C&P author and FAQ
Who am I
A Cypriot girl who loves food, an ex investment banker who got bored selling unrealistic investment products, an ex Nicosia resident who moved to Limassol for love, a mother of three kids.
When did it all start?
The love for food begun during my childhood years in Cyprus. Being raised by (sort of) traditional parents who loved simple, authentic and “real” food was the beginning of it all.
The love for food flourished during my 10 or so years in London. The passion came during one year I spent in Milan. Oh my oh my!
What led to Cypriot and Proud?
I used to love trying new bars and restaurants in London and actually spent more time reading blogs about food and travel rather than doing my actual work (my ex-colleagues would be happy to confirm). After my arrival in Cyprus in mid 2011 I realised there was no reliable and complete guide for the island so I decided to create one, not because I think I am a better judge than everyone else, but because I thought others could have the same problem as I did.
Am I food critic?
No, and I never say I am. I write about what I eat through the eyes of a food lover, of a simple consumer, of a person who likes to go out. This is why I focus on the whole picture: the ambiance, the service, the food quality, the menu quality and consistency.
Were my studies food related?
I studied Economics at London School of Economics and Quantitative Finance in Bocconi (Milan). I was also an Investment Banker at Lehman Brothers and was in fact present in the biggest bankruptcy to even happen. After 5 years in the field I decided I didn’t believe in selling unrealistic investment models and left it to come to Cyprus – a very conscious choice.
When did Cypriot and Proud start?
I used to love trying new bars and restaurants in London and actually spent more time reading websites and blogs about travel and London lifestyle than doing my actual work (my ex-colleagues would be happy to confirm). After my arrival in Cyprus in mid 2011 I realized there was no reliable and complete guide for the island so I decided to create one, not because I think I am a better judge than everyone else, but because I thought others could have the same problem as I did. Another reason is partly because I wanted to share all these amazing places I have been visiting around the island. I write everything and take all the pictures myself but I have a couple of other friends and family who help me out with the site (whom I thank immensely).
Is it my only job?
It was for some time. Now I do freelance Social Media Marketing and Strategy for others as well although half of my time is spent on C&P.
Do I make money out of it?
I am lucky enough to call it my part time job. Although the first food review of a place is not paid I do have some marketing packages as an influencer and blogger.
Do restaurant and other owners know about Cypriot and Proud while I dine there?
Some do but most don’t. I go anonymously and pay for everything as a normal customer, but I do let them know about the website at the end of the meal. If anyone disagrees with what I write or with being on the website I am happy to remove them.
Do I eat all the food I write about?
Mostly yes. Although I don’t eat like that 7 days a week, 3 meals a day!
What do you like most about Cyprus?
I absolutely love the mountains and agrotourism, and I actually think there are a lot of good restaurants in the countryside that we don’t know about. I try to visit as many as I can and spread the word!
I also love the beach and don’t understand why there aren’t more authentic places with a seaview like we see in the Greek islands.
What I mostly hate about Cyprus is…
How when something does well a month later you’ll see another 10 places like it. Also how Cypriots think more is better.
My favourite restaurant on the island…
Very difficult question and the answer is…it depends. I love everything authentic and unpretentious. My worst kind of place is somewhere where it’s a copy of something successful, a place without a concept, a place without consistency.
My biggest guilty pleasure…
Cheeseburger with a fried egg on top, triple fried chips on the side with lots and lots of ketchup.
Why is it in English and not Greek?
Mainly to be used by tourists as well as locals. I do have plans to have the Greek option as well sometime in the future.
Remember to follow me on Instagram (@cypriotandproud) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Cypriot.Proud/)