A Greek Recipe for Romance

The Greek setting was lovely and more intimate than most. I enjoyed that they found Greek actors to play the roles and in particular I thought Rafael Kariotakis was well cast in the leading man role. He was handsome and engaging, exactly what you want in a romantic film.

The story is about Abby who visits her mom Jackie in Greece after being laid off from her big New York job. An opportunity arises for Abby, but she doesn't have any restaurant experience...until she is hooked up with the local Theo. Theo is has to reopen his diseased mother's restaurant in two weeks or loose his permits and location. The two initially clash, but then really start to come together for this joint cause. Unfortunately, Theo's father has other plans for him back in Athens and he isn't afraid to use a little sabotage.

I thought the leads we a lovely couple...I would have liked to feel more chemistry. I loved the more intimate Greek backdrop, and I loved the scene when Abby is walking home with the camera behind her along the cobblestones, it was lovely.

I love to armchair travel and I think fellow hallmark romantics will also enjoy it for that.

This Hallmark romance takes us to Greece, where an American, Abby (Danielle C. Ryan), goes to visit her mother. While there, she meets Theo (Rafael Kariotakis), who wants to establish a new restaurant in the space his mother used to operate. Though his father has other plans for Theo, the young chef is encouraged by Abby, who becomes his partner. Still, Abby has plans to return to the U. S. after a few weeks.

This film is infused with Greek culture and sights, making for enjoyable visuals. And the Mediterranean food looks delicious. On the other hand, the central relationship appears more platonic than romantic, though Ryan does her best to signal an infatuation.

In the end, there are few surprises. Things work out as expected. And there are no nagging conversations about work visas or such.

6.9 stars.

What makes this film stand out? That's the question, considering how many seem interchangeable, particularly those set in Italy, Greece, and France-the romantic Mediterranean countries blending Western and Near Eastern cultures. These movies typically share common elements: food, music, culture, an American protagonist, and a charming foreign love interest. While you can mix these ingredients differently, the films in this collection often feel too alike to offer a unique or captivating experience beyond their familiar entertainment value. It lacks the excitement or novelty to truly refresh. I crave something more daring-not Spain, Italy, Greece, or Paris, nor some fictional Anglo-inspired realm. How about the Middle East, or even Turkey? Imagine sending one of our beloved Hallmark stars to Constantinople or a similarly exotic locale. It's time to embrace a bold change and explore new horizons.

This storyline feels all too familiar-a tale of an American woman in Greece who encounters a somewhat aloof billionaire's son, determined to conceal his privileged background. Intrigued by him, she discovers he's an exceptional Greek cuisine chef, making him the ideal partner to launch a restaurant and boost her career. Yet, his reluctance to reveal his secrets and adapt to the challenges of restaurant ownership presents obstacles. Meanwhile, her character lacks depth beyond their discussions on food, taste, decor, and olive oil. While I appreciate the actress's charm, the lack of dramatic tension leaves this romance feeling unbalanced.

Last week I enjoyed, "Savoring Paris" and this week's movie in the series, "Passport to Love" was another enjoyable movie.

Although I haven't traveled yet to Greece, the scenery, the food, and the people reminded me of my favorite Greek restaurants over the years. The people are gracious hosts and the food is amazingly delicious. The movie captured the culture that we have experienced in Greek restaurants in the U. S. The leads in this movie were believable. I am thoroughly enjoying seeing the scenery in these Passport films. The conversations that the main characters have seem honest and believable.

Thank you, Hallmark for bringing differing world cultures to us in the U. S. I hope we can travel to Greece someday, but until then this movie has helped bring a bit of Greece to us.

I have always wanted to go to Greece & this gave me a beautiful, albeit brief, glance at the beautiful country, customs, & culture.

Unfortunately, that's about it. I could barely get past the actress who plays the mom's stiff acting (& how many times can you say, "YANNI"!?) or the fact that the makeup artist made the lead actress' face an entirely different color than her body. The ancillary characters were annoying as well, except for the mom's boyfriend who was fine & sweet.

The lead actor is beyond attractive & a decent performer, so I wouldn't mind seeing him again in some movies. The end.