The Magic on the hill ……..

Now, if I had to nominate one place which combines memorable food, good service and stunning views it would have to be Lorraine’s Magic Hill, a restaurant on Kefalonia which we just keep going back to.*

This year was our sixth on the island, and of the countless Greek restaurants over the last four decades, Lorraine’s is in indeed “magic”.

It starts with the location with its fine views down across the bay and out to sea, made even better by the climb up a series of twisty steps taking you away from the noise and heat of the resort through a collection of trees and fragrant flowers to the restaurant. 

The food is a variation on traditional Greek, but with the added magic of Lorraine’s imaginative style of cooking, who greets all her customers with a description of the specials for the night.

And here Lorraine doesn’t just reel off the titles of the dishes but goes into great detail from what inspired the dish to the combination of ingredients, many of which are sourced from the family farm, and is adamant that when a locally produced ingredient is no longer available the dish is off the menu.

So, last week for those looking for “the Lamb chops topped with lemon, olive oil and oregano, served with oven roasted potatoes and fresh vegetables” they were directed instead to “Chicken Robola”, the Sea Bream or "Gemista", because the only available lamb was from New Zealand and New Zealand lamb ain’t Greek.

As a vegetarian I am always impressed that one of the specials is veggie with a vegan alternative.

And so, on one of our visits last week I swooned over the feta mouse starter, and on another evening was made very happy by the vegan custard pudding. 

Lorraine’s own story helps explain her passion for food.  

She comes from the USA, made her home in Greece, and with her husband and now her children she has worked at offering up Greek food with the Lorraine twist.

At which point I could go off and describe the meals we have eaten, but where would the fun be in that, when the pleasure comes from going there and enjoying it yourself?

All of which just leaves me to say there are plenty of stories on the blog about our visits.** 

And each includes a link to the restaurant which offers up heaps of pictures from happy customers to the food, as well as the menu.

Many who fall across Lorraine’s Magic Hill, go back again and again, like Sid and Sadie from Sale who have returned each year since 1992.  

I call them Sid and Sadie, but we never actually exchanged names, having spent the conversation swopping tales of the food we have eaten.

And that really is how it should be.

Location; Lourdas Bay

Pictures; Lorraine’s Magic Hill, 2018 and 2022, from the collection of Balzano.

* Lorraine’s Magic Hill, https://lorrainesrestaurant.gr/

**Stories from Lorraine’s Magic Hill https://chorltonhistory.blogspot.com/search/label/Lorraine%E2%80%99s%20Magic%20Hill