Experience a Taste of Greece this month


In previous year's youth dancers have provided entertainment at the annual Taste. Reminder Publications submitted photo

EAST LONGMEADOW The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Luke in East Longmeadow welcomes the community during the weekend of Oct. 24-26 for its annual Taste of Greece. This popular event has become much anticipated by the public who seeks quality homemade Greek cuisine at a reasonable price in a festive and cultural setting.

The event features a rich sampling of all things Greek, from the ever popular cuisine and fine baked goods, to the spirit of community and celebrating. "We are all about celebrating our heritage and sharing that enthusiasm with our families, friends and community," Beatrice "Bea" Syner, co-chair of the yearly event, said. "Our parish works together for months ahead of time to prepare all of the food with recipes passed down through the generations." Syner added that only the freshest and highest quality available ingredients are used in the recipes from the sweet butter for the pastries to the ground beef for the pastistsio (pasta casserole) as well as the fresh fish and lamb shank cooked the day of the event.

The youth of the parish are excited and prepared to share what they love about their culture as well. A large group of about 20 youths ranging in ages from eight to 18 are members of the St. Luke Youth Dancers and they have prepared many traditional folk dances to entertain event goers both Friday and Saturday nights. Complete with traditional costumes and choreographed dances from many regions in Greece, these youth dancers are exciting and fun to watch and they encourage the public to join in and clap along with them. Syner said that the youth dancers are a highlight of the night, accompanied by a live Greek band featuring bouzouki players with guitar accompaniment by St. Luke parishioner, John Bonatakis. "You don't have to be Greek to enjoy The Taste of Greece," she said.

In between dining and dancing, event goers can do a little shopping for imported gifts and artifacts in the church's Agora (gift shop). Items such as clothing, artwork, jewelry, as well as food such as imported olive oil and honey will be available for purchase. "Many visitors come back every year to buy these special imported items to give as gifts for the holidays. They also know that our pastries and sweet breads freeze very well and are perfect for holiday entertaining," Syner said.

The Taste of Greece will be serving lunch and dinner Oct. 24-26. Admission and parking are free, menu items range in price from $6 to $15, and there will be a cash bar. An authentic cultural experience awaits you at St. Luke's Taste of Greece.