The Peloponnese is really, only one of its kind, and nestled inside this scenic landscape is the infamous Aman Zoe resort. Having stayed here back in 2018, this was the first time I had the pleasure of experiencing what the hotel has to offer. 
The site that the hotel sits on is their biggest appeal, it is its ace card. We found that a few years ago they really needed to change the chef and the cuisine, and fortunately they realised it too, because you had such a spectacular setting, but then the food just let it all down, so you felt like you were just coming for the views. Hotels should not just rely on their beauty… The title of my post is Amphitheatre Dinner, you must be wondering what, who, where exactly? Well at Aman Zoe as part of the architecture and design, they have an area reserved for private events which is an actual amphitheatre, where you can arrange a private dinner, bring in a local Greek live band, or whatever you have in your mind. I am sure that the hotel will try to make your idea a reality whatever you ask for. On this occasion, it was indeed my birthday and for once I was not planning the menu! It was a surprise for me on that front. I could relax! As I walked into the theatre the first thing I saw were over 200 candles, placed on each row with lighting situated in the steps, so you can walk up and down them if you wish to. I gasped as I saw it “oh my gosh.” Cupping my hands to my mouth in awe. What a sight to behold. This is a backdrop fit for an enormously special occasion. Our private table in the middle of the amphitheatre was waiting for us and so was the band. Local Greek live music was playing in the background whilst we ate, and this created such an intense ambience as I kept looking around at where we were sat, a rare encounter for sure. This night was hot; we were touching on 32c with a high of 36c in the day!
The chef’s welcome of gazpacho then melon cooled us down in the heat. There was a printed menu with all the courses to follow, so we could see what was coming next. We had some fine products, especially the prawn paired with almond, cherry, and preserved lemon.The Kakavia (Greek version of a bouillabaisse) was unexpected. I had never tried that before and here was a sophisticated interpretation of it, I learned something new. The basil sorbet was sweet and refreshing ready for the white chocolate fondant to end with. Combined with pistachio, yogurt sorbet and salted caramel. Plenty of my preferred ingredients in one dessert. Mignardises were brought out at the same time, signalling the end of the dinner. I did not want it to be over!
I do not write about the wine I am drinking throughout my stories and journeys, it is strictly food only, but for a one time mention I must talk about this special occasion wine that was expertly paired. It has been ageing in our cellar for over 12 years and now was the time to take it out, it was ready for this event. We are on a serious level with this one: Raveneau Premier Cru 2013. (Vaillons) As it was so hot, the waiter knew what to do and he poured very small amounts into the bottom of our glasses as we sipped and savoured like we were wine tasting. I rather enjoyed it this way to be honest! The wine would be spoiled if large glasses were poured. It was kept in ice ready for that next small pour. To say I took pleasure in this is an understatement. I noticed a particularly big buttery finish in my mouth. It was a special treat.
The whole night will be one to remember, I will not forget it. Dining in an amphitheatre is something you cannot do just anywhere in the world. This is powerful, it recalls memories from my last visit and reminds us all that time is swiftly moving on fast, we are getting older each day, but you do not see it happening. This is a place to create celebrations, unique occasions in your life that you remember in years to come. You can look back and say, “remember when we did that?” Whilst seeing how different you were back then! That is what this was for me, allowing emotions to naturally take centre stage. This type of dinner is not an everyday occurrence, rather a unique evening that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
