Vegan Visionaries: The Culinary Renaissance of Apanemi

In the heart of Mykonos, the distinguished Apanemi Restaurant at Mykonos Theoxenia hotel unveils a culinary revolution. Within the walls of this iconic five-star destination, Chef Jerome Serres and Yiannis Baxevanis are pioneering a vegan renaissance in Mediterranean cuisine
Picture of Mike Jennings

Mike Jennings

Food & Drinks Contributor at The Executive Magazine | Entrepreneur | Michelin Star Private Chef to UHNWs

The acclaimed Apanemi Restaurant at the Mykonos Theoxenia hotel, revered for its enduring legacy and part of the esteemed Exclusive Collection by Louis Hotels, unveils a groundbreaking venture in vegan haute cuisine, conceived by the eminent chef duo Jerome Serres and Yiannis Baxevanis. Nestled in a location embraced by the Greek Ministry of Culture, the five-star establishment captivates with its harmonious blend of classic Hellenic spirit and contemporary refinement, an integral element of Design Hotels.

In the sanctum of Theoxenia Mykonos’s Apanemi, Serres and Baxevanis orchestrate a culinary spectacle that marries the essence of Greek tradition with a zestful Mediterranean flair, offering a bespoke a la carte selection alongside a meticulously designed Mediterranean degustation menu. This season marks the inception of a novel vegan menu, elevating the paradigm of plant-based gastronomy and endorsing the property as a coveted destination for discerning travellers.

Leading this initiative, Jerome Serres, whose expertise is garnished with Michelin-starred acclaim, infuses his creations with an acute emphasis on “seasonality,” adeptly interweaving the freshest local produce with his signature citrus-infused ethos. His allegiance to the Mediterranean Greek essence, a philosophy enshrined within the walls of Theoxenia, is evident in his substitution of traditional butter with premium extra virgin olive oil.

Yiannis Baxevanis, affectionately hailed as the “Magician of Aromatic Herbs,” stands as a guardian of the Hellenic culinary narrative. His dishes reflect an intrinsic reverence for ancestral wisdom, showcased through an unwavering dedication to indigenous ingredients and a collaborative spirit with local artisans.

The duet’s vision is brought to fruition by the distinguished Antonia Konomi, a chef with over twenty years of professional prowess. Having synergised with Serres and Baxevanis for seven years, Konomi’s devotion to sustainability and the bounty of the Aegean landscape is palpable in her cuisine, distinguished by the inclusion of wild sea fennel and nettles amongst other locally foraged greens.

Apanemi, set against the iconic backdrop of Mykonos’s windmills and the Agios Charalambos church, promises an immersive experience where gastronomic innovation is matched by breath-taking vistas. This sublime alliance of inventive fare and curated wine pairings sets the stage for an ambience nothing short of extraordinary, crafting unforgettable moments for the global executive gastronome.

Continue reading