You don’t have to travel to Greece to Live Greek!
The Greek Food Festival of Dallas brings to life the flavors, sights, sounds and traditions that make Greece one of the world’s favorite destinations.
“We work year-round to ensure authentic experiences that make each festival more memorable than the last,” said Fr. Christopher Constantinides, head priest at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 13555 Hillcrest Road at Alpha. “There is always something new and this year is no exception, so please join us and Live Greek! – if only for a weekend.”
Once again, Opa! Hour on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. will open the festival with half-price admission, contests, prizes, Greek dancing and new this year, the Festival Taverna. The iconic taverna is part of Greek culture, a place to escape for good food, spirited discussion and, when inspiration calls, dance. On Friday only in the Festival Taverna, enjoy wine flights and guided tastings through a variety of regions in Greece.
This year’s festival organizers are saying “Opa!” to Feta Bites, panko crusted feta cheese, fried golden brown and served with a side of roasted fig jam or orange marmalade glaze. The delightful morsels are making their debut this year. Last year’s new hit – grilled leg of lamb sliders – will be back, along with menu favorites such as chicken oreganato, souvlaki, gyros, dolmas, pastitso, spanakopita, tiropita and Greek salad.
On the sweet side, look for the traditional array of Greek coffee, frappes, baklava sundaes and honey-drenched cinnamon-sprinkled loukoumades. Delicious pastry options are ready to savor and packaged to go in the Agora, where aisles overflow with imports, jewelry, art and artifacts, a fully stocked Greek market with fresh and frozen foods to go and Greek foodies starring in ongoing cooking demonstrations.
There are quieter, more cerebral festival experiences to be had. In the Hellenic Cultural Center, meet Dr. Nic, resident historian and scholar. A visit to the Holy Trinity bookstore will yield books about the Orthodox faith as well as icons, CDs, jewelry and gifts. Across the courtyard: ongoing tours of the church and its byzantine iconography and performances by the Holy Trinity Choir.
Don’t miss the festival dancers, a lively troupe of Holy Trinity parishioners who bring dance traditions from throughout Greece to life for audiences year-round. So inspired, guests are invited to unleash their inner Zorba to music by the band Thymios.
Rain or shine, the festival will run September 26 from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., September 27 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and September 28, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Festival admission is $6.00 (free for children 12 and under). Proceeds support Holy Trinity’s ministries, community outreach and youth programs. Visit www.GreekFestivalofDallas.com for further information and links to Face Book, Twitter and You Tube or call 972-991-1166.