It soothes the soul -- My love for Greek Food and how to get your "fix" in Lancaster PA

Food that soothes....

I love Greek food. Granted, I am a Greek girl and was raised on this delicious gastronomic cuisine of my forefathers (and foremothers to give credit where credit is due). I remember as a young girl thinking that the lasagne at my italian girlfriend's house tastes okay, but it didn't beat the creamy bechamel sauce and cinammony meat mixture of my mother's Pastichio. Now that was flavor!

In June '07, while in Greece with my husband and younger son for three weeks (before my 'accidental tourist' trip back for another several weeks in August were I lived like a true native) we had our fill of the delicious local cuisine. We made it a point to eat where the locals eat, and to pass on the touristy places. We ate at the "tavernas" where you order lamb chops by the kilo, cooked over a real charcoal grill. We ate at the local "psaro-tavernas" -- fish taverns -- where they grilled the catch of the day whole for you. The grilled octopus, hanging out to dry in the salty air, was always a treat. Mmmm..... anyway....

If you are a lover of Greek food and are in the Lancaster area this Saturday, November 1st, or Sunday, November 2nd, you have to make it a point to stop by the:

• Greek Food Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, located at 64 Hershey Avenue, Lancaster.

Okay, there is no grilled octopus at the Annunciation Greek Food Bazaar, but the menu does include the ever tasty "souvlaki" and Greek style baked chicken. There are also the staple side dishes, such as "dolmathakia" -- grape leaves stuffed with rice -- my all time favorite "pastichio" - and an array of extras and desserts, including "baklava" and "loukoumathes" or honey balls.

Rounding off the food bazaar are other cultural activities, such as Greek music and folk dancing. When my children were little, they participated in the folk dancing, practicing twice a week and travelling to perform in other communties and events. They were also helpers -- the honey ball runners -- as the young children had the task of delivering the fresh, hot loukoumathes from the fryer to the waiting customers. It was a wonder those honey balls made it without sticky fingers trying them out!

You can also shop at the bazaar, as there will be shops set up where you can purchase Greek delicacies to take home with you, Greek jewelry (a favorite!), as well as Greek Orthodox Icons. There will also be tours available of the Annunciation church for whoever might be interested.

This is the 50th Anniversary of the Greek Food Bazaar being held at Annunciation Church. The first Greek Christians came to Lancaster in 1921, and purchased their first church building about 20 years later. They held their first bazaar in 1958, and it has become a favorite annual event ever since.

-- Can't make it to the Greek Food bazaar?? --

Then you might want to try the Red Rose Restaurant, located at 101 E King Street, Lancaster City, PA.

The last Friday of every month is dedicated to Greek Night, with real authentic Greek cuisine. I'm not talkin' just a gyro like you can find in any corner diner (although there are several in Lancaster and I will post about those one day). I am talking about authentic Roast Leg of Lamb, Moussaka, Kokinisto, and a variety of other selections and desserts.

Interested in some of the Annunciation Church Greek Food bazaar recipes? You can find some in this Lancaster Newspaper article.

Kali Oreksi (Bon Apetite!)

(and yassou to my new Greek A/R friend, Meli!)