Nikki Rose, a Greek American Professional Chef-Instructor and Writer, has been hosting teachers, students and journalists in Crete for over 14 years through her project Crete’s Culinary Sanctuaries (CCS). Her focus celebrates and helps protect Crete’s cultural and culinary heritage. The concepts of the frequently studied and highly regarded Mediterranean Diet originated in Crete. Chef Rose, with her CCS initiatives, demonstrates that Cretan cuisine is not just a diet, but is a way of life that has much to offer our on-going pursuit of healthy and sustainable approaches to eating. In this concise, information-packed book, Rose shares her knowledge, and passion for her heritage, along with practical strategies for applying the celebrated concepts of Cretan cuisine, wherever you live. Rose has received numerous awards from National Geographic, the United Nations and many other organizations for her success in creating sustainable travel/community-based tourism and culinary projects that bring focus to the expanding inquiry into sustainability. Proceeds from this book benefit ongoing CCS initiatives.

Reviews:
This is one of the best books on the Mediterranean Diet that I have come across. Taken from the way the people of Crete (the healthiest in the world) have eaten for centuries Nikki provides you with all the practical information you need to eat for optimal health. She shares with you how to prepare vegetables, fish, chicken, beans, soups, and stews the delicious Greek way. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to improve their health while experiencing all the joys of Mediterranean eating.
-- George Mateljan, Philanthropist
Award-winning author of the World's Healthiest Foods

As a whole foods chef steeped in the belief that traditional foods are life sustaining and need to be part of our daily diet, Nikki’s book is one of my most coveted resources. Having been on several of her food seminars, I can attest, that what she presents, shares and teaches in her book is as if I were back with her, on the Island of Crete. If, as we are now beginning to appreciate that health supportive foods begins with good ingredients, but also includes the life sustaining cultural practices which accompany such foods, then Nikki’s book introduces those necessary backstories. All I can say is come and learn how to cook the traditional Mediterranean diet from Nikki and her friends on Crete.
-- Beth Kersey, Alaska Food Sovereignty and Edible Landscapes
and Alaska Seed Savers and Traditional Foods Project

The "return to basics" exhortation of many culinarians may very well start with the age-old food traditions of Crete. Nikki Rose's creation, featuring simple Mediterranean recipes, makes this even more relevant to our times.
-- Lina Romasanta
hospitality industry consultant/food and beverage specialist