All About the Greek
Just in case you missed it, this weekend hosted Australia’s biggest and longest-running Greek festival, Paniyiri.
In an array of blue and white, every Greek (and everyone who wishes they were Greek) made their way to Musgrave park to celebrate everything from Loukoumades to the Zorba, and everything in between!
Being the prime opportunity to travel to the Mediterranean, Paniyiri didn’t disappoint, with edible offerings of all the things we know and love, plus those delectables that are far harder to pronounce than they are to devour.
Dolmades, Baklava, Bougatsa, Moussaka, and, to top it off, Trigona Panoramatos (try saying those five times fast), we didn’t let the unpronounceable titles turn us off trying all of them, with no regrets. And, of course, once we’d eaten our weight in food, The Hellenic Dancers were there to help high kick it all off, as they led us in the most joyous of traditional dancers til all hours in the night.
The unmissable event was the biggest it has ever been, with the Delphi Bank Plateia extension. Donned with Greek flags and clay pots, the Plateia was like taking a step into a Greek village. Exploring the Kafenion (café), Zaharoplasteio (sweet shop), and of course the Taverna (wine bar), all with the picturesque backdrop of the glorious white buildings of the Greek Islands, the welcomed addition made for the perfect touch one of Brisbane’s favourite festivals.
If you missed Paniyiri, here’s where to get your Greek on while we wait for next year to roll around.
Zeus Street Greek
Based at Southbank (with more stores opening soon!), Zeus thrives on their philosophy of food – aiming to change the Australian perception of the beloved ‘souvlaki’ from a greasy late night hang-over cure, to a healthy flavoursome meal. Taking pride in their community-oriented outlook, Zeus uses fresh Australian produce to put quality Greek food on the table. To top it off, they also deliver!
What to try: Stavros Stavrou (Haloumi Pita), Feta and Oregano Chips, and Chocolate Loukoumades for dessert.
Lefkas Taverna
Bringing authentic Greek feasts to Brisbanites, Lefkas strives to tell their story through the food they serve. Through the sights, smells, tastes, and arguably the best accompanying wine list in Brisbane, that come out of this little restaurant in West End, guests are taken on a whirlwind of mediterranean experiences with some of the most traditionally prepared Greek food the city has to offer.
What to try: Chatapodi Psito (Grilled Octopus), Lamb Souvla, and their traditional Moussaka
Ouzeri
Whisking their customers away to their ideal Mediterranean destination, Ouzeri is accentuated with the iconic Greek blue, immediately assuring the authenticity of a true Greek feast. With the added bonus of being able to cater for all dietary requirements, all their guests can experience the true Greek cuisine.
What to try: Ouzeri’s – Mezethes Platter, Spanakopita, and of course their infamous Baklava
Opa!
