In December 2015 I discovered The Rule of Seven, now I have invented another Rule of Seven (κανόνα επτά).
In Crete earlier this year I enjoyed Greek salads and now in hot weather in London have been making them often. The trick is remembering all the ingredients when shopping and making the salad. Once I had a big party on Christmas Eve and cooked chilli con carne, only I forgot to put in the chilli.
Say to yourself “seven” and you will have a perfect Greek salad: garlic, red onion, cucumber, black olives, tomatoes, crumbly feta cheese and oregano. If I don’t say “seven” I invariably forget an ingredient. Of course there is an essential 8th element: the finest Greek olive oil money can buy.
I sometimes have it with steak and crusty bread. Rub the steak with olive oil and salt then rub in the secret ingredient. As it’s a secret I can only give you a picture clue.
And to drink? There is no need to stay with the Greek theme; I advise Campari and soda and a chilled red from the Loire. I currently have Clos des Cordeliers, Saumur Champigny, 2015, in my cellar.
So after a Greek job, why not an Italian Job?
Sitting looking out on the Aegean and looking forward to a Greek salad later, may I suggest a κανόνας δέκα, add sliced green peppers and Aegean air, and perhaps some loud ρεμπέτικα. Greek wine can be very good, although difficult to find in London. Charlotte and Konstantia are with me sipping very un Greek Margaritas.