Maverick Chefs
How the minimum criteria of the responsible travel standard was met...
Economic responsibility
Greece is in a depression. Many talented people are jobless . Our aim is to facilitate local people in sharing the wealth of knowledge they possess – in teaching, collaborating and giving the students insight into a world they wouldn't have access to as normal tourists – and to be paid a decent wage for their time. All of the produce we buy is sourced from local, organic growers.
We are constantly active in fundraising for refugees in Greece and are currently trying to arrange a cross cultural cooking workshop with Syrian Refugees at Eleonas camp. We support a Roma family ( mother and 5 children ) and donate both money and time to Centrepoint and Crisis in London.
Environmental responsibility
We recycle/ compost everything possible. Our olive grove and vegetable gardens are completely organic. We have full organic status ( 7 years ) which can be checked with this Greek BIO reference number 21361090264/30.
We are located close to a Natura 2000 protected area and are involved in local programmes to protect the African Chameleon and support volunteers .
Social responsibility
Much of the content of our courses is dedicated to preserving local customs and culture – from foraging and naming the mant varieties of wild greens we collect with our guests, to baking in traditional wood-fired ovens, learning about local olive oil and wine production and visiting village tavernas to hear local musicians play Rembetika .