Thessaloniki Mayor and Celebrity Chef Jamie Oliver Talk Greek Gastronomy

Thessaloniki’s gastronomy was highlighted in talks held between the Greek city’s mayor, Konstantinos Zervas, and British celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver, on Monday.

In Thessaloniki to film an upcoming episode of his cooking show, Jamie Oliver took time out from production to learn about the northern Greek city’s popularity in the field of gastronomy and tourism.

During the meeting, Mayor Zervas informed the English chef that Thessaloniki’s gastronomy is one of the strongest cards for the tourism development and promotion of the city internationally.

Thessaloniki Mayor Konstantinos Zervas and British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver.

Zervas highlighted the new opportunities created for Thessaloniki following its inclusion in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network for offering a creative gastronomy scene.

Thessaloniki’s mayor offered Jamie Oliver two bottles of “Gorgona” (‘Mermaid’), the wine produced in the urban vineyard of the Municipality of Thessaloniki. He also informed on the municipality’s plans to hold a wine auction for the first time and distribute the proceeds to people in vulnerable groups.

A chef, restaurateur and cookbook author, Jamie Oliver is known for his casual approach to cuisine, which has led him to front numerous television shows and open many restaurants. He currently hosts “Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders” on Channel 4 in the UK.