In a city like Geneva, it’s easy to miss the warmth of the Mediterranean lands. So, I have often dreamed of escaping to the Greek islands, feeling the strong sun and tasting the delicious food. Then I discovered Melia, just a ten-minute walk from Geneva’s train station, and I found my peace. 

Melia is a paradise of Greek delicacies. On the shelves you can find stuffed red peppers, anchovies, capers, olives and artichokes. You can also buy big tanks of the authentic extra-virgin olive oil, so full of flavor. There’s Greek wine, organic teas, herbs and spices. And in the refrigerated compartment there are my absolute favorites: taramasalata, the fish roe salad; tzatziki, the minty cream with cucumbers; olive tapenade; and the best selection of Feta and Halloumi cheese. 

Kyriaki, the lovely owner, has all the kindness and energy of the land she comes from. She prepares all the fresh food herself – including the cheese or spinach tiropita, the pie, which tastes the same as if you were buying it from a family bakery on a Greek island. Once she knew that I like my taramasalata on the thick side, she rushed straight to the kitchen to prepare it especially for me. 

When you leave Melia, you leave with a bag full of delicacies, a smile on your face, and the warmth in your heart which comes straight from that magic land.