09-Jul-07 - Jannis and Iffigenia opened the doors of their new "... Kai Kremmethi" souvlaki cafe yesterday and I for one give it an appreciative thumbs up. This is hardly a greasy spoon type of cafe - more a creme de la creme establishment for fast food Greek style!

And (drum roll), apart from the usual traditional souvlaki fare you will find sausages on the menu - yep - thin skins, charcoal striped, lightly herbed, succulent meat with no horrid gristly bits, real honest to goodness bangers - a delicious treat. Now I'm sorry to harp on here but I have been presented before with what the Greeks fondly imagine to be sausages but being English and somewhat of a connoisseur, I have to say I have been sadly let down in the past, but the Kremmethi sausages are definitely up there with the best. You need to ask (I think) for "loukaniko" with stress on the "a".

As those who know Iffigenia's creative skills have come to expect, the attention to detail in the presentation of the cafe is excellent. Whether you pop in for a delicious take-away or you make an occasion of it and eat in (they're open from 12 till 12), you'll be impressed. "... kai Kremmethi" means "... and Onions" and Iffigenia has used a picture of the beautiful, red, sweet, Greek onion as their signature logo. It features on their business cards, take-away boxes, etc., and their menu books are almost works of art they're so beautifully designed.

Outside on the pretty bougainvillea covered terrace, you'll find sturdy, simply painted tables and chairs where you can enjoy a well cooked traditional lunch or dinner served with chilled drinks while you watch most of the island pass by this busy corner. The building has changed hands a couple of times in recent years but those who know the island well will remember the place as the Pigadi Ouzo Bar. But for those who don't, ... kai Kremmethi is located on the west side of Hydra town on the corner of Tombazi Street and Papandreou Street near the Amalour Bar and Amarylis Hotel.

The air-conditioned interior is equally attractive and streamlined for a quick take-away. It's comfortable and prettily colour coordinated. I particularly like the decorative frosted glass and latticework of their counter. And Jannis's team behind said counter are friendly and smart - the chef certainly knows how to cook his sausages. Food is served hot, fast ... kai Kremmethi with everything!

Kali Orexi - Kelsey 10/07/07

Kai Kremethi, A Papandreou, Hydra, Greece, 18040. Tel: +(30) 22980 53099