Renowned chefs and colleagues from Greece’s culinary world have paid heartfelt tributes to Vefa Alexiadou, the beloved “national cook” of Greece, following her passing on Monday at age 91.
Figures such as Elias Mamalakis, Lefteris Lazarou, Maria Loi, and Vasilis Kallidis shared their condolences and memories on various television programs, honouring her legacy as a trailblazer in Greek gastronomy.
Lefteris Lazarou expressed his sorrow in an interview with Ant1, reflecting on her life and hardships.
“Life was not particularly kind to her; she lost two children. Despite her misfortunes, I want to believe she departed fulfilled by the recognition and legacy she achieved,” Lazarou said.
Maria Loi struggled to hold back tears during her tribute on Star TV: “I want to thank Vefa from the bottom of my heart. Today, I wore the scarf she loved as a gesture of gratitude,” she said, visibly emotional.
Chef Vasilis Kallidis highlighted Alexiadou’s influence on modern Greek cuisine.
“Vefa paved the way for all of us chefs who now engage with media,” Kalidis said.
“She brought the first touch of glamour to cooking and introduced it to television. To me, she was like an aunt—a radiant, elegant figure who captivated the nation.”
Eleni Psychouli also stressed Alexiadou’s unparalleled contribution to Greek gastronomy.
“What can you say about this woman? She was a symbol of culinary excellence. I believe she surpassed even Tselementes [a legendary Greek chef].”
Chef Elias Mamalakis spoke candidly about Alexiadou’s later life, suggesting she deserved a period of rest after a lifetime of achievements.
He also recalled a bittersweet moment surrounding her final book launch, where many in the culinary world did not attend.
“Months ago, she released what could be called her diary, her last book. She invited much of Athens’ culinary community, but few showed up. Some claimed they were busy, while others dismissed her because she was no longer a TV star. That’s human nature, unfortunately,” Mamalakis said.
Vefa Alexiadou remembered
Βorn Genovefa Voulgari in the central city of Volos in 1933, Alexiadou studied chemistry at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and initially worked as a scientific equipment sales representative.
She published her first cookbook in 1980 and went on to produce dozens of books and booklets, some of them translated into English, German and other languages.
“My friends pushed me to write a cookbook, because I was cooking so nice,” she said during an appearance on Martha Stewart in 2010.
Her TV career began in 1990 and spanned nearly 20 years on half a dozen stations in Greece and Cyprus.
A member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Alexiadou also founded a cookshop chain of nearly 30 outlets that folded in 2014 amid Greece’s debt crisis.
That same year, Alexiadou was struck by personal tragedy when her two daughters died within months of each other.
“I miss my girls. I would rather lose my fortune, everything, become a beggar but have my children back,” she told Antenna TV in 2018.
With AFP
