The Secrets of a Long Life Discussed at Sts. Catherine’s and George Greek Orthodox Church

Demetrios Markouizos, MD.,F.A.A.P

The Hellenic Congress of America and Geros of Morea chapter of the Pan Arcadian Federation hosted an important Lecture on “The Mediterranean Diet, Healthy Nutrition and the Secrets of a Long Life,” at the Nikos Andriotis Hall of St. Catherine and St George Greek Orthodox Church in Astoria, NY. 

Anthea Dagiantis, Certified integrative Nutrition Health Coach

 The speaker was Demetrios Markouizos, MD.,F.A.A.P, Board Certified in Pediatrics, Board Certified in Obesity Medicine and Medical Geneticist. In an exciting PowerPoint presentation, Dr Markouizos described the Mediterranean Diet that leads to a long life. He thanked his daughter and her network for helping create his power point presentation.

Geros tou Morea Board with speakers

Anthea Dagiantis, Certified integrative Nutrition Health Coach described the fundamentals of health and wellness concerns. The presentation was bilingual Greek/English. Prominent persons of the Greek American NYC community attended.

            The speakers explained  the basics of healthy eating with the traditional flavors and cooking methods of the people in the Mediterranean region. around vegetables, fruits, herbs, nuts, beans and whole grains and fish. Diet determines health.

Cardiovascular disease was linked to fewer deaths in some Mediterranean countries, such as Greece and Italy, than in the U.S. and northern Europe. Many cultures have eating patterns similar to the Mediterranean diet, including Japan. The diet is high in vegetables, fruits, Whole grains, Beans, Nuts and seeds, Olive oil., Seasoning with herbs and spices.

The main steps to follow the diet include: Each day, eat vegetables, fruits, whole grains and plant-based fats; Each week, have fish, poultry, beans, legumes and eggs; Enjoy moderate portions of dairy products; Limit how much red meat you eat; Limit how many foods with added sugar you eat; Share meals with family and friends; Get regular exercise; Enjoy wine in moderation if you drink alcohol.

            “I am from Thessaloniki, My family is from Constantinople,” said Dr. Markouizos. He is from a real Byzantine background that refers to “the Queen of Cities” Constantinople, with its Greek name and not Istanbul. The Doctor is a humble people’s person who enjoys talking to the average person. The physician became a doctor twice: first in Greece and then passing the Medical Boards in the USA with rigorous training. Our youth have unique opportunities in America to advance in the medical professions. As a result of this informative lecture, our family is planning to add more fish and fiber to our diet.

Memories of Greece: Ravani at Anaktorikon Hotel, Tripoli

            What do I remember about a vacation? Breakfast in a hotel. The Anaktorikon Boutique Hotel in the Provincial city of Tripolis, Greece makes it a home cooked cuisine experience. The owner Alexandros and his gracious staff take personal interest in creating deserts on the premises. They listen to the comments of the vacationers.  They go beyond the degree of hospitality to please everyone. I haven’t seen such graciousness anywhere. In provincial cities, the hotels want everyone to give them positive recommendations.

Breakfast

 The hotels in Tripoli are all excellent. The Anaktorikon Hotel site says: “If you are going on a business trip, the comfortable and discreet spaces of the Anaktorikon Boutique Hotel are ideal for resting after your demanding schedule. … Especially if you are traveling with children, the Palace Boutique Hotel will be an amazing memory of luxury and fairytale stay, as even the building looks like it was taken from the pages of a book!”

I enjoyed the Ravani made with yogurt. Their Ravani was different from mine with 6 eggs. They use 2 eggs, Try this recipe and modify egg amounts.

Ravani

  • 350gr / 2 cups fine semolina flour
  • 150gr / 1 ¼ cup plain flour
  • 150gr / ⅔ cup butter at room temperature
  • 170gr / ¾ cup sugar
  • eggs
  • 200gr / ¾ cup yogurt
  • 2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • lemon zest

Syrup Ingredients

  • 750ml / 3 cups water
  • 720gr / 3 ½ cups sugar
  • ½ lemon

Instructions

  1. For the syrup, add water and sugar to a pot with lemon. When the water starts boiling, boil for 1 minute then turn off the heat and set aside to cool down.
  2. Add the sugar and butter to a big bowl. beat
  3. Add the eggs yogurt, lemon zest and vanilla extract to a bowl.
  4. mix the flour, semolina flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add.
  5. Spread the batter in an ovenproof dish of your liking.  Bake for 45 minutes in a preheated oven to 180°C/350°F.
  6. When you take out the ravani, pour the syrup while it’s still hot. Leave the cake.

“Our hotel is located in the historic center of Tripoli, just opposite the Town Hall, in the main street of the city,” said the hotel website. The Anaktorikon Hotel is an architectural emblem of Tripoli, a true gem with elegant, upscale luxury. For more information on recipes and the hotel, visit https://www.anaktorikon.gr/en/

Photos:

Photo 1- Anaktorikon Hotel

Photo 2– Breakfast

Photo 3- Ravani

A Magical Trip to Kate Nickles” The Little Red Barn

Where can New Yorkers visit a Pony Farm? The Little Red Barn at 353 Manor Lane, Jamesport, Long Island is a private North Fork farm where kids can enjoy ponies and farm animals. My attorney Frank Blangiardo of Blangiardo & Blangiardo law firm described a magical escape operated by his wife, Kate Nickles.

            “What makes me happy?  Being right here,” said Kate Nickles. “And I just love having the barn filled with children and just being out here with the horses and the animals. I’m living my dream right here…with my kids, my animals, my horses on this beautiful property.”1 The Little Red Barn was the carousel building in Greenport, L.I.

Make a reservation! Enjoy a trip close to nature and God.

Kate Nickles is the daughter of the late John Nickles Real Estate and political leader. Kate Nickles continues her late Father’s legacy of caring about the community through her unique pony/baby animal farm at “The Little Red Barn”. For more information, contact 631•566•1690, or kategnickles@gmail.com 

References:

  1. https://www.littleredbarnny.com/meet-kate
  2. https://www.littleredbarnny.com/

Link:https://www.facebook.com/thelittleredbarnjamesport