Letters: In search of a lost 'Love'

Mr. Dowd:

While on a college trip to Greece in the early '70s, I purchased a liqueur on the island of Rhodes called "Love of Rhodes." It was supposedly made from 50 different flowers and or herbs and was a beautiful shade of violet.

I've done many Google searches and have not been able to locate any info on it. Can you help me? Thanks!

Christine VanUllen

Dear Christine:

It sounds as if you came across one commercial example of a Greek treat usually known by a French term -- Parfait Amour. It's a sweet, citrus-based liqueur infused with a variety of spices such as coriander and floral extracts, particularly from the Parma violet.

Most other Greek liqueurs such as ouzo and mistra tend to run to pale yellow, gold or light greenish colors.

While I can't guarantee the Parfait Amour is what you're seeking, it is available at many high-end spirits shops as well as online vendors.

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(Note: For you armchair travelers, here is a capsulized timeline and photo gallery of Rhodes, the largest of Greece's Dodecanese Islands.)

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