Opa!

     As mentioned previously, there are no native Bahamians.  It is a nation of immigrants.  So it is not surprising that their food also reflects the many different nationalities who live there.  Enjoying one of the most prosperous economies in the Western Hemisphere, the islands of the Bahamas attracts people seeking a better way of life for themselves and their families.

     For centuries sponge aquaculture thrived in the cays and reefs of the Bahamas.  By the end of the 19th Century one third of the households were dependent upon sponge harvesting for their livelihood with others relying on the associated work of clipping, sorting and packing sponges for export.  Other related industries thrived as well like shipbuilding and sail making.  Many spongers immigrated to places like Nassau, coming from the lands of the Mediterranean.  And to this day there remains a significant Greek population, the descendants of those original workers desperate for work in a depressed labor market overseas.

     But unfortunately in the 1930's disease decimated the commercially valuable species of sponges and by 1939 90% had succumbed to a lethal fungus.  Greek nationals had to find other ways to earn a living.  Being the clever and resourceful people that they are, one family purchased a two story property along Bay Street in Nassau, opening a jewelry store on the first floor and a restaurant, The Athena Cafe, on the second.  Both are very successful and there is no better place on all the islands to find a genuine authentic Greek meal.  And when business peaks during the noon hour, the main meal of the day, sales personnel from the jewelry store are summoned upstairs to help wait on tables!  The food there is as open and airy as the outdoor balcony dining room.  We enjoyed a sampling of their Greek salad on a damp and windy afternoon.  Take a look at their menu from their website at www.athenacafebar.com/

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