ataraxia food productions

27/12/2024

2024: The Year of Tsipouro Appreciation 🥃

The tsipouro chronicles. From having meze in Thessaloniki with friends soaking in the original vibes of enjoying this spirit to making people drink it in Helsinki 🤣

I used to not like tsipouro, well i still don’t like the one with anise. Except having a newfound passion for spicing food with it.

But this year, tsipouro wasn’t just a drink—it became part of so many meaningful moments. Whether at a warm Kafenes pop-up, with meze post-laiki by the sea (arguably the best way to enjoy it) wanting to go for a siesta after, or with great company, it truly complemented the tales and tastes of the year. Also not being able to escape it even while shopping for spices😅 ”to sweeten the taste in your mouth” as the merchant said. Check my face… tsipouro needs food by it’s side.

From the perfect sip to pair with meze to the way it brings people together around the table, tsipouro proved its magic time and again.

Do you have a favorite tsipouro moment? Or a meze that’s a must with it?
Yamas! to more unforgettable tsipouro moments in 2025!

23/12/2024

🎅 It’s Almost Christmas, and You’re Still Thinking About Gifts?
Don’t worry—last-minute gifting is practically a Greek tradition! 😋

🎁 The Ataraxia Gift Card is the perfect solution:
🍴 Thoughtful, delicious, and instantly ready for food and experience lovers alike.

Click the link https://c8jpwu-cm.myshopify.com/products/unleash-the-joy-of-greek-culinary-adventure-with-the-ataraxia-life-greek-food-experience-gift-card to get yours & relieve any holiday stress right now.
Get one for your family, friends—or even for you and someone special. (Hint: there are some deals!)

If you’ve made it this far un-Whammed—you’ve just been Greek Whammed by Efi Thodi. 🤣 🎶

🎅 Joulu on ihan nurkan takana, ja mietit vielä lahjoja?
Ei hätää—viime hetken lahjat ovat käytännössä kreikkalainen perinne! 😋

🎁 Ataraxia-lahjakortti on täydellinen ratkaisu:
🍴 Ajaton, herkullinen ja heti valmiina ruokaa ja elämyksiä rakastaville.

Klikkaa bio-linkkiä ja helpota joulustressiä saman tien.
Hanki lahja perheellesi, ystävillesi—tai vaikka itsellesi ja erityiselle ihmiselle. (Vinkki: tarjouksia on luvassa!)

Jos olet päässyt tänne asti ilman Wham!-hetkeä—sinut on juuri virallisesti Kreikka-Whamattu Efi Thodin toimesta. 🤣 🎶

19/12/2024

🎁 A Gift for You, My Friends! 🎁

🎄This season, I want to give something special to you—my incredible community that inspires me every day.

Thanks to your support, I’ve made it to this exciting new step in my journey: launching my first-ever gift cards! To celebrate, I’m hosting this giveaway competition as a small way to give something back to you.🫶

💡 These gift cards aren’t just prizes—they’re the perfect Christmas gift, a unique holiday surprise, or even a thoughtful last-minute gift. Let’s create memories together! ❤️

Osallistu ja voita: 🎄 Lahjakortti kreikkalaisiin makuelämyksiin!
Tämä on täydellinen joululahja, ainutlaatuinen yllätys tai viime hetken lahja. Voit voittaa itsellesi ja ystävällesi lahjakortin kreikkalaisiin ruokailuelämyksiin, jotka tuovat iloa ja muistoja pitkään. 🌿

How to Enter:
1️⃣ Follow .food
2️⃣ Like this post ❤️
3️⃣ Tag someone who loves Greek food or unique experiences (1 tag = 1 entry).
4️⃣ Save this post for inspiration! ⭐
5️⃣ Share this post to your story and tag .food so I can see it!

✅ Complete all steps to qualify.

🎉 Winners will be announced on Christmas Eve, December 24th!

✨ The giveaway is your bonus chance to win, but the best way to guarantee these unforgettable memories is to secure your gift card now!

Tap the link in my bio to grab your gift card now! 🎁

🌿🎁 This giveaway is not sponsored, endorsed, or administered by, or associated with, Instagram or Facebook.
Tämä arvonta ei ole Instagramin tai Facebookin sponsoroima, tukema tai hallinnoima.

17/12/2024

Surprise! A post about Finnish food. I almost never talk about Finnish food, but after a recent visit to with my guest , let’s dive into it.

Finnish food has a bit of a bad reputation. Remember when Berlusconi famously said, “The food in Finland is the worst in the world”? But is that really true? I don’t think so. I have fond memories of my grandmother Aino’s cooking and have always missed Finnish foodstuffs. Honestly, I’ve been smuggling food back and overloading my luggage since I was a kid (overweight baggage because of food—story of my life).

What was in my suitcase?Fazer chocolate (although I don’t eat much chocolate anymore), rye bread, Finnish mustard, meetwursti, Oltermanni cheese… oh, and of course, salmiakki and liquorice 😈.
Not to forget karelian pies , korvapuusti cinnamon buns and that lovely, cozy salmon soup, which was always a must-eat during visits.

These days, I struggle to find good places to take my guests for an authentic taste of Finnish cuisine. The local food scene feels taken over by foreign cuisines—lots of Asian spots and pizza places. Don’t get me wrong, I love variety(the Greek food is the best person 😝), but I think it’s a shame.
Every culture’s food exists for a reason, it fits the climate and life there. Imagine a cozy spot serving perfectly made meatballs and mashed potatoes, a hearty macaroni laatikko, and other simple, local comfort foods. They exist, but I wish there were as many of these as there are tavernas on every corner in Greece, where you always know you’ll find decent, homemade food. I feel this especially when I’m hosting guests from abroad & not many spots come to mind.

This time, Carolina and I went to Cella, a place that’s been around forever. It’s cozy—not mind-blowing—but it felt authentic. I even tried läskisoosi for the first time and honestly can’t understand its bad rep. The blinis, on the other hand, were fresh and delicious. Yum, blinis!

Where do you go for Finnish food? What’s your favorite Finnish dish? I wanna hear what you think about this.

16/12/2024

Looking for the simplest, most delicious way to enjoy halloumi? 🍋

✨ Pan-fry or grill it until it’s golden and crispy, then drizzle generously with fresh lemon juice. That’s it—no extras needed, just pure, salty perfection. A very quick addition to your meze spread .
Eat alongside some 🍅 tomato , 🫒 olives & 🥖bread or 🫓 pita on the side.

This easy approach reflects the beauty of Greek and Cypriot eating: uncomplicated, full of flavor, and all about enjoying the moment.

Big thanks to for sharing this amazing halloumi with me—nothing beats the real thing!

How do you like your halloumi? Let me know below! 👇

12/12/2024

Christmas is creeping on us very fast! 🎄 It’s a time when our memories are triggered by the smells, tastes, & sounds of the holidays.

Seasonal foods & drinks that we don’t eat at any other time of the year.

Traditions are of great value as they foster a sense of community with a shared reality. That doesn’t mean we blindly have to stick to them tho.

The menu I created, that you can come taste this Friday and Saturday at Studio in Vallila, draws inspiration from my memories of the Christmas & winter season specialties back in Greece.
Our Christmas was a mix of Finnish (because Finland has the best Xmas!) & Greek, put all together in a way that felt right.

🍖 I love slow-roasting pork and meats in general—the fact that just being patient is the technique you need for the best results. This dish i learned in Thessaloniki working with 🧡💜

🥬All cultures have some form of cabbage rolls, and they’ve been a traditional item on Greek Christmas tables. Here, they get a meatless makeover.

🌰Chestnuts 🤎 are as seasonal as it gets! Just roasted—ah, the aroma. Oh, but the pain to peel them. They’re turned into a luxurious creamy soup you must try if you haven’t.

🥣 Rice pudding, why? Because everyone is eating Joulupuuro right now. To be honest, I have no memory of Joulupuuro, so I made a Greek rice pudding with the also seasonal quince that I very much love.

🥂 A Golden Grögi (Greek glögi 😉) made with the finest saffron from Kozani (a P.D.O product) to warm you up from the inside & lift your mood, as it’s been found to have antidepressant properties. Sweetened with high-quality Greek thyme honey from Crete.

You can taste these this Friday and Saturday at Kreeta’s Studio in Vallila while supporting small local businesses and artists. Why not do that while getting unique gifts for your loved ones?

🎁 Payments : cash & mobile pay

See you there 🎊

10/12/2024

🎄 Pikkujoulukausi on täällä! 🥂food pääsi tarjoilemaan ensimmäiset yrityspikkujoulut, ja kokemus oli ikimuistoinen. 🎉 Kreikkalaista herkkuruokaa jouluisella twistillä – ruoka yhdistää ihmiset parhaalla tavalla!

Kiitos Kiinteistömaailma Amuletti, että saimme olla mukana juhlahumussa. 🧡

Etsitkö cateringia yrityksesi juhliin? Anna meidän tuoda maut mukaan tunnelmaan! 🎅

🎄 The pikkujoulu season is in full swing! 🥂
We had the pleasure of catering our first company holiday party at .food, and it was an unforgettable experience. 🎉 Greek-inspired delicacies with a festive twist brought colleagues together over great food—because sharing a meal creates connections!

Thank you, Kiinteistömailma Amuletti, for trusting us to be part of your celebrations. 🧡

Planning your next company event? Let us bring the flavors to your festivities! 🎅

09/12/2024

🌍🧀 Grecian Taste Odyssey Vol. 2 brought Greece and Cyprus together through halloumi-making—a tradition where flavors, culture, and community come together in the most delicious way. The countries share much more than history—they share flavors, culture, and the love of food as a way to connect.

🥛As soon as we got started, the kitchen turned into a lively gathering, much like the villages of old where people would come together for food projects. The giggles and conversations were so lively that we sometimes had to try cut through the fun to get everyone’s attention!

👫👫It was amazing to see strangers connecting so naturally, sharing laughter, and working side by side like a big family.

Under the expert guidance of 5th-generation artisan Carolina , attendees dove into the art of crafting halloumi.

🍽️While the milk set, we sat down to enjoy a vegetarian Cypriot-inspired meal, swapping stories about connections to Greece, Cyprus, and food itself. & run vegan pop-ups in 🇨🇭 called Vegan b.c , showcasing the by definition vegan cuisine of Cyprus.

There’s something deeply special about these kinds of gatherings—they remind us that we still need that sense of community, that coming together over food is as important now as it was in the past.

🫶Seeing this happen right here in Helsinki, Herttoniemi neighbourhood, was such an honor—it was like witnessing a little village forming for a few hours in the heart of the city. By the end of the event, attendees left with not just their handmade halloumi and anari but also new friendships and a renewed appreciation for the work that goes into the food we share.

Thank you to our cheerful crowd for filling the space with so much warmth and joy!

💛 Can’t wait to see you all again for the next odyssey🧀✨

A big thank you to .fi for their kind contribution of Greek & Cypriot products that added a special touch to the event. 💙

02/12/2024

Quick post to keep the algorithm happy! 😅

🤹‍♂️As a small business owner, juggling time management and countless tasks is a daily challenge. Many think chefs always eat gourmet meals, but the reality is far from it. My ever-changing schedule makes it tough to build routines—or even remember to eat!

I thought stepping away from kitchen work would mean getting back to a “normal” diet (how i was used to eating from growing up in Greece) of balanced meals. Nope. 😅 One week not long ago turned into sandwich week, and another was pasta week (never eaten so much pasta in such a short time before in my life!).

Once the holiday chaos dies down, I’m hoping to breathe, plan ahead for 2025, and figure out how to build some actual (flexible)routines. Self-employment is still new to me, and one thing’s for sure—there’s always something to learn, which is something i really like!

Today’s multitasking moment? A pitstop at in for a bite while wrapping up my shopping list.
📝🍜 And let me tell you, keeping up with social media feels like a job some days. (It is a job)🎥✨

🎄✨Between prepping for Pikkujoulu catering and wrapping up my Grecian Taste Odyssey event, the holiday rush is full steam ahead. Even though hand picking ingredients takes a lot of time and time is money i prefer doing so ,that is part of what i offer with my services.

🧿Special shoutout to .market for the Greek products they bring making my life easier .

27/11/2024

🥂Yamas re pedia!🍻

Kafenes vol 2 was magical!

So many new & familiar faces
Greek, Finnish,Turkish, Japanese & maybe more nationalities gathered under the same roof to share meze , drinks & the company of each other.
- good vibes, good company, great music!

From what i heard , good food too 🤗

& the band were the extra touch creating a real kafenes vibe right here in Helsinki’s beating heart, Kallio.
💃So nice they extended their live

I can’t believe this is happening in Helsinki with the support of all you wonderful people!

It was very busy so i just snapped a few pics… but you know what ?
It’s ok . Being right in the moment is what’s missing most these days.
We can have the memories to cherish🥰

I did manage tho , to collect some of your pics !



sent me some photos, thank you!

This month seems to leave no realistic date for a vol.3

I believe we’ll be back in Kallio January, maybe to cut the vasilopita for some luck for 2025 .

Another idea for December is we do a supper club style gathering , kind of like a pikkujoulu meets kafenes…
i’d host up to 8 people in a more intimate setting .
Eat, chat, spend some time together.

Let me know how that sounds ! So i can start planning

Otherwise 😱 see you in 2025 🍾🎆🎉 kafenes !
🥂 Here’s to more memorable moments together🫶

23/11/2024

Last Kafenes @ Kallio brought on a beautiful surprise ! made these illustrations of Jamina & me .food .

She created these as she was at the last Kafenes 🥂

You can check more of her creations here

Thank you 🥰

21/11/2024

🌊Wanna hear about my entrepreneurial odyssey?

So yeah, it’s been a wild ride so far. I’m still figuring a lot of it out, honestly. Some days, I’m wondering how the F! #% I’m going to make ends meet & what the hell am i doing 😂 why did i come up with this?

and then puff 💨 something random comes up
– like a request for an event or job offer.

💆‍♀️That usually happens after i have told myself : don’t worry , use your energy on something else, you’ll be ok , you have managed more difficult (crazy) situations.

🏧💤I’ve had my moments where I feel totally broke , stressed, and wondering if it’s all worth it.

🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒🍻But then, I see these ideas I had, these events I dreamed about, actually happening and people enjoying themselves, and that keeps me going.

It’s lonely sometimes – doing everything on your own.

But then I get to meet other women who are also building their own things, and that’s been a huge motivation for me.

Many right here on social media & some i haven’t even met in person !

Yet they support each other cause they understand , especially when you’re just starting off and everything feels so uncertain.

Is to send a meme, ask for advice , share a post or just talk some 💩

I don’t always have everything planned (who’s surprised? ✌️🇬🇷) and I’m definitely more on the spontaneous side. I’m just figuring it out as I go.

My goal is: to make a living doing what I love, bring people together, and work with people who make me excited.

To feel free.
Free to go to my other country -free to express my creativity -free to decide who i work with.

And I’m honestly so grateful for the support – from near & far !
Don’t think a like online doesn’t count , it counts in these times we live , a cheering message or a you got this.💙 Thank you ALL!

& the ladies in no particular order
🍂🍁except to mention who took this post photo on our trying to take walks day 🤪
🚶‍♀️‍➡️to be continued…🌨️🌬️
☄️
hope i didn’t forget anyone🫶

21/11/2024

Yasas!
Next week we have the Grecian taste odyssey : Halloumi making course with Carolina Orphanidou.
We need to put in the milk order tomorrow!
So we are giving an early bird discount of 20% if you book by noon tomorrow.
This way you are helping out save on food waste while saving a bit of your wallet.

In case you didn't know anari will also be made and you will have a chance to taste it. Anari cheese is a by product of the halloumi making process and is in the philosophy of no waste.

So use the code anari when booking to get your 20%
https://www.eventbrite.fi/e/grecian-taste-odyssey-vol-2-halloumi-making-workshop-tickets-1080324903869?discount=anari

Can't wait to have you join the Halloumination !

Join us for a hands-on halloumi workshop with Carolina Orfanidou! Make cheese, learn Cypriot traditions, and enjoy tasty snacks.

18/11/2024

Γειά σας!
Η ataraxia food productions σας προσκαλεί να συμμετάσχετε την 29η Νοεμβρίου και να φτιάξετε το δικό σας Χαλούμι υπό την καθοδήγηση της Carolina Orfanidou, ιδρύτριας του Cypriotness και ειδικής στην κυπριακή γαστρονομία.

Ανακαλύψτε τη μαγεία της παραδοσιακής παρασκευής Χαλουμιού, και μάθετε όλα τα μυστικά του. Θα δοκιμάσουμε διαφορετικούς τύπους Χαλουμιού και θα συζητήσουμε για τις παραδόσεις και τις γεύσεις που είναι συνδεδεμένες με το νησί μας και τις οικογενειακές συνήθειες. 🍽️

ΣΗΜΕΙΩΣΗ: Χρησιμοποιούμε απαστερίωτο γάλα κατά τη διάρκεια του εργαστηρίου, οπότε παρακαλούμε να το λάβετε υπόψη αν έχετε διατροφικές προτιμήσεις ή αλλεργίες.

Τι θα πάρετε μαζί σας:
✨ Μοναδική εμπειρία παρασκευής Χαλουμιού που θυμίζει την παράδοση
✨ Γευστική δοκιμή διαφορετικών τύπων Χαλουμιού
✨ Οδηγίες του εργαστηρίου για να φτιάξετε το Χαλούμι σας στο σπίτι
✨ Το Χαλούμι που φτιάξατε για να το πάρετε μαζί σας
✨ Σνακς, ποτά και συζητήσεις που θα σας ταξιδέψουν στην Κύπρο

Ημερομηνία: 29 Νοεμβρίου
Ώρα: 17:30 – 21:00 (μπορεί να καθυστερήσει λίγο)
Μάθημα στα Αγγλικά
Οι θέσεις είναι περιορισμένες – Κλείστε τη θέση σας τώρα!

Αυτή είναι η ευκαιρία να νιώσετε ξανά τη γεύση του σπιτικού Χαλουμιού και να ζήσετε μία αυθεντική εμπειρία κυπριακής παράδοσης, στο Ελσίνκι. Μην το χάσετε – Κλείστε τη θέση σας σήμερα

https://tinyurl.com/halloumination

18/11/2024

Grecian Taste Odyssey Vol. 2: Will take you on a trip into the flavors and traditions of Cyprus 🧀🌿
With a halloumi making workshop.

Join us for a hands-on journey into Cypriot food culture with Carolina Orfanidou , the expert behind —a project dedicated to celebrating Cypriot food and traditions in Switzerland .

Carolina will guide us through the art of making Halloumi Cheese (plus a bonus Anari, the creamy byproduct).

But this workshop is more than just cheese-making—it’s about connecting, learning, and tasting the rich history behind each bite. 🍽️

You’ll roll up your sleeves and create your own halloumi while soaking in stories and traditions. We’ll taste different kinds of halloumi, learning to spot the subtle differences.
At the end, you’ll take home the halloumi you made, along with a booklet featuring the course instructions—so you can continue your cheese-making journey at home. 🧀

The best part? The food for the event is made by Carolina herself, so expect a true taste of Cyprus throughout.

Spaces are limited, and this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Book your spot now and get ready for an afternoon of delicious learning and meaningful connection as you become part of the Halloumination.

Course in English and Finnish.
📅 November 29th, 17:30–21:00
🔗 Link in bio to book!

P.s We will be using unpasteurised goat’s milk
for any other questions contact .food

🧀Tule mukaan ja osallistu ainutlaatuiseen halloumin Carolina Orfanidoun kanssa! Carolina, Cypriotness -projektin takana, opastaa meidät perinteiseen kyproslaiseen juustonvalmistukseen ja kertoo tarinoita Kyproksen ruokakulttuurista. 🍽️

Tastingissa kokeilemme eri halloumeja ja opimme niiden eroja. Pääset myös valmistamaan omaa halloumia ja otat sen mukaan kotiin! Lisäksi saat työpajan ohjeet mukaasi, jotta voit jatkaa juuston valmistusta kotona. 🧀✨

Paikkoja on rajoitetusti, joten varaa paikkasi nyt!

Huom! Käytämme pasteuroimatonta vuohenmaitoa .

15/11/2024

🍳🥩Eggs fried in olive oil with shaved pastrouma .
The classic combination gets tweaked a bit.

Shaving the pastrouma on a tones down the intense flavour of the cured meat.
People love it or can’t stand it.

Which are you?
Do you like it?