The Life of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets

Culture Series / 2 Seasons

Usher in the new year, and your health with a brand new 13 part National Public television series, The Life of Loi: Mediterranean Secrets, with chef, Maria Loi, of the critically acclaimed restaurant, Loi Estiatorio, in Manhattan. Known as the Julia Child of Greece, Maria shares thousands of years of knowledge baked into Mediterranean cuisine as she takes us island hopping across Greece.

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Athens Reinvented

S2 E213 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi travels to Athens to explore the culinary scene savored by Athenians. Maria meets with Chef Christos Bouboulis to make a Spit Roasted Lamb. And later, under the light of the Acropolis, she joins Chef Thodoris Afentakis to make a delicious Celery Root Soup. Back in New York, Maria creates simple and tasty dishes inspired by her travels: Lamb Souvlaki and Roasted Cauliflower Soup.

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Colors of Corfu

S2 E212 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi is back on the Greek island of Corfu exploring the many cultures that have influenced the unique Corfiot cuisine. Maria meets with chefs Tasos Andriotis and Aristotelis Megoulas to prepare a Bitter Orange Salad and a Multigrain Soup. Back in New York, Maria takes inspiration from these Corfiot dishes and shares some recipes that are easy to create at home.

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Classic Corfu

S2 E211 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi brings us to Corfu, one of the most multi-cultural Greek islands, to share the best of Corfiot cuisine. Maria meets with Chef Liana Barba to cook a traditional Pasta with Shrimp dish, and later by the pool, Maria makes Potatoes with Wild Greens and Feta. Back in New York, Maria, inspired by Corfu, prepares Braised Chicken with Cinnamon and Tomato, and a Warm Potato Salad.

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The Handmade Island

S2 E210 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi takes us to Tinos, the secret soul of Greece. Just a short boat ride from Mykonos, this island has a cuisine all its own. Maria meets with chefs Antonia Zarpa and Vassilis Plakias to prepare Chickpeas with Local Aromatics and a hearty Artichoke Pie. Back in New York, Maria embraces the flavors of Tinos and creates dishes inspired by her travels.

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The Unknown Mykonos

S2 E209 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi takes us to Mykonos, one of the most famous islands in the world, to share with us the unknown side to this popular tourist destination. Maria meets with Chef Miltos Karoubas to prepare an Onion Pie, and later with Teta Fragiadaki to make Spinach and Leek Pie. Back in New York, Chef Loi prepares simple dishes inspired by her travels: an Open Face Onion Pita, and Spinach Pie Muffins.

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A Family Affair

S2 E208 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi takes us to Naxos, known for its beautiful villages, artisanal crafts and cuisine, and wonderful people. Maria introduces us to the Polykreti family, with whom she makes two special Naxian dishes: Cheese Bread and Roasted Seasonal Vegetables with Lamb. Back in her New York kitchen, Maria shares some easy adaptions of these Naxian treasures.

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Naxian Paradise

S2 E207 / 26m 46s / TV-G

This week, Chef Maria Loi brings us back to Naxos, the largest island in the Cyclades, to share some of its hidden treasures and cuisine made with the best local ingredients. Maria meets Chef Antonis Karamanis, and fisherman, Stelios Grillis to cook classic Naxian dishes: Traditional Grilled Squid and Fish Stew. Back in New York, Maria serves up dishes inspired by her time on Naxos.

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Comfort Food the Naxian Way

S2 E206 / 26m 46s / TV-G

This week, Chef Maria Loi heads to the crown jewel of the Cycladic islands, Naxos. Maria embraces the amazing local cuisine of the island to create a true Naxian feast with local chef, Yiannis Ikonomou. Together, they make a delicious Chicken Pie and Grilled Tuna Filet with Potato Salad. Back in New York, Chef Loi serves up some Naxian-inspired comfort foods.

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Ode to Capt. Vassilis

S2 E205 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi takes us to one of the most unspoiled and breathtaking landscapes in the Mediterranean, Costa Navarino, to learn about the legacy of Captain Vassilis. Maria meets with the ladies at Pylos House to make Braised Chicken with Fresh Peasant Pasta. Back in New York, Chef Loi prepares meals inspired by her travels, Greek Honey Buns with Pecans and Homemade Pasta with Ground Turkey Sauce.

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Simple Elegance

S2 E204 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi brings us to the simply elegant Costa Navarino for a back-to-nature experience. Maria boards a boat with Chef Bertrand Valegeas where they make Marinated Tuna, before heading to the Mandarin Oriental to prepare Chicken with Okra. Back in New York, Maria shows us how to make dishes inspired by her travels, and the Mediterranean diet: Marinated Sea Bass, and Okra prepared two ways.

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Water, Sand, Sun

S2 E203 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi brings us to Costa Navarino in the Peloponnese. Maria joins Chef Dimitris Karampampas to make classic Greek dishes: Mixed Bean Salad with Grilled Shrimp, and Smoked Branzino with Wild Greens and Fresh Tomatoes. Then Maria heads back to New York to prepare meals inspired by her travels, Bean Salad with Grilled Chicken and a Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Caper Tapenade.

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Morning til Night

S2 E202 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi takes us to the breathtaking and sustainable destination of Costa Navarino. Maria joins chefs Panagiotis Tziourtzioumis and Kiriakos Plevritis to prepare dishes from the heart of the Mediterranean diet: Grilled Red Mullet and Village Salad, and Braised Lamb with a Traditional Peasant Pasta. Back in New York, Maria serves up dishes inspired by her travels.

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Feasting on an Emerald Beach

S2 E201 / 26m 46s / TV-G

Chef Maria Loi introduces us to the magical island of Corfu. Maria joins Chef Tasos Andriotis to serve up a seaside feast. On the menu are Fish Soup, Prawns Saganaki with Feta, Smoked Monkfish, Anchovies Saganaki, and Grilled Wild Greens. Inspired by the flavors of this meal, Maria creates some delicious dishes back in New York including Corfiot Shrimp and Monkfish Lobster-Style.

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