What To Cook, Pour, Taste and Eat at Elaia
I hope you managed to get a great Easter Break. Having it so early has thrown me especially as we celebrate our Greek Orthodox Easter on May 5th. This year, we're excited to invite you to experience some of our cherished Greek Easter traditions. We're kicking things off by sharing our Lenten Menu and offering a selection of inspiring cookbooks. As the days are getting shorter and cooler, we also look forward to the earthy comfort of our slow cooked dishes, seasonal produce and of course making the most of alfresco dining in Autumn. Still beautiful weather in Launceston so don't batten down the hatches just yet.
From The Bar
Our humble bar area has come a long way since the early years when we were just pumping out coffee and soft drinks. These days it’s become a hive of activity with crafting clever cocktails using local and imported spirits and liqueurs, a wine list also boasting local and imported wines, plating our extensive selection of cakes and slices, as well as bagging up takeaways and of course our barista skills have gone next level catering to all different coffee needs using specialty milks, flavours and preferences. So if you’re wondering if after all these years we’re still making coffee? The answer is a definite yes! How else are we to start the day?
Cooking Inspo
Our Greek Cookbook inspiration is My Greek Vegan Food Cookbook by Ioanna Pavlaki and Eva Monochari. I’ve chosen this as April is our Greek Easter Lenten fasting period and this cookbook is packed with vegan comfort. Greece had always been vegan, centuries before the term was even coined. Greek culinary tradition offers a wide range of dishes that contain no animal products, are earth-friendly and fully in line with the new global food trend.
Delectable olive oil-based creations, fluffy pies, fibre-rich legumes, healthy salads, delicious appetizers, homemade breads, fragrant spreads, classic Greek dishes in their vegan version and traditional desserts make up this practical and modern “green” anthology of Greek cuisine. Kali Orexi!
Available online and in store at Elaia
The Specials Board
Leading up to Greek Easter we observe the Lenten period where we abstain from products from animals with red blood as well as dairy, eggs, fish and seafood with backbones. Chef Perry has created a Lenten menu that ticks all the boxes that can by enjoyed as a starter, main meal or as a shared experience. Menu is available for lunch and dinner. Kali Sarakosti! Good Lent! Usually we say this on Clean Monday, and the days after, when the period of fasting for Easter begins.
Desserts
Did you know all our cakes, desserts, biscuits and tarts are made in house at Elaia. They’re made in small batches using wholesome ingredients so they taste fresh and homemade. Head Chef Sarah recently innovated our beloved Lemon Curd Tart into the Greek Lemon Tart. Equally as lemony, tart and sweet but the added Greek Yoghourt gives it that extra tanginess and creaminess to this indulgent classic.
The Good Pour
Neolea Balsamic Vinegar 70/30. This sold out at Christmas time and is back in time for your restock. Neolea Balsamic Vinegar is made from 70% cooked grape must and 30% red wine vinegar. This Balsamic Vinegar is naturally sweet and rich in antioxidants. This unique ratio creates a rich and complex sweetness with notes of fig, molasses, cherry, chocolate and prune. How delicious does that sound which is why it pairs beautifully with ice cream!
It is produced from Greek grapes from the island of Samos and aged for three years in new French oak barrels. This balsamic vinegar comes in a 250ml dark glass bottle to protect the vinegar from damaging (UV) light.
Best paired with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, salads & vinaigrettes, bread, fish, red meat, white meat and venison, ice cream and pastry. Available now in store at Elaia or online on our Elaia At Home site.
Trading Hours
We're opening a little later this Autumn and keep an eye out for our next Pop Up Sunday. Walk-ins always welcome but indoor dining maybe limited with the cooler weather so we may fill up fast. Hope to see you soon to try our new Greek Lemon Tart and our Lenten Menu.
Monday & Tuesday 8.00am to 2.30pm
Wednesday to Saturday 8.00am to 8.00pm
Dine In and Takeaways available.
Call 63 313307 for pick up or Uber Eats for delivery.
Make online booking here