The art of originality
- In this kitchen - before it was a restaurant kitchen , it was a home. Here is where my father Nikolas Venetsanos was born.
PANAGIOTI VENETSANO
Grandmother Anna, me, Nikolas and Ourania at Meltemi cooking crazy in the 90’s, island style.
1978 Meltemi Restaurant
Meltemi was the first restaurant established on the island of Donoussa.
Prior to arriving on the island in the 80's there was no port and a fisherman's wooden boat would reach mid ways out to sea to receive tourists from the ferries. Very often due to the difficulty of unloading goods, people would have to jump from the huge rear door of the ship into the small boat. Nevertheless, for the adventurous and curious guests finally to land foot on the island to find peace and tranquility, there was also a place for them to enjoy dinner in a comfortable and naturally poetically romantic setting.
It all begins with an idea.
-Sharing stories with food. The way you tell your story, remember to bring joy and life with it-
Be authentic
‘Sharing food is joy, it’s not about money, it’s not about competition. it is all about love’
- Panagioti Venetsano
For Nikolas Venetsanos the kitchen never closed, he would often open for service when Blue Star arrived late on the island, after midnight, even when the restaurant kitchen was closed for the night. He would make a salad, give a drink, make an appetizer. Give Raki or Ouzo. All without charge. He still does it when he is at the restaurant. In his core element when he first opened Meltemi in 1978.
I am Panagioti Venetsano.
I was born and raised with Meltemi.
It’s what I call dedication.
The 90’s Meltemi -
In the 90's his family decided it was time to expand and relocate the taverna even closer to the sea. So, he made his family home into a taverna restaurant. The new taverna's location was now in the main square of the village Stavros, and the home/taverna right next to it- both located within a breath distance of each other.
WELCOME TO DONOUSSA
Nikolas promoted his island with "flyers" and offering his cooking to the tourists. Pioneered the restaurant and tourism movement on Donoussa.
His warm and soulful smile was an opening to make you feel instantly at home.
Fire cooking
The first Meltemi
STAMATIS AUGOUSTINOS
THE ARTIST - EVERYTHING AT MELTEMI WAS PAINTED BY HIS HAND.
HE WAS BORN AND RAISED IN CONSTANTINOPLE.
DONOUSSA NATIVE
Grandmother Anna an agriculturist who never left the island of Donoussa. Her love for helping others and farming was rare to find. Natural as the Meltemi wind with the warmth of the summer sun. She had about 30 cats, a farm with chickens and goats.
Meltemi Taverna Restaurant
TAVERNA ON THE SEA
DONOUSSA A PIRATES ISLAND
Donoussa : A city referred to by Homer as a
participant on the Trojan Expedition.
Donoussa is 17 miles away from Amorgos and 10 miles from Naxos. Ancient Buildings: The 1968 excavations at Vathy Limenari uncovered a hamlet, dating back to the Middle Geometric period of the Cyclades..
The buildings uncovered at this archaeological "dig"
were built on older structures dating back to the Cycladic Era..
The ceramic artifacts found on this cite are similar to those found in Rhodes, Easter
Ionia and Asia Minor.
Grandfather Panagiotis, a native of Donoussa. A fisherman, a builder and a guy who had great humor. Passionate and joyful for life. Lionhearted and authentic. He could tell the weather just by it’s breeze.
The builder of Meltemi.
Rustic cuisine
Meltemi cuisine throughout the years
Meltemi offers hospitality, delicious food and eclectic wine, all from the heart. Traditional and contemporary entrees cooked mainly with domestic products and spices.
The fresh seasonal ingredients also bring out bold flavors.
A perfect summer night right on the sea.
