Afterbite: "Food That’s Good for Our Soul and Inner Child"

Afterbite: "Food That’s Good for Our Soul and Inner Child"

Elias Christoforou speaks about redefining comfort food, the vibrant vibe of Afterbite at Larnaka Agora, sourcing quality ingredients, and fostering a passionate team.

Afterbite, a culinary gem nestled in the heart of Larnaka Agora, has won over customers with its unique vibe and elevated comfort food. Behind this creative concept is Elias Christoforou, a Le Cordon Bleu graduate with a résumé boasting stints at Michelin-starred establishments like Dinner by Heston and Geranium. Elias’s passion for crafting soul-warming dishes shines through in every bite, creating an experience that resonates with food lovers of all ages.

In his interview with FastForward, Elias opens up about the philosophy and vision behind Afterbite, revealing how his journey from Michelin kitchens to the bustling Larnaca Municipal Market shaped his culinary approach. Elias also delves into the team culture that drives the brand, the creative process behind menu innovation, and exciting plans for the future—all while celebrating the connection and joy that food brings to life.

Afterbite has gained a reputation for its unique vibe and comfort food. How would you describe the atmosphere and experience you aim to create at the Larnaka Agora location?

At our Larnaka Agora location, we create a vibrant and inviting space where the energy of the community shines through. Picture a modern twist on classic fast food—bold colors, lively music, and a casual ambiance that invites laughter and connection. It's the perfect backdrop for enjoying delicious burgers and fries made with top-notch ingredients, where every meal is a chance to savor life’s simple pleasures.

How does Afterbite reflect your personal culinary philosophy?

My culinary philosophy at Afterbite is all about giving classic comfort food a fresh, elevated twist. For me, food is all about bringing happiness and comfort.

My culinary philosophy at Afterbite is all about giving classic comfort food a fresh, elevated twist

I love creating dishes that feel familiar, but with a twist that surprises and delights. Every meal should remind you of something special, whether it’s a family memory while growing up or a fun memory from the past.

The menu at Afterbite combines comfort food with innovation. Can you share the creative process behind designing the dishes?

Designing our menu is a thrilling journey of experimentation and inspiration. Following my training and working past from Michelin star restaurants,I combine all techniques and knowledge and just make a combination of food that's good for our soul and inner child. We take what’s fresh and in season and play with traditional comfort food to create something new and exciting. Plus, we love hearing what our customers think to keep improving!

How do you ensure the quality and consistency of ingredients in a busy environment like Afterbite? Do you collaborate with local suppliers?

 At Afterbite, quality is non-negotiable. We work closely with local suppliers who share our commitment to excellence, ensuring that each ingredient we use is fresh and prime.

Sourcing the best accessible ingredients—for example, our beef, which is sourced from the best farms in the USA, Creekstone Farms USDA from Arkansas

Sourcing the best accessible ingredients for example our Beef which is sourced from the best farms of the USA , Creekstone Farms USDA from Arkansas. Even in the fast-paced world of quick service, we maintain strict standards in our kitchen to deliver consistent flavors and quality in every bite.

The team plays a crucial role in delivering the Afterbite experience. How do you train and motivate your staff to maintain exceptional service and culinary standards?

Our team is our heartbeat, and we believe in fostering a positive and energetic culture. We train our staff not only in skills but also in the art of connection—encouraging them to engage with customers and create memorable experiences. By celebrating teamwork and recognizing individual efforts, we cultivate a passionate crew who shares our love for great food and exceptional service. It's all about team effort. from the lowest to highest ranking. Every individual plays a vital role in our expansion and day to day operations.

Larnaka Agora is a vibrant and diverse space. How does the location influence the food and vibe of Afterbite and are there any upcoming menu additions, events, or initiatives you’re excited to share with us?

Located in the vibrant Larnaka Agora, we capture the spirit of the local scene in our offerings. We embrace the diversity of flavors and cultures found here, integrating that energy into our menu. We have exciting new burgers and special promotions on the horizon that celebrate local ingredients and bring the community together around good food and fun events.

We have exciting new burgers and special promotions on the horizon that celebrate local ingredients and bring the community together around good food and fun events

At Afterbite, we’re all about creating a deliciously modern burger experience that’s fast, fresh, and full of personality.

What: Afterbite

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Who: Elias Christoforou began his culinary journey at Le Cordon Bleu London in 2013, where he developed a deep passion for cooking. He honed his skills in some of London's renowned Michelin-starred restaurants, including The Goring, Dinner by Heston, and Hide, with a particularly memorable experience at Geranium in Copenhagen. Afterbite, which started as a ghost kitchen in Limassol, has grown under his vision and is now thriving at the Larnaca Municipal Market. For Christoforou, food is about connection. He believes that many cherished memories are created over a meal, whether during a quiet breakfast at dawn or a lively dinner with friends. He sees food as a universal language, a means of expressing emotions and sharing stories. Recognizing the demanding nature of his profession, Christoforou emphasizes the dedication and sacrifice it requires. He often spends more time with his team than with his family, but he values the close-knit bond they share, which makes the hard work worthwhile. Together, they strive to create a supportive and uplifting environment in every service. And, for a touch of personality—Christoforou has a soft spot for a good pair of Happy Socks!

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