BY
BILL BRADLEY
It's all Greek to me.
That is, the food, the music, the dancing and the venue, for
the annual Greek Festival happening this weekend from 4 pm
Friday continuing through to Sunday evening at the Hellenic
Centre, 486 Ester Rd. just south of the Four Corners, off Long
Lake Rd.
 The Hellenic Centre rises on the shores of sparkling St.
Charles Lake, the stately building a modern tribute to the
vitality of the Greek-Canadian community in Greater Sudbury.
It opened in the mid 1990s, catering to weddings, parties
and showers. It is able to accommodate more than 150 people,
said Greek Festival organizer Paul Vlahos.
"For the Greek festival, we get thousands of people showing
up every year. We have been doing it for 12 years, and we are
saying come on out and be Greek for the day, or for the whole
weekend," said Vlahos.
Greeks are notoriously passionate about life, he said.
The festival is well known for its food. Menu items include
the souvlaki dinner which is tasty chunks of pork served with
rice, potatoes and salad.
"Souvlaki originated far back in time when shepherds
skewered strips of meat on twigs over an open fire," said
Vlahos.
Then there is the chicken dinner-tender lemoned chicken, two
pieces served with rice, potatoes and salad.
"Traditional poultry lovers will relish this dish," said
Vlahos.
The adventuresome can sample the moussaka, one piece of
sliced eggplant combined with ground meat, spices and tomato
sauce topped with béchamel white sauce served with rice and
salad.
Then for someone who wants it all, there's the combo Greek
Fest: one piece of moussaka, one piece of chicken and one
souvlaki served with rice, potatoes and salad.
And of course there is the Greek pastry.
"For those with a sweet tooth, make sure you get some of
these treats, you won't be disappointed," said Vlahos.
Baklava is layer on layer of buttered filo (pastry sheet) and ground walnuts and almonds, topped with syrup.
Galaktoboureko is delicately flavoured custard baked in filo pastry with honey syrup. Koulourakia is the traditional Greek braided butter cookie. Kourabiethes is a mouth watering shortbread cookie dusted with icing sugar. And there is the karidopita, moist walnut cake with honey syrup.
"What you are tasting are treats enjoyed by many Mediterranean
peoples: Greeks, Syrians, Egyptians, it is like being there
yourself," said Vlahos.
To wash it all down there is Geek wine and Greek beer,
Mythos.
After a hearty meal, it is time for the entertainment.
Omega, aptly called, is a two-member bouzouki band from
southern Ontario. During the day on Saturday and Sunday, there
is a 12-member dance troupe, Odyssey from Ottawa comprised of
six boys and six girls. They will perform three shows.
"Come join us Greeks dancing in a circle, that is the
essence of being Greek," said Vlahos.
Restless children can be kept occupied by a series of
children's games and face painting outside in the children's
tent while the adults enjoy themselves inside.
And, just before it is time to leave, there is Greek coffee.
"It's similar to expresso, rich with the full bodied flavour of Greece herself. It will send you home very contented and so satisfied," said Vlahos.
