Business & Tech
ADVENTURES IN THE SOUTH SOUND: It's Greek To Me (Food That Is)
Take a delicious journey with Patch as we explore local Greek cuisine. Better yet, learn how to make your own version of a Greek food classic. Yum!
Last weekend marked the 50th Anniversary of the Greek Festival hosted by Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Tacoma.
This popular festival — which draws large crowds from all over Pierce County during its annual three day run every October — combines the elements of food, dancing and performances, shopping, and learning about Greek culture all under one roof.
The big crowd-pleaser at this festival overall: The abundance of wonderful Greek food.
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I had to get in on this.
Of course, my knowledge of the cuisine is relatively limited: feta cheese, olives, and salad.
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I got schooled. Happily, too.
Not only did I expand my food-eating delight, but also my education of Greek food in general. Let's start with fries.
That's right. Good ol' hot, crispy delicious fries. So, what's the big deal about that? Well, when it's Greek style, folks, it's definitely a big deal. Seasoned generously with oregano and topped with feta cheese - it was a taste sensation.(Better yet? My 10-year-old would not sample fries with green specks, so all the more for me!)
There's more. In fact, let here's the primer I got from the festival about some of the other food options there:
Gyros: A spicy and savory pressed meat served with tomatoes, onions, and Tsaziki sauce on warm pita bread.
Baklava: Walnuts and cinnamon layered between crispy and buttery phyllo leaves and drenched in a classic sweet syrup.
Greek salata: Green salad, Greek olives, tomatoes, topped with feta cheese and a Greek vinagrette.
Spanakopita: Spinach mixed with feta cheese and onions and baked in phyllo.
Calamari: deep fried fresh squid served with Skordalia sauce.
Add in speciality baked chicken, white fish, roast lamb, and other desserts done Greek style, you have an amazing array of food. (Note: to learn more about Greek food basics, click HERE). Add in some Greek coffee, wine, beer, or soda to wash it down with and you have a food lover's dream.
Sound interesting? Are you hungry? Good. Here's my absolute favorite little Greek food gem.
Dolmades are comprised of typically a rice and some kind of meat and stuffed in savory grape leaves. These simple and super versatile little nuggets of goodness can be adapted in so many ways. They can be made vegan or vegetarian, gluten free, and for the meat eater. Easy to make, they are terrific appetizers or pair it with a salad for a light and healthy supper.They can also be served hot or cool.
Would you like to learn how too? See the super fun and short video below and you too can make your own! First you will see pictures and assembly followed by the recipe. Enjoy the music in this, too!
Lucky for us, Greek restaurants are in our own backyard. Here are some local places to take a look at:
Gyro's Place (University Place)
It's Greek To Me (Tacoma)
Ikonos Real Greek Souvlaki (Gig Harbor)
Greek Cafe (Lakewood)