If you want to learn more about the Mykonian food culture and embark on a journey of exquisite tastes, Lifestyle Cooking created by talented chef Teo Iliopoulos is a fascinating concept that introduces guests to authentic and traditional flavours from this famous Cycladic island.
Born in 1978, on a farm in the southern region of Greece, Teo, the son of a market gardener, was raised to respect working with the soil and its natural produce.
From a very early age, Teo developed his fine tastes and quickly learned to appreciate fresh, organic, ingredients, and was taught how to preserve and of course, cook with them. It came as no surprise that his ambition was to become a chef and credits his early childhood and major influence from his father, for his major culinary success.
Arriving in Mykonos as an ambitious 17-year-old, Teo has now become highly sought-after personal chef by celebrities, socialites and international visitors who are seeking a unique gastronomical experience that will remain with them for years to come.
Known not only for his unique bohemian style, Teo has created innovative cooking concepts reflecting Mediterranean influences and says some of his favourite ingredients to work with are “thyme, tomatoes, figs, prickly pears, and obviously everything the sea has to offer.”
Teo is the Head Chef and founder of his company Lifestyle Cooking, leading his team of dedicated food specialists, who also enjoy catering to every aspect of their guest’s culinary journey in Mykonos. Personalized menus, seafood/oyster events, BBQ parties, private cooking lessons, or even live cooking demonstrations on a private beach; there is no gastronomic experience Teo and his staff won’t do.
One of the most popular services that Teo provides is an unforgettable, live and authentic Greek cooking experience at Rhenia, an inhabitant island next to Delos, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Rhenia is famous for its crystal clear waters, ancient temple ruins and high energy levels. It is a unique natural paradise, worth seeing while you visit Mykonos. Teo and his team of professional chefs take guests by boat from Mykonos to the famous Rhenia island and allow you to explore the beach, swim, sunbathe and enjoy the delicious live-cooked recipes. You will be able to savour the fresh sea urchin, shrimps, sea bass, fresh fish on the grill, or lobster.
It is an unforgettable and unique experience that can be enjoyed by groups of friends, or enjoyed by the entire family. Otherwise, you can also hire Teo and his team as your personal chef during your stay in Mykonos, where they will prepare you breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner at your villa, or if you are staying at a hotel without a kitchen, they also offer delivery straight to your room.
Using ingredients picked from a private farm, Teo’s customised healthy breakfast includes fresh juices, yoghurt with homemade (strawberry, orange, blueberry, peach) jam, or honey with cinnamon and granola.
They also create homemade pasta ( tagliatelle, ravioli, macaroni) and you can watch Teo and his team prepare the pasta and cook it right in front of you.
High on the list of guests’ favourites are the seafood recipes reflecting the Mediterranean Sea, including all fish, oysters, shrimps and lobsters, which are caught in the morning by local fishermen. And Teo also has a range of Kocher vegan, traditional Greek recipes and of course, is more than happy to create a personal menu to suit all tastes and preferences.