Greek Festival [Events]
2008 Jul 26
BakingBombshell - According to their website www.helleniccommunity.com the event runs this year from Thursday, August 14th thru Sunday, August 24th. Normally they only are "open" in the evening for dinner, but will be also doing lunch this year on Friday, August 15th.
Based on previous years, I can tell you this is a very busy place no matter which evening you are there (over the years I've probably been on every day of the week... weekends are definitely the most crowded... I now try to go Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday). I can't recall if you are available in the daytime, but if you are I would think that the Friday lunch might be a good bet for you and the kids. There might not be the whole festival running (perhaps no entertainment) but I would think it will be less busy than in the evening.
Based on previous years, I can tell you this is a very busy place no matter which evening you are there (over the years I've probably been on every day of the week... weekends are definitely the most crowded... I now try to go Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday). I can't recall if you are available in the daytime, but if you are I would think that the Friday lunch might be a good bet for you and the kids. There might not be the whole festival running (perhaps no entertainment) but I would think it will be less busy than in the evening.
2008 Jul 28
Tracinho - Greekfest is one of the "markers" of summer for me. It means we've reached mid-August. The whole event is a lot of fun, and the food is fantastic! It happens at the Hellenic Centre (next to the Greek Orthodox Church) on Prince of Wales Drive. Over the 10 day period the local Greek Community comes together to celebrate their Patron Saint. The huge parking lot at the Hellenic Centre is dedicated to the festival, and they errect several huge tents and a stage. People in the Greek Community donate their time, and business connections to make this event a huge success. All day long lambs are grilled in the traditional method over coals on a spit... over the 10 day period tons of meat is served. The menu choices are staggering (for an outdoor event)... Roasted Lamb, Moussaka, Souvlaki Platters, Gyros, Greek Salad as well as authentic appetizers, desserts and alcohol. In addition to a variety of soft drinks, there is bottled water, Greek Wine and yes Ouzo. Everything is manned by volunteers and the site is fairly clean (though crowded), the set up is long communal tables, so no doubt you'll meet new people. After eating you'll be expected to clean up your "own mess" and pitch-in, there are lots of garbage cans and recycling centres.
For entertainment there is Greek Musicians, Singers and Dancers. The "Zorba" show gives everyone an opportunity to dance "the Greek way". On top of this there are Cultural Seminars, Travelogues, Cooking Lessons, and even Greek Language Lessons. The Hellenic Centre has a variety of indoor displays including arts, handicrafts and representation by some local Greek merchants. The tent closest to the Church has a collection of authentic souvenirs from Greece (including jewellery, postcards, and statues of greek gods). This is also the location to purchase a ticket for the Annual Raffle... the prizes are excellent, and always include as a top prize a all-inclusive trip to Greece.
Once a day there is a tour of the Greek Orthodox Church (usually a French Tour is at 6:00 PM the English Tour at 7:00 PM). This is an absolute must do... the church is gorgeous, and distinctly different from other churchs in Ottawa. The parishioners who give the tours do a good job, and are very knowledgeable and can answer most questions.
In addition to all this, there is usually a small assortment of "kiddie rides" on the Prince of Wales side of the lot.
If you can get to the site by bus, that is recommended... if not parking happens on the residential side streets off Prince of Wales. Please be considerate of the homeowners in the area. And be very aware of the NO PARKING signs, oftentimes a street will only offer parking on one side of the road. These areas are well patrolled, and tickets are issued!
This festival is an favourite with Ottawans, 1000s of people return year after year. Man, I am so psyched writing this... I can hardly wait.
:-)
For more info, check out the website at: www.ottawagreekfest.com
For entertainment there is Greek Musicians, Singers and Dancers. The "Zorba" show gives everyone an opportunity to dance "the Greek way". On top of this there are Cultural Seminars, Travelogues, Cooking Lessons, and even Greek Language Lessons. The Hellenic Centre has a variety of indoor displays including arts, handicrafts and representation by some local Greek merchants. The tent closest to the Church has a collection of authentic souvenirs from Greece (including jewellery, postcards, and statues of greek gods). This is also the location to purchase a ticket for the Annual Raffle... the prizes are excellent, and always include as a top prize a all-inclusive trip to Greece.
Once a day there is a tour of the Greek Orthodox Church (usually a French Tour is at 6:00 PM the English Tour at 7:00 PM). This is an absolute must do... the church is gorgeous, and distinctly different from other churchs in Ottawa. The parishioners who give the tours do a good job, and are very knowledgeable and can answer most questions.
In addition to all this, there is usually a small assortment of "kiddie rides" on the Prince of Wales side of the lot.
If you can get to the site by bus, that is recommended... if not parking happens on the residential side streets off Prince of Wales. Please be considerate of the homeowners in the area. And be very aware of the NO PARKING signs, oftentimes a street will only offer parking on one side of the road. These areas are well patrolled, and tickets are issued!
This festival is an favourite with Ottawans, 1000s of people return year after year. Man, I am so psyched writing this... I can hardly wait.
:-)
For more info, check out the website at: www.ottawagreekfest.com
2008 Jul 28
Ahhh Yes !! The Greek Festival, complete with the spit roasted lamb, gyros, and baklava.
I remember,while living near the Experimantal Farm and Merivale Rd., the sounds from 'The Zorba Show' drifting on the warm August air from 2 miles away.
Nothing beats having an ouzo in hand while listening to the 'ol bouzouki.
Brings me right back to the first part of our honeymoon. Three weeks exploring the beauty of the Cyclades. The lovely group of islands in the Agean Sea.
Too bad they don't serve dried octopus(as seen in the picture) at the Greek Festival.
You may be able to get better Greek food in a restaurant, but nothing beats the carnival like atmosphere.
I remember,while living near the Experimantal Farm and Merivale Rd., the sounds from 'The Zorba Show' drifting on the warm August air from 2 miles away.
Nothing beats having an ouzo in hand while listening to the 'ol bouzouki.
Brings me right back to the first part of our honeymoon. Three weeks exploring the beauty of the Cyclades. The lovely group of islands in the Agean Sea.
Too bad they don't serve dried octopus(as seen in the picture) at the Greek Festival.
You may be able to get better Greek food in a restaurant, but nothing beats the carnival like atmosphere.
2008 Jul 28
Captain C - Somewhat off topic
This brings up the famous "Noise Bylaw" that of course since the Bluesfest is up for discussion again.
I know that for eons the Glebe-ites have complained about the noise that comes from the Ex. And of course this year Bluesfest irked many residents in downtown core and Lebreton Flats. And your post reminded me that Greekfest probably upsets some residents in the west end. And "The Senators Red Mile" or the Scotiabank Parties have no doubt not always been well received by the locals within their areas.
But I think herein lies the answer to this issue... if this city is to be vibrant city, then we are going to have to have festivals (which also happen to be moneymakers for the city's businesses in so many ways... hotels, food, transpo, etc) and unlike the days 30 years ago, when it was ONLY the Ex that was a summer draw (and a summer noise maker) we now have a wide variety of events, and they are more spread out across the city... and so every neighbourhood gets to both share in the rewards, and the noise. Seems fair to me.
Back on topic...
I don't think I am familiar with dried octopus... How is it served? Is it an appetizer? I know the Greekfest has a whole bunch of appys that I haven't tried nor am familiar with... beyond the usual tazaiki etc. (sp?)
This brings up the famous "Noise Bylaw" that of course since the Bluesfest is up for discussion again.
I know that for eons the Glebe-ites have complained about the noise that comes from the Ex. And of course this year Bluesfest irked many residents in downtown core and Lebreton Flats. And your post reminded me that Greekfest probably upsets some residents in the west end. And "The Senators Red Mile" or the Scotiabank Parties have no doubt not always been well received by the locals within their areas.
But I think herein lies the answer to this issue... if this city is to be vibrant city, then we are going to have to have festivals (which also happen to be moneymakers for the city's businesses in so many ways... hotels, food, transpo, etc) and unlike the days 30 years ago, when it was ONLY the Ex that was a summer draw (and a summer noise maker) we now have a wide variety of events, and they are more spread out across the city... and so every neighbourhood gets to both share in the rewards, and the noise. Seems fair to me.
Back on topic...
I don't think I am familiar with dried octopus... How is it served? Is it an appetizer? I know the Greekfest has a whole bunch of appys that I haven't tried nor am familiar with... beyond the usual tazaiki etc. (sp?)
2008 Jul 28
Greeks like their octopus mainly in two ways dried & marinated (to preserve) and the second way is to grill it fresh (see picture).
Marinated is called χταπόδι ξυδάτο (pronounced: khtah-PO-thee ksee-THAH-toh) and the grilled is called χταπόδι στη σχάρα (pronounced khtah-PO-thee stee SKHAH-rah).
I'm so glad I learned the Greek alphabet while taking electrical engineering.
Marinated is called χταπόδι ξυδάτο (pronounced: khtah-PO-thee ksee-THAH-toh) and the grilled is called χταπόδι στη σχάρα (pronounced khtah-PO-thee stee SKHAH-rah).
I'm so glad I learned the Greek alphabet while taking electrical engineering.
2009 Sep 8
Me (on the right) trying to sew up a lamb for roasting. It was my first time sewing up an animal. After Greekfest, I never wanted to see another lamb unless it ate out of my hand. I have pics of the skewered lambs, but I'll spare the squeemish.
Hope people enjoyed the food this year. It was a new chef and the moussakas were really great!
Hope people enjoyed the food this year. It was a new chef and the moussakas were really great!
2009 Sep 16
I'm inclined to be skeptical as well, Snoopy...though I would say that different people have different ideas about what "sick to your stomach" means. For many, it means nausea. However, when my family mentions it, it often means other intestinal problems. If something were to go right through you, then yes, your body can process it that fast, because it's not digesting it. It's rejecting it.
2009 Sep 26
Before you assume it was the lamb, can I point you to the causes of food poisoning:
www.emedicinehealth.com
"Food usually becomes contaminated from poor sanitation or preparation. Food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom or have infections themselves often cause contamination. Improperly packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also promotes contamination."
It may not have been the lamb. It might have been bacteria residing elsewhere. Or, as SL said, anything up to 48 hours ago.
www.emedicinehealth.com
"Food usually becomes contaminated from poor sanitation or preparation. Food handlers who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom or have infections themselves often cause contamination. Improperly packaged food stored at the wrong temperature also promotes contamination."
It may not have been the lamb. It might have been bacteria residing elsewhere. Or, as SL said, anything up to 48 hours ago.
Germaine