Earlier this month the wonderful Chef Maria Loi hosted a special luncheon to introduce America to Mastiha.
“The Martha Stewart of Greece,” invited guests to her amazing restaurant in the heart of Manhattan, Loi Estiatorio, to give them the chance to experience cocktails and hors d’oeuvres made with the country’s unique product.
Cocktails served included Mastic Liqueur, Strawberries with Strawberries, as well as refreshing Mastic Lemonade with Chia and Mint.
Dishes were Mastic-infused Guacamole stuffed Mini Tri-Color Bell Peppers; Grilled Zucchini Nest with Fish Roe Emulsion, Mastiha Water, and White Almonds on Flat Pita Crisp; Mastic-glazed Mackerel (Oshizushi Hako), Nori-wrapped Salmon Ceviche with Lime, Mastic Liqueur, Ginger, and Assorted Vegetables; Chocolate Truffles with Green Tea, Chili, and Mastic Liqueur Caviar; and a Classic Mastic ‘Submarine’ that helped top of the perfect meal.
During the luncheon the incredible benefits of Mastiha, which is a natural, rare and aromatic resin in teardrop shape that falls on the ground in drops from superficial scratches induced by cultivators on the tree’s trunk and main branches with sharp tools, were described. It is found only in certain areas of the Greek island of Chios. As resinous granules, it was the original chewing gum, and the name “mastiha” is the root word of “masticate,” meaning “to chew.”
As scientific research has shown, Mastiha has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities. The ingredients pharmaceutical and biological benefits. Mastiha looks like rock candy and has a distinctive chewiness. It is a Greek product, and registered by the European Union as PDO (PGI) name.
Loi Estiatorio is located at 132 West 58th Street and is perfect spot for food lovers.
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