Cypriot food is a blend of Greek and Turkish influences. Barbeque, salads, and Greek/Turkish coffee are very popular. Meze, appetizer plates that can be a full meal (similar to Spanish tapas) are a specialty of Cyprus. Salty halloumi cheese, lightly grilled and served hot, kebabs, olives or some feta cheese are just a few items you might see. The winemaking industry is ancient on Cyprus Limassol is at the center of wine country. The village of Omodos, a town built in the era of the Lusignan Crusaders around the Monastery of the Holy Cross, in the Troodos Mountains north of town, is home to a traditional wine press or linos. Local bottles of red and white, as well as glasses almost fresh from the press can be sampled. The Laona vineyard in the nearby village of Arsos offers tours of its facilities, as does the Kilani Winery, in the less-frequented Kilani village. In Limassol, the KEO brewing company offers tours of its facilities.
