Greece
Local Lingering

Eating at Tsahpinis in the fishing village of Naoussa on Paros will confirm your belief that eating where the Greeks eat is the only way to go. Judging by the crowds on any evening, something has to be right.
First of all, the food is just what it should be. Fresh seafood. Deliciously prepared. Go into the kitchen and pick out red snapper, red mullet or sea bream. It just came off the fishing boats tied up right outside. And you get it grilled to perfection.
The food may be simple fisherman's fair, but choosing what to order isn't so simple. The menu is extensive. Other than fresh fish, you can dine on grilled sardines, octopus, fried calamari or lobster. Vegetable dishes, such as fried eggplant or roasted peppers with feta cheese & anchovies are made with local produce. And don't forget the tzatziki...yogurt with garlic and dill.
This traditional Greek estiat'orium (restaurant) couldn't have a better ambience, either. The cloth covered tables, arranged outdoors at the harbor's edge welcomes a diverse clientele to dinner. Colorful fishing boats with their nets hung to dry serves as the backdrop. It's noisy & friendly, with locals & weekenders from Athens. A slice of the good life on a Greek Island.
Vasilias, our waiter, got to know us quickly, since Tsahpinis became our favorite restaurant while in Naoussa. He helped us select great local Greek wines to go with the seafood. It was easy to sit back, relax & "people watch." By 10 p.m. there's not a free table to be found. But go too early and you may miss all the activity, which gives Tsahpinis so much character. More than once, we found ourselves eating a finale of sweet watermelon and cake well past midnight. Lingering like the locals, who know they've had a memorable meal.