The Med

Description

Join our National Food, Beverage, and Culinary Experience Team of ERE, Esplanade Resort Experiences for another unforgettable Cooking & Cocktails Experience featuring food from The Mediterranean region. Marco Marini who brought Taste of Brazil to Coasterra in April and packed the house, will be our Chef in Residence for the evening.

Mediterranean cuisine is a vibrant, diverse culinary tradition shaped by the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey, Lebanon, Morocco, and more. Its flavors reflect centuries of cultural exchange, trade, and migration, blending influences from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Mediterranean cuisine traces its roots to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Phoenicians, who cultivated olives, grapes, and grains –  ingredients still central today. Over time, the region absorbed culinary elements from Arab, Ottoman, and Moorish cultures, introducing spices, rice, and new cooking techniques that continue to define the cuisine.

CORE CHARACTERISTICS
Mediterranean cooking is known for:
» Fresh, seasonal ingredients – vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and whole grains
» Healthy fats – especially olive oil, the cornerstone of the region
» Lean proteins – fish, seafood, and moderate amounts of poultry and dairy
» Herbs and spices – oregano, basil, cumin, coriander, and more
» Simple preparation – grilling, roasting, and baking that highlight natural flavors

CLASSIC MEDITERRANEAN DISHES YOU MAY KNOW

STARTERS & MEZZE
Mezze refers to small, flavorful dishes served as appetizers or a shared meal across the Mediterranean and Middle East.
» Tzatziki Dip – Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, and olive oil
» Hummus Trio – Classic, Roasted Red Pepper, and Beetroot
» Dolmas – Grape leaves stuffed with herbed rice and pine nuts
» Labneh & Za’atar – Strained yogurt with olive oil and za’atar
» Grilled Halloumi – Served with figs, arugula, and pomegranate molasses

SALADS
» Greek Village Salad – Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, feta, oregano, olive oil
» Tabbouleh – Parsley, mint, bulgur, tomato, lemon
» Chickpea & Roasted Pepper Salad – With lemon tahini dressing

MAIN COURSES
» Chicken Souvlaki Plate – Grilled marinated chicken with tzatziki, lemon potatoes, pita
» Seafood Paella – Saffron rice with mussels, shrimp, and calamari
» Vegetarian Moussaka – Eggplant, potato, lentils, béchamel
» Lamb Kofta – With couscous, roasted vegetables, garlic yogurt

SIDES
» Couscous Pilaf – Raisins, almonds, cinnamon
» Roasted Mediterranean Vegetables – Zucchini, peppers, eggplant, tomato
» Olive & Herb Flatbread – Rosemary and sea salt

DESSERTS
» Baklava – Layers of pastry with nuts and honey syrup
» Orange Blossom Panna Cotta – Creamy with citrus and floral notes
» Date & Almond Cake – With cardamom whipped cream

BEVERAGES
» Moroccan Mint Tea
» Fresh Lemonade with Rose Water
» Mediterranean Wine

Marco will surprise and delight us with a cooking demonstration with some of the above Mediterranean dishes. There will be a QR code for the recipes to scan on the evening of. Come hungry and curious. Come ready to laugh and learn together as a community.

Cooking and Cocktails – The Med