Taste Life With Me

Through flavours, travels, stories and memories that make life rich

COOK WITH ME

Browse Recipes

ABOUT ME

Read My Story

Why Join a Retreat

Tired of complicated travel planning? Longing for authentic experiences without the stress of organizing every detail?

Join a small group of no more than 14 like-minded food lovers for an expertly curated culinary adventure in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re traveling solo or as a couple, you’ll discover authentic flavours, learn hands-on cooking techniques, and explore local culture with confidence and ease.

Return home with new skills, wonderful memories, and perhaps a few new friends too.

Upcoming Retreats
Greece Culinary & Wellness Retreat (Crete)

Greece Culinary & Wellness Retreat (Crete)

23 - 30 June 2026
2 Places Remaining
Morocco Culinary and Cultural Retreat (Marrakech)

Morocco Culinary and Cultural Retreat (Marrakech)

31Jan - 7 Feb 2027
Limited Places Available
Morocco Culinary & Wellness Retreat (Agadir)

Morocco Culinary & Wellness Retreat (Agadir)

10–17 Nov 2026 – Sold out
17–24 January 2027 – Limited Places Available
UK Retreat (Cumbria Reunion)

UK Retreat (Cumbria Reunion)

April 2027
Register your interest
Italy Culinary and Heritage Retreat (Sicily)

Italy Culinary and Heritage Retreat (Sicily)

October 2027
Register your interest
ABOUT ME

Read My Story

About me

I’m Irini Tzortzoglou, a Greek-born chef and winner of MasterChef UK 2019, passionate about blending my Cretan food heritage with a love of cooking, culture, and human connection. I grew up in a small village in Crete and spent over 30 years in London before reinventing my life around food after MasterChef. Since then, I’ve become an author, olive oil and honey sommelier, columnist, and host of culinary retreats. Based in the Lake District, I lead food-focused retreats in Greece, Morocco, and beyond, where I celebrate storytelling, shared meals, and the joy of cooking, while championing food as a source of memory, identity, and community.

Guest Experiences
“

Dear Irini, you gave us a marvellous week. It was so much better than I could have imagined, with every moment packed with fun, knowledge and friendship. Your organisational skills are superb. It couldn’t be better because of your passion, enthusiasm, care and values. Bravo!”

LCCrete Retreats
“

Absolutely one of my favourite holidays of all time — great food, new friends, amazing location and being spoilt rotten. I could not ask for anything more.

PH.CCrete Retreats
“

Thank you for all your hard work planning and presenting a superb view of Cretan culture and foods. Your recipes are sensational — I’m already planning Friday family dinners inspired by you!

Anne HCrete Retreats
“

Being on your October retreat was an amazing experience Irini. I cannot thank you enough for your energy, passion and love – the food wasn’t bad either!

Robert TCrete Retreats
“

This holiday has to be one of the best I’ve ever been on. Crammed full with gastronomic experiences, awe-inspiring visits, and the warmest hospitality from Irini and John

AnonSaga Holidays
“

Irini gave us not just cookery skills, but also an insight into Greek culture and life. Everything she arranged was excellent — a truly exceptional holiday.

AnonSaga Holidays
“

Irini is a bright light. Her storytelling, her joy, her knowledge of food and culture filled us up in every way — hearts, minds, and stomachs. I feel like I’ve made a close friend.

Becky DWayfinding Women
“

You are a joy to know and learn from. Thank you for sharing your love, your time, and your gifts. You are a true blessing

Julie VWayfinding Women
“

The perfect reset in the dark days of winter. Irini’s inspiring cookery sessions alongside Hilary’s Pilates created a week that was both productive and restorative. I came home rejuvenated and ready to take on the world.

Deborah D.L.Morocco Retreats
“

Such a fabulous time — stimulating, refreshing, and full of culinary and cultural discoveries. Thank you so much.

Diane CMorocco Retreats
COOK WITH ME

Browse Recipes

Recipes for every occasion
Grains, feta & spiced tomato cabbage rolls

Grains, feta & spiced tomato cabbage rolls

There’s something special about cooking with ingredients grown by the hands of people who care. Vegetables lifted fresh from a friend’s garden or a local allotment seem to hold more…
Festive Mandarin and white chocolate truffles

Festive Mandarin and white chocolate truffles

These little truffles capture everything I love about winter: bright citrus, warming aromas and a touch of indulgence without ever feeling heavy. When mandarins are at their sweetest and most…
Griddled Plum & Mozzarella Tart with Anchovy Gremolata

Griddled Plum & Mozzarella Tart with Anchovy Gremolata

I mixed some grated Kefalotyri with the cream cheese because I love that it becomes gooey when it cooks but Manchego, Gruyere  or a dried goats cheese would work well.…
Insights & Inspiration
My Spice Paste – A Creation with a Story

My Spice Paste – A Creation with a Story

Some ideas are born out of necessity, others out of inspiration. My Greek Aromatic Spice Paste came from both. When I was working on a recipe kit for Cookaway, I…
Yiayia Gin: A Toast to Grandmothers

Yiayia Gin: A Toast to Grandmothers

Yiayia Gin began with a simple conversation and has grown into something extraordinary. A collaboration with Zoe at Shed One Distillery, it recently won Gold at the 2024 Great British…
More Than a Meal

More Than a Meal

Have you ever wondered why that bottle of ouzo you brought back from Greece still sits unopened on your shelf? Or why the preserved lemon jar you were so excited…
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