Restaurant Review: Το Πηγάδι / The Well

The restaurant Το Πηγάδι (‘To Pigadi’) / The Well is in the heart of the Old Town on the site of a lovingly restored Venetian building. During the Turkish occupation, as with many other buildings in the Old Town, a lot of changes were made to the architectural structure, with the result that a number of the original Venetian features were either hidden or replaced. For example, the Lion’s Head water feature situated in the corner of the restaurant courtyard was buried behind later constructions. During the years that followed the Turkish occupation, the building fell into disrepair. In 2003, Pigadi owner and Executive Chef Theoharis ‘Hari’ Pavlakis decided to open his restaurant and work on the site began. The Well (Pigadi) was and is a working well and has been carefully restored, the Lion’s Head was rediscovered and general restoration was carried out - the end result being a much welcomed sanctuary in the heart of a busy city.

The Bugle Team recently went to eat lunch at To Pigadi and were favourably impressed by what they found. The emphasis is on traditional and modern Greek cuisine (making use of the best local ingredients but also embracing international influences). The traditional appetizers include old favourites such as dolmades, tzatziki and a mixed mezedes plate, more unusual options include: fried eggplant with garlic sauce; smoked trout with olive oil, lemon and onion and Apakia (smoked pork) with Haloumi cheese. We tried grilled vegetables with honey and garlic, and fried shrimps (actually large prawns) in a classic olive oil and lemon sauce. Both are dishes where the quality of the ingredients are really on trial; both dishes passed the test with flying colours in our view. Traditional main dishes include the ever popular mousaka, there are also some local specialities - for example, kid goat with artichokes. You will find a wide selection of meat and fish dishes; along with standard grilled meat dishes you can also sample some of Hari’s signature dishes like rabbit in Mavrodaphne sauce, pork fillet stuffed with feta cheese and mustard sauce, and a variety of beef fillets with homemade sauces. We tried sautéed chicken stuffed with sun dried tomato and ’Giouvarlakia’ (roughly translated as ‘meatballs in egg and lemon rice soup’) Both our main courses were absolutely delicious. Fish dishes on the menu that looked particularly tempting included: perch in tomato sauce and ouzo, shrimps with mustard and yoghurt sauce, and fresh local fish. There are lighter options on the menu too: homemade soups and a variety of salads omelettes and pasta dishes. Aside from ice cream, the desserts on offer when we were there were: cheese pies with honey, fresh fruit salad and sautéed apple with ice cream and cinnamon. All in all a thoroughly satisfactory culinary experience. Last but not least, let us not forget the wine! The wine list has been carefully thought out - showcasing the best of Greek / Cretan viticulture. Along with internationally known ‘big names’ such as Tsantali Syrah and Lazaridi Amethystos, you will also find quality wines from local producers such as the Dourakis family and the Agarathos Monastery. We suggest that you explore the list and enjoy!

This year the Pigadi will be open throughout the winter. Opening Times: Wednesday - Saturday evenings from 6pm; Sunday, open from midday for lunch and dinner, Monday and Tuesday, restaurant closed.

For reservations etc. contact To Pigadi at 31 Xanthoudidou Street, Old Town Rethymnon, 74100, Crete, Greece.
Phone/Fax: 28310 27522, Mobile: 6976 996570
Email: pigadi-crete@marinet.com Website: www.pigadi-crete.com

If you would like to see a particular restaurant featured in the Bugle, get in touch with Kate Brusten—contact details are in our Classified section.

Employment Opportunities in Real Estate: Krystal Homes

Krystal Homes is one of the fastest growing International Real Estate companies - offering properties on Crete as well as on other Greek Islands. Our marketing and sales presence has been very strong within the UK market for the past year. We are now expanding into other European markets to include Norway. We are currently recruiting English and Norwegian speaking Sales Executives to work with our British and Norwegian clients. The requirements for the English speaking Sales Executive post are as follows:
You will be expected to live permanently in Crete and to have prior sales experience – Real Estate experience would be an advantage. Applicants should be articulate, presentable, motivated and prepared to take 3 / 4 day inspection tours at short notice. Fluent English is essential, spoken and written Greek would be an added bonus. Familiarity with Microsoft Office (in particular with Word, PowerPoint and Excel) would also be an advantage. Ideally candidates should have their own car in order to transport clients to property sites.
We offer training, training compensation, high percentage commission levels plus expenses. The annual incomes of some of our previous executives reached €70K.
The job specifications for the Norwegian Sales Executive are the same as above, save for the language requirements: Fluent Norwegian essential, spoken and written English and Greek would be an added bonus.
Please apply by e-mail to:nick@krystalhomes.com or by post to Nickos Christohides, Rethymnon2 POB608, Crete, Greece