An iota of Greece in the Lower East Side
Smell and taste a speck of authentic Greece culture a few steps away from each other in the heart of the Lower East Side.
Mastiha Shop
Mastiha is the “world’s first chewing gum” according to the nice salesman at the first US branch of the Greece chain with shops all over Europe. The emphasis in this food and beauty products shop is on mastiha, a resin extracted from a tree bark that has anti-oxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory qualities. This apparently miraculous ingredient is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and foods. All readily available at the store.
You know what? I just thought of this…: we masticate gum right? I bet the verb masticate (= chew) comes from mastiha. I guess more things date back to the Greek than what we think!!
Insider Tip: The shop will celebrate it’s three year anniversary and is planning a party! Check out their website for more details.
Creams that promise ancient healing properties
145 Orchard St.
212 253 0895
Souvlaki GR
If all the chewing got your gastro juices going, walk over to Stanton Street and transport yourself to the island of Mykonos. Opened a few months ago and designed to feel like a typical island sidewalk café, this little corner is a charming cliché of the stone white traced floors, blue shutters and bougainvillea. The simple and yummy menu is irresistible and as satiating as it’s original meat/pita/tzatziki sauce sandwiches sold on the popular Souvlaki trucks around town.
212 777 0166
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