How to eat Barbounia by Greg Birbilis

By far one of my favorite fish to eat is fresh caught and fresh fried Barbounia,
Crispy from head to tail.They are small and delicious…for you xeni, they are red mullets.

There is an old Greek expression that says, “The cats in Greece do not eat Barbounia, there is never anything left for them.”

I go with some Greek friends to a small place owned and run by a fisherman and his wife,
We eat there a couple of times a month.
Freshly caught Barbounia, a good Greek salad, Tsipouro, ice and water, best meze possible.
OK, before I get complaints, it is pretty good with Ouzo as well.

Obviously the place, like all Greek tavernas has its share of cats,
Although these are never pests and do not beg for scraps, especially if you have ordered Barbounia. How do they know?

We have many friends in the area and sometimes they join us, the men at least, since this is a man-thing.

They are not Greeks and they do not really know how to eat Barbounia.
They leave the heads and try to take the skin off, and all tails are left on their plate.
They even order beer…you guessed it, British.

The cats seem to know that these guys will leave some of their Barbounia, they probably hear them speak English.
My American accent keeps the cats away, just like Greek does.

For the best Barbounia and the smartest cats, go to Giorgo’s place, just do not speak English, especially with an British accent.