Nikki Rose, a Greek American Professional Chef-Instructor and Writer, has been hosting teachers, students and journalists in Crete for over 14 years through her program Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries. Her focus celebrates and helps protect Crete’s cultural and culinary heritage. The concepts of the frequently studied and highly regarded Mediterranean Diet originated in Crete. Chef Rose demonstrates that Cretan cuisine is not just a diet, but is a way of life that has much to offer our on-going pursuit of healthy and sustainable approaches to eating. In this concise, information-packed book, Rose shares her knowledge and passion for her heritage, along with practical strategies for applying the celebrated concepts of Cretan cuisine wherever you live. Rose has received awards from National Geographic, United Nations and many other organizations for her success in creating sustainable tourism/culinary projects that bring focus to the expanding inquiry into sustainability. Proceeds benefit their initiatives.

Much has been written about the Mediterranean diet, but Nikki Rose’s little book just might be my favorite. It is so to the point, so clear, so accessible and so delicious if you cook from it. I’m impressed that Nikki Rose could say so much in so few pages!
Deborah Madison, chef and author

Many tout the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet but with little cultural context for the rich milieu in which the diet and its benefits are enjoyed. Nikki Rose shows in this slim but rich book, the people, the land and its flavors are inextricably linked. This is the cultural study of food and nutrition as it should be done.
Dr. Jonathan Deutsch, Drexel University

This is one of the best books on the Mediterranean Diet that I have come across. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their health while experiencing all the joys of Mediterranean eating.
George Mateljan, Philanthropist, Author of the World's Healthiest Foods