The Gerekou family, Angela’s ancestors, first arrived in Corfu centuries ago as fishermen. “They journeyed from Italy to Epirus, then to Souli, ultimately settling in what is now the Gerekou lagoon. They named this land the island of Gerekou,” shares Angela Gerekou, who spent her childhood on Corfu, a place filled with cherished memories. After studying in Italy, she returned with her husband, Tolis Voskopoulos, and their daughter Maria, relishing many joyful Easters and carefree summer holidays.
These treasured moments inspired her to create a unique coffee table book. “I wanted to embark on a journey through the familiar flavors of my life—that’s how this book came to be. It stemmed from a longing to return to my roots and explore the tastes embedded in my memories,” the author reveals. “While all senses are tied to memories, touches, sounds, and images fade, but scents linger in our minds. The taste of loukoumades with cinnamon and honey instantly takes me back to my childhood, wandering the old town of Agios Spyridon. Pastitsada with free-range rooster and sofrito bursting with garlic and parsley conjure images of family meals that unfold like scenes from a movie. The aroma of lemon chicken transports me to my grandmother’s kitchen in Kontokali, watching her cook while jasmine blooms outside. These memories serve as my guide; whenever I felt lost, I turned back to the tastes that shaped my life, learning to savor each moment through my mother and grandmother’s cooking. Each recollection weaves together, creating a book that feels more like a tangible family album, akin to those we cherished as children where we preserved our most valued memories.”
In her 175-page autobiographical coffee table book, “Flavors & Memories – From Thirty Corfiot Recipes of My Mother”, the president of EOT and well-loved actress takes us on a journey through her cherished island with exquisite photographs while sharing glimpses of her life. A notable chapter reflects on her time with the unforgettable performer and husband, Tolis Voskopoulos: “Tolis didn’t just love Corfu; it was almost as if he had adopted it as his second home. He was always eager to return to the island after our commitments. One summer, we sat in the Kontokali courtyard—me writing lyrics and him strumming his guitar to find melodies. It was our second year together, and his love for Corfu was already evident. After reading some of my lyrics, he was enthusiastic about creating songs together. We worked tirelessly, only pausing to savor Corfiot dishes like Bianco, which remains our daughter Maria’s favorite,” she reminisces.
“Shall I share something sweet about Tolis?” she asks. “Music was always a part of my family; my father was the first to own a record player in the village. I first heard Tolis’s voice in my early junior high years. As I mentioned in the book, his voice resonated with my soul, leading me to fall in love with it. Little did I know that years later, I would fall for the man and build a beautiful family together! Tolis cherished Corfu, often preferring to spend his time there—especially in his later years when professional demands lessened.”
Our conversation shifts back to her beloved daughter, Maria: “Whenever Maria visits Corfu, my mother prepares her favorite dish—macaroni brou-brou. Maria absolutely adores it. Watching my mother teach Maria recipes is heartwarming. Passing down knowledge and flavor is a way to preserve tradition. When we’re back in Athens, I often ask Maria to cook for me. There’s something incredibly comforting about ‘mom’s cooking’ that radiates warmth.”
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