A TOUCH OF SPICE

A TOUCH OF SPICE
 The original Greek title is Politiki Kouzina which means Cuisine of Constantinople. However, the word Politiki could mean Political Cuisine signifying the important role that politics played in the lives of the main characters. Fanis Iakovides, professor of astronomy and astrophysics, recalls his childhood memories from growing up in Istanbul. When Fanis was 7 years old, his grandfather Vassilis was an owner of a general store with a specialty in spices. He was also a culinary philosopher and his mentor. Fanis grew very attached to his grandfather who would assist with his homework using imaginative techniques. For instance, Vassilis would teach his grandson the planets of the Solar System by showing an illustration of it and replacing the planets with spices. Cinnamon took the place of Venus since according to Vassilis, "like all women, cinnamon is both bitter and sweet". Fanis also fell in love for the first time in his grandfather store's upper floor with a young Turkish girl, Saime. However, Fanis and his parents were deported to Athens. Fanis had trouble initially adapting in Greece, constantly trying to spend his time in the kitchen, as it was the only link between him and his homeland. However, this would upset his mother who was afraid that the boy was either severely depressed or a homosexual. Fanis grew from childhood to adulthood, preserving his culinary talents and often offering his secrets of the Politiki Cuisine to those that ask for his help. As the years passed by,  grandfather Vassilis made several promises to visit his grandson in Athens but failed to keep them. Fanis returns to Istanbul after three decades to visit his near-death grandfather and also runs into his old love, Saime, who is now married. Together, they reflect on their lives and Fanis will eventually realize that he forgot to put a little bit of spice in his own life.

Starring	Georgios Chorafas Ieroklis Michaelidis Renia Louizidou Basak Koklukaya Tamer Karadagli Stelios Mainas Athinodoros Proussalis

1. What is the main character's name in Politiki Kouzina?
a. Fanis
b. Kostas
c. Manolis
d. Yiannis

2. Who plays the leading role?
a. Katrakis
b. Chorafas
c. Konstantaras
d. Alexandrakis

3. Where did Fanis spend his early childhood ( up to seven years )?
a. in Thessaloniki
b. in Constantinoupoli
c. in Athens
d. in Crete