GREEK FESTIVAL IS ALL ABOUT THE FOOD, THOSE SMILING FACES.Byline: Lisa M. Sodders Staff Writer NORTHRIDGE - Newlyweds Alex and Angela Constantino were cuddled over a plate of pastitsio - a Greek meat and pasta dish - Saturday at the Valley Greek Festival A Greek festival or Greek Fest is an annual celebration of Greek culture presented by many ethnic Greek-American communities and organization in the United States and Canada, particularly Greek Orthodox churches. . The Filipino couple had bought all of their bridesmaids' gifts at the festival last year and came back this year just to feast on the annual fair's food, pastries and coffee. ``We were waiting for this all month,'' said Alex Constantino, 28, of Northridge. ``It's not just for Greeks; it's open to everybody.'' With music, dancing, vendors and activities for children, more than 50,000 people are expected to attend over the festival's three days. But perhaps the biggest draw is the food. Among the tasty treats being snapped up by festivel-goers were traditional grape leaves stuffed with rice, souvlaki Noun 1. souvlaki - made of lamb souvlakia kabob, kebab, shish kebab - cubes of meat marinated and cooked on a skewer usually with vegetables , spanakopita spa·na·ko·pi·ta n. A Greek spinach pie made with layers of phyllo and a filling of seasoned spinach, onions and scallions, feta, and sometimes eggs. (a spinach and cheese pie), gyros This article is about the food dish. For other uses, see Gyro. Gyros or gyro (Greek: γύρος, "turning") (IPA: [ˈjɪːɹəʊ] and Greek sausage known as loucanico. ``It's like comfort food,'' said Farres Ayyad, 19, of Northridge. ``When you eat it, you feel good.'' ``All of this food has been passed down for generations, so it's like you're home in Greece,'' added his friend, Lorice Khoury, 12, who was there with her brother, Elias, 16, also of Northridge. Terri Vegos, 49, of Simi Valley Simi Valley (sē`mē, sĭm`ē), city (1990 pop. 100,217), Ventura co., SW Calif. in an oil, fruit, and farm region; laid out 1887, inc. 1969. , was eyeing the colorful pastries, particularly the powdered-sugar dusted kourambiedes, as passers-by purchased huge sampler sampler, sample piece of needlework or embroidery, of silk, cotton, or worsted, for the preservation of some pattern or as an example of the ability of a child or a beginner. In museums and private collections there are samplers dating from as early as 1643. boxes. ``You get powdered sugar all over the place; they're nice and messy, and not too sweet,'' she said. ``The baklava you need to have with a big glass of milk or a big cup of coffee.'' Mike Rudes, 22, of Northridge and Steve LeLong, 22, of Granada Hills, stopped at the festival to get lunch, hang out, and check out the pretty girls. Both said they liked being able to just drop in on a neighborhood festival and feel welcome. ``You go up to buy something and they greet you with a great big smile, and it's not like they just want your money,'' LeLong said. ``It's all about having a good time.'' Lisa M. Sodders, (818) 713-3663 lisa.sodders(at)dailynews.com IF YOU GO The Valley Greek Festival continues today and Monday, 1 p.m.-9 p.m., at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church stood across Liberty Street from the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City, USA. It was completely destroyed in the September 11, 2001 attacks when the South Tower collapsed. , 9501 Balboa Blvd., Northridge. Admission is free. For information, go to dailynews.com or call (818) 886-4040. CAPTION(S): 3 photos, 2 boxes Photo: (1 -- 3) Festivalgoers participate in a line dance to Greek music Greek music, the music of the ancient and modern inhabitants of Greece. Ancient Greek Music The music of ancient Greece was inseparable from poetry and dancing. It was entirely monodic, there being no harmony as the term is commonly understood. , top, during this weekend's Valley Greek Festival. Paul Alex, 11, of Simi Valley and his sister Melissa, 7, have their pictures taken with traditional Greek costumes, far left. At left, a volunteer dons a button that says it all during the annual event. Joe Binoya/Special to the Daily News Box: (1) IF YOU GO (see text) (2) MEMORIAL DAY CLOSURES |
|
||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion