In fact, Greek foods are prepared using basic cooking methods: They're typically fried, breaded, sautéed, simmered, boiled, braised, stewed, baked, roasted, grilled, poached, pickled, puréed or preserved. Greek food generally does not include smoking in home cooking.

Thessaloniki is known for its plump mussels, most often made with rice, but blue crabs and clams are also favorites. The city is the major port for the Balkans, so you can find both a large variety and high quality.

Greek cuisine embraces the principles of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits. The diet emphasizes whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins like fish and poultry.

The International School of Italian Cuisine, or ALMA, housed in the magnificent Ducal Palace of Colorno just outside Parma, arranges lessons and tours for visiting food lovers under the guidance of expert chefs; it's the brainchild of the renowned Milanese chef Gualtiero Marchesi.