Small, cosy and traditional – the old coffee place of Parvas is almost a landmark for those making it to Chora and paying a visit for some meze and some chit-chatting with the locals is always something unique.
As we walk uphill from the main parking area of Chora, we take note again of the small establishment that has been lingering for the past decades at the entrance of Chora and have deliberately neglected for the more polished ones further down in the alleys. This time though, we have just arrived in Amorgos and have long waited to take our host advice on trying out Parvas’ delicious meze.
It’s a hot August afternoon and with almost everybody at the beach, we sit out in the front table where the wind almost hits us as we catch a glimpse of the Aegean sea. We quench our thirst with a lager beer and order up a few bites to share: Amorgiani salad, saganaki cheese and fried meatballs – all very tasty.
The old cafe used to be the main meeting point for sailors, workers and all other locals of Chora. As of 2012, Christos and Niki took over this over from Parvas’ wife in an effort to revive it, maintaining its authentic vibe and treats. Thankfully, despite Amorgos mixed crowd, the cafe has kept a very sophisticated audience with the odd tourists (the more informed ones) making their way here for a quick lunch. The local bus that runs from Aegiali roars up the hill almost every hour, transporting the camping crowd to Chora and making a buzz… but this doesn’t stop us from ordering some more.
Christos’ daughter gives us three options for local sausages, all very delicious she says. And indeed she is damn right! Especially the Karamanlidika ones are a delight!
On a different day and just before saying our goodbyes to friends, our host and other patrons of the island, we visit Parvas again. And it only gets better this time as we mingle with locals, telling stories about the history of the island, its archaeological feuds and other tales. This is Greece!
