Why Can't You Get Greek Potatoes in the Greek Islands?

Five weeks in the Greek islands- Kos, Patmos, Samos, Syros, Naxos, Santorini and Crete- and I haven’t seen a single Greek potato. I’d estimate that I’ve eaten about 30-40 meals in restaurants and, sadly, nearly every one of them has included French Fries, but no Greek potatoes.  I don’t know what it is about tavernas in the Greek islands but they all have essentially the same menu, and every dish comes with French fries. Ask for them to substitute a healthier potato option and they’ll look at you like you just asked for them to serve you Paris Hilton’s big toe on a plate.

It makes me wonder: are Greek potatoes simply an American invention? I don’t know but Greeks sure love their fried potatoes. According to France 24, and other media outlets, there’s a Potato Revolution going on Greece right now.  Hard hit by the economic crisis, Greeks are buying sacks of potatoes straight from farmers to save money.  But I have no idea why Greek restaurateurs insist on frying them. Maybe someone can enlighten me. I shudder to think what my cholesterol is at after eating French fries nearly every day for more than a month.