In an Australia we still remember, in each suburb and every country town, was the Greek café or milk bar – open all hours, 7 days a week.
Remember The Niagara, The Parthenon, The California, The Astoria and Paragon?
They gave us more than milkshakes, lollies, ice cream and home-style meals.
With Modernist designs, American gadgetry and coloured light, cafés brought atmosphere, a touch of glamour, at times a hint of Hollywood – a little break from the mundane reality of local life.
As the good old days faded away, Effy Alexakis and Leonard Janiszewski took their camera, tape recorder and pen into this vanishing world.
They captured the faces and stories, the style and the ethos that gave our popular culture one of its most memorable expressions.
Acclaimed actor Lex Marinos will try to convey some of our communities’ most inspiring stories.
The Sydney launch will take place at NSW Parliament House at 6.30 pm as part of the 2016 Greek Festival of Sydney, on Tuesday 15 March.
For further details or if you want to register early, please see the following website: www.greekfestivalofsydney.com.au/festival16/events/march/greek-cafés-and-milk-bars-of-australia.html
The duo will also be presenting a public lecture at the famous Paragon Cafe, Katoomba, on Sunday 3 April at 2.00 pm. Afternoon tea will be available for $12.
Copies of the book will be available from early April via www.cafesandmilkbars.com.au