether it was served as a triangle or square piece. As an appetizer, it was plated by itself and cleared once the main dish was brought out. I like that it can be a meal by itself or a side dish for something else. It is a great plant-based meal option. The versatility, irresistible flavor, and cultural significance of Spanakopita make this dish one of the staples of Greek cuisine.

Quality Craftsmanship

By Samm Carbone

In Florence, genuine leather was the cultural product that spoke to me the most. Street carts and stores lined the busy streets selling leather bags, belts, and coats just about anywhere you go, but I was interested in purchasing genuine Florentine leather because of its high quality and durability. As a tourist, it was difficult to tell the difference between who was selling leather that was synthetic vs. genuine until one of the stops on our tour, where we were shown a demonstration of how genuine leather products were made and showcased the care and detail of their process. At Leonardo Leather and Gold shop, the passion and skill for leatherwork have been passed down for generations and they still use traditional methods of handcrafting leather goods as well as incorporating some modern methods. Immense care is invested into the molding, carving, sewing, and stamping processes so that the quality of each piece lasts.   

Translation: "True leather made in Italy Florence"

To me, the dedication to the craft increases the value of the product and I went home with a personalized leather bag knowing that it would last a lifetime. And while Italy is a top exporter of quality leather products to other parts of the world and is therefore accessible outside of the city, I believe that the experience that came with learning about and selecting a genuine product added to its cultural value and I am excited to be able to carry a piece of Florence’s history and culture with me whenever I use my bag.