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Sept. 7 & 8: Welcome to Greek Fest! By Janine Pumilia
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t’s that time of year when the people of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 108 N. 5th St., Rockford, roll out the welcome mat and offer delicious food, music, dance and other fun as they celebrate all things Greek. There’s a lot to celebrate! Ancient Greece is the birthplace of western civilization, after all. One of many great aspects of Greek culture is its welcoming attitude, says Anne Panos, lifetime member of the church and a longtime Greek Fest organizer. “Hospitality is an important part of Greek culture,” says Panos. “We like to share our cuisine and socialize. We think our downtown Rockford location is perfect for that. It’s always a fun time for us to welcome guests and also to re-connect with each other and our own ancestry. It’s
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Smart Living Weekly
also a good time for our younger generations to learn about our traditions.” This year’s Greek Fest is Saturday and Sunday Sept. 7 & 8. Admission is free. Another wonderful Greek tradition is distinctive and tasty cuisine. Among the many offerings: • Gyros, a blend of seasoned beef and lamb, onions, tomato and tzatziki sauce (yogurt, cucumber and garlic) cradled in a warm pita bread. • Pastitsio, a layered, baked macaroni and ground beef dish topped with béchamel sauce. • The Souvlaki Platter, tender grilled pork kabobs nestled in rice pilaf. • Athenian Chicken, a split breast with olive oil, lemon, and savory spices served with rice pilaf, Greek salad and warm pita bread.
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• Loukaniko, a seasoned Greek sausage served with tzatziki sauce in warm pita bread. • Greek Salad, with cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, Kalamata olives and feta cheese. • The Combination Platter, comprised of one Athenian chicken breast plus your choice of souvlaki or loukaniko sausage served with rice pilaf, Greek salad and warm pita bread. • Saganaki, which is kefalotyri cheese seared on the grill, then flamed with brandy and topped with fresh lemon. At the Greek Fest bakery, you’ll find loukoumades, a fried dough drenched in honey and topped with powdered sugar, cinnamon and/or walnuts, and baklava sundaes. “It’s very relaxing to come get a
