At the Taste of Greece Festival, volunteers making authentic recipes by hand really put the “taste” in the festival’s name.
Sure, the annual event by St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Chandler features carnival rides, wine tastings, Greek music and Greek folk dances performed in traditional regalia. But there’s also tons of food — making it the perfect place to branch out from usual Greek favorites like spanakopita, gyros and baklava (all on the festival menu).
Among the specialties you’ll find: dolmathes (grape leaves stuffed with ground beef and rice and covered in an egg-lemon sauce), pastichio (baked macaroni and ground beef covered in béchamel sauce), loukaniko (a hearty sausage grilled with peppers and onions), melomakarona (a lightly spiced, honey-dipped cookie sprinkled with chopped nuts) and loukoumathes (sweet fritters or “doughnuts” drizzled with honey sauce).
A tip: Admission is free 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, making it a great spot to grab lunch away from the office.
• Contact writer: (480) 898-6818 or azajac@evtrib.com
DETAILS >> 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Tempe Beach Park, 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway. $3 adults, $2 seniors, free for kids younger than 12. (480) 899-3330 or atasteofgreeceaz.com.
azyiayia posted at 8:34 am on Tue, Apr 26, 2011.
This festival has become a major community event! Each year, more and more people go to enjoy the Entertainment, Feast on Authentic Foods, and Seek out Delicious Greek Pastries. Gather your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors and head on down. We did - and we wouldn't miss it for the world! There is an enclosed Dining Hall (new this year), rides for the kids, music, dancing, and food, food, food. The prices are reasonable and the quality is supreme. Colorful vendors offer lots of shopping opportunities. There's something for everyone! See you there!