The stars aligned for organisers of Perth’s Greek Glendi Festival last weekend, mother nature cooperating with a 28 degree day.
Thousands turned out to Russell Square in Northbridge to sample the best the Greek community had to offer from various regions of Greece, including traditional music and dance, delicious food, cooking demonstrations and even plate smashing for the added kefi.
Perth’s own celebrity chef, Peter Manifis took part once again, demonstrating seafood-inspired dishes. While South Australia’s pastry chef and TV presenter, George Diakomichalis took care of the sweets with his sought-after bougatsa.
In preparation for the event, Diakomichalis paid a visit to St Andrews Grammar School on Friday to get the students involved with the cooking and says he was extremely surprised by their enthusiasm.
“I walked into the kitchen together with 48 year 11 students and together we learnt how to make bougatsa. In all honesty, I didn’t expect the children to show so much interest in Greek cuisine. The effort they made to meticulously follow the recipes was really very touching,” the pastry chef told Neos Kosmos.
“I actually discovered some great talent among them.”
As trays of bougatsa baked in the oven, Darwin dance group OPA started the Glendi early with a performance in the school’s auditorium before the celebrations continued on Sunday without a hitch.
Festival-goers enjoyed the day’s entertainment while indulging in everything from moussaka to octopus with a glass of ouzo, along with sweet treats baklava, kourabiethes and melomakarona. The Cypriot community also got involved, serving up mouthwatering chicken and lamb on the spit. The event also coincided with the launch of the Castellorizian community’s cookbook From Our Greek Kitchen To Yours, accompanied by cooking demonstrations of featured recipes for attendees to observe and sample.
“Personally, I got so much positive energy and inspiration from the children themselves, and that alone made it worthwhile to make the trip to celebrate alongside the Greek community of Perth,” Diakomichalis said.
“The spring atmosphere was very festive and the positive energy and response from both the Greeks and Australians who attended, was for me, a boost of optimism and an escape from everyday life,” he said, adding that they are already discussing the program for next year’s Glendi.
Proceeds raised through the event are being donated to various not-for-profit organisations across the Greek Australian community.
To find out more about the Perth Glendi and stay informed about next year’s event, visit perthglendi.com.au, their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/perthglendi and Instagram: @perthglendi