Category Archives: melbourne

Greek Food For Sharing

I’m super excited to introduce my latest cookbook to you,  Greek Food For Sharing; recipes that nourish the soul.

It’s filled with mouthwatering authentic Greek recipes that will tantalise the tastebuds. Take a journey through the pages of this beautiful book brought to life by evocative images that capture the beauty and sophistication of the Mediterranean and the unique flavours of Greece.

Think homemade filo pastry, Rozedes, Paximadia, Yemista, Moussaka and Pastitsio in both tradtional and vegan version for times of Lent, plus a vegan Mageritsa especially for Easter. My aromatic cinnamon rice is a family favourite, and I share with you the absolutely best Avgolemno soup, plus so much more!

Greek Food For Sharing continues the celebration and benefits of the Mediterranean Lifestyle. There is something for everyone including pescetarians, vegetarians, vegans, and of course those who enjoy the classic and delightful flavours of traditional Greek cuisine.

Get yours now!

Australian residents – signed copies of my book are available at these amazing stockists:-

Avenue Bookstore, Albert Park, VIC

Avid Reader, Queensland

Caras, Oakleigh, VIC

Dillon’s Bookshop, Norwood, SA

Dymocks Books, Rundle Mall, Adelaide

Dymocks Books, Glenelg, SA

Dymocks Books, Hyde Park, SA

Greek Bilingual Bookstore, NSW

Hill of Content, Melbourne, VIC

Mostly Books, Mitcham, SA

Mykos The Gift Collection, NSW

Norwood Garden Centre, SA

Once & Again Book Cafe, Plympton, SA

Omega Foods, Hindmarsh, SA

The Greek Providore, NSW

ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE LINKS BELOW

The softcover is available at Amazon Australia here.

The eBook on Amazon is available here.

The softcover is available on Amazon for those living in the US, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, and Canada. Place your orders here.

Any Given Thursday – a memoir by Eugenia Pantahos

Any Given Thursday – a memoir by Eugenia Pantahos

Last year on a Thursday evening in Frankfurt, Germany, I launched my memoir Any Given Thursday from my hotel bed. Only after I had hit ‘upload’, did I realise just how serendipitous that was.

Any Given Thursday is a book about friendship. It’s a story of a woman with a beautiful heart, a generous spirit, a diagnosis, and a battle that would become insurmountable. It’s a book about life and love, about dedication, about facilitating a journey, and the inevitable surrender. It’s about making a difference, showing up, having courage, and always remembering.

The eBook for Tablet, Phone and Kindle is now available here.

Paperback available here.

 

The story in this book is so close to my heart, and because of that, part proceeds will be donated to various causes as a way to give forward to those who are doing it tough. Help me to make a difference!

I’m thrilled to share with you just some of the reviews of Any Given Thursday.

REVIEWS

“I managed to read ‘Any given Thursday’ on a wintry day. Couldn’t put it down!! Thank you for allowing us into your personal and family life. Such a truly inspirational memoir of friendship.” – Emerald

“I just finished reading ‘Any Given Thursday’ and wanted tot hank you for sharing such a beautiful and personal story. I was personally touched by your expressiveness and connection to your beautiful friend as well as they way you’ve highlighted the importance of family and traditions! I have no doubt in my mind that AK is looking upon you with a smile every day for the beautiful family you have raised and the gifts that you have bestowed on all of us around you.” – E McD

I’m Eugenia Pantahos, and I thank you for reading my post!

xoxo

Learn the secrets of the Mediterranean Lifestyle

Learn the secrets of the Mediterranean Lifestyle

You may wonder what all the fuss is around the Mediterranean Diet. I’d like to share the secrets behind this way of living, and why in some parts of Greece, people enjoy longevity and good health well into their 90’s and beyond 100.

Firstly, it’s not simply a diet. More than that, it’s a lifestyle. It’s about choosing the freshest in season fruits and vegetables, enjoying a small quantities of nuts and dried fruits, generous amounts of olive oil, a glass or two of wine, multiple servings each week of legumes, two to three servings of seafood a week,  and very limited dairy, red meat, and poultry.

Correctly observed, the Mediterranean Lifestyle also incorporates times of fasting. As a rule each Wednesday and Friday, plus forty days before Easter, the first 15 days of August, 40 days before Christmas, and some other dates in between. That adds up to over 200 days of the year where no dairy, meat and poultry is consumed, and on some of these days oil and wine are also not consumed.

Aside from the food, the Mediterranean Lifestyle encompasses having fun, being socially connected, laughter, dancing, gentle exercise by way of walking, gardening or dancing (did I say fun?), sipping a Greek coffee served in a demitasse cup, enjoying a couple of glasses of wine, and basking in the company of family and friends.

Greek Life a celebration of the Mediterranean LifestyleThese lifestyle choices are at the core of my book award-winning book Greek Life. If you love Greek food, and admire Greek culture, be sure to order your copies from Amazon. Click on this link to order my books.

Greek Life belongs in the homes of families for whom Greek culture means something.

I’m Eugenia Pantahos, and I thank you for keeping the celebration alive.

xox

Greek Kolliva Recipe for Honoring Our Loved Ones

Greek Kolliva Recipe for Honouring Our Loved Ones

My father has been remembered at a 9-day memorial service. As is traditional in a Greek Orthodox Memorial Service, there is some preparation required. My sister baked the Artos Bread and I prepared the Kolliva, that special Greek recipe prepared for honouring our loved ones,  and these were all blessed and served at a short family service at the cemetery.

Greek Kolliva are especially prepared for honouring those who have passed, symbolizing the circle of death and rebirth.

Kolliva Mixture

Boiled clean wheat, raisins, currants, walnuts, almonds, pomegranate, parsley, cinnamon and cloves are mixed together and then covered with ground toasted sesame seeds and topped with a layer of loose icing sugar.The kolliva, that represent the promise of eternal life, are then decorated with the initials of the deceased and other motifs.

Decorated Kolliva by Eugenia Pantahos 
There is something quite reverent in preparing the Artos bread, the Prosfero Bread (to take to Church), and the Kolliva, and my family have honoured my mother over the last 7 years in this way, and now we are honouring our father. Memory Eternal.
Artos Bread and Kolliva Eugenia Pantahos
Explanation of traditions together with recipes can be found on pages 172-179 of Greek Life. You too can learn step-by-step how to honour your loved ones, be it for the 40 day, 3 month 6 month, 9 month or 12 month memorials.
Greek Life is available at my online shop, and from my national stockists.
With love and remembrance for my dear parents.
Eugenia xx

Farewell to our Patriarch

Farewell to our Patriarch

John DesyllasThe photo to the left is my father sitting on a bench in Elder Park, Adelaide the day after he arrived in Australia, having left my mother and their three children in Greece to seek opportunities in Australia. He is a man filled with hopes and dreams. Circa early 1956.

With hard work, sacrifice, and a vision for his family, and with much dedication, a life was created in Australia, and it would take six and half year before my mother and their three children would be reunited.

We benefited from the choices and sacrifices my parents made, and have made them proud and happy. Together they lived a full life with their family, their community work, and lots of travel and shared experiences catching up on the lost years.

The days after my father passed away, we received over 120 people into his home where as a family we received condolences. As is customary in Greek Orthodox tradition, those visiting brought jars of Greek coffee, bottles of Brandy, and plates of Paximadia (Greek Lenten Sweet Rusks). These offerings help the family cater for the many visitors who will want to visit the grieving family, and also come in useful for serving at the wake and other memorial services.

John DesyllasWe have farewelled our father to a standing room only service at St George Greek Orthodox Church and afterwards the wake and celebration of his life was held at the Elion Society “Olympic Flame’ Hall, where he was a founding member and has served the community continuously for 45 years. Over 320 people came to the hall to share in a meal, drink to his memory and to honour our father.

He was a loved and devoted father of 5, adored pappou of 17, and a cherished great-pappou of 22. A true gentleman, a patriarch, a father and a friend ❤

As a family we are honoured that so many people came to pay their respects, and some travelled from far away and interstate to do so.

He will be missed deeply.

Eugenia xx

A Moment I Will Cherish

A Moment To Cherish

On Saturday I lost the man who raised me, a father who was also a friend. A man who dedicated his life to his family and to his community. A man who warmed the hearts of those he met. A man who embraced life. A man who shall always be remembered. A man whose life we will celebrate. To us he was baba, dad and daddy, to his grand-children he was papou, to his great-grand-children he was papouli, to his friends he was file (friend) and Kirie Yiannis ❤

A moment I will treasure foreverThis moment is one that I will cherish forever; my father reaching for my hand the day before he passed away.

He is now reunited with my beautiful mother ❤

Memory Eternal John Desyllas
1927 to 2017

For those who have my book Greek Life, the photo of my dashing father sitting on a bench can be found on page 22. This photograph was taken at Elder Park in Adelaide, the day after he arrived in Australia; a man filled with hopes and dreams. Circa early1956.

Many of my readers have reached out to me sending their condolences, and letting me know that they have re-read the chapter on the Story of Family and New Beginnings, providing a renewed inspiration from my parents incredible story.

My heart has a place that belonged to my father, and his memory shall always be eternal. I take comfort in the meaningful and fun relationship we enjoyed, for his guidance, sense of humour, lessons shared, and how he exemplified a dignified life through actions that represented his core values. My life is richer for having a father like mine, my children’s lives are richer for having a grandfather who was active in their lives. He will live on forever in our hearts and in our memories.

Eugenia xx

Greek Life a special order

Greek Life, a special order.

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

I’ve been busy autographing books and getting them into my wonderful stockists. Have you got your signed copies of Greek Life yet? If not, simply visit the most convenient store in your state. The full list of stockists can be found here.

Signed copies of Greek LifeThese copies of Greek Life are being sent out as a special order and I’ve personalised and autographed them especially for my customer.

Wherever you live in Australia, be it South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, the Northern Territory or Western Australia, you’ll be sure to find a stockist nearest you.

If you live remotely, then I’m happy to personalise your books and have them sent direct to you. Simply email me at jeanie.pantahos@bigpond.com

The hardcover version of Greek Life can easily be posted overseas for those living outside Australia. As you would expect, postage and handling will cost a bit more, but I know that it will be worth it. Need convincing? Check out the amazing REVIEWS that my readers have sent me.

Greek Life is a great gift for birthdays, graduations, kitchen teas, for your bridal party, Christmas or any occasion for that matter.

I love learning what Greek Life means to those who have my book, whether they chose to buy it, or were given it as a gift. My heart skips a beat and is filled with joy and happiness, as my readers share the similarities of their family’s journey, share their thoughts, or when they send photos of the book sitting in pride of place in their homes.

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has supported me on this journey.

Love and blessings,

Eugenia xx

 

FREE CALENDAR

FREE AUGUST 2017 CALENDAR

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

The theme for the August free downloadable and printable calendar (a gift from me to you) is PASSION. Here’s a little visual inspiration.

Do it with passion, or not at all

Passion gets us excited, it fills our mind with ideas, new realities, wonderful opportunities. It runs through our veins, makes our heart quicken, can make our cheeks flush. So whatever it is that you do, what ever path that you are exploring, remember to do it with passion or not at all!

Get your free calendar here

Eugenia xox

Greek Life a Gastronomic Journey

Greek Life a Gastronomic Journey

Welcome to Greek Lifestyle!

Greek Life at Hellenic Club Woden Canberra

Get your copies of the hardcover Greek Life now while stocks last!

Last Friday I had the absolute pleasure of being interviewed about my cookbook Greek Life on our very own local radio station with Jo Russell-Clarke right here in Adelaide on Radio 101.5 on the Gastronaut program.

We discussed the inspiration for me writing Greek Life, essentially the story behind the story, memories of food, the wonderful health benefits of the Mediterranean Diet and what it meant to grow up in a traditional Greek home in South Australia.

Of course food was talked about extensively and the way in which it brings family together both in happy times and times when we honour our loved ones, the seasonality of food, and the benefits of eating with the natural rhythms.

Greek Life has been embraced nationally and internationally. It is proudly stocked in over 30 stores nationally within Australia, and at only the best stores in Darwin, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Tasmania, South Australia and Perth. Find the full list of stockists here.

When I first embarked on bringing my book to life, I could only imagine the journey that has transpired. Greek Life was written from a place of love and pure intent, and my readers explain to me that they absolutely do feel the love in my book. I feel so humble and proud that my journey as a first time author has been so well received.

If you would like copies of the exclusive hardcover available only in Australia, then please don’t miss out, as there is limited stock of Greek Life, now in its second print run.

The hardcover book is available to those outside Australia, but will attract a higher postage fee. If interested, its best to email me direct at jeanie.pantahos@bigpond.com

If you’d like to listen to my interview, open the audio link below. I hope you like it.

Eugenia xox

Audio Player

 

Greek Life – a book about family, culture and food

Greek Life – a book about family, culture and food

My journey as an author has been exciting and unexpected. When I first published Greek Life, it was to be a family book to pass on to future generations of my immediate and extended family. It’s become so much more. Now Greek Life is available nationally within Australia and more recently 3 amazing business have added my book to their shops.

I’m thrilled to announce that Greek Life is now available in Hobart, Perth and Darwin! If you live in these wonderful places, I’m asking ‘have you got your copies of the limited edition cultural cook book Greek Life’?

If not, don’t delay. Get yours from Hill Street Grocer in Hobart, Boffins Books in Perth, and Parap Fine Foods in Darwin, and join the celebration that is Greek Life.

Learn about the when, why, and how of Greek culture, all brought together with authentic family recipes, thought inspiring philosophy, full colour photography, anthologies around food, the seasonality and benefits of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle and so much more.

Visit greeklifestyle.com.au to read to learn more about me and my book, to read Press and Reviews, and find an Australian stockists nearest you.

There is limited stock of this timeless book now in its second print run. Greek Life is a book of the highest quality in not just content but also in presentation. It sits proudly in homes around the globe, so be sure to add it to yours and to join the celebration that is Greek Life!

Eugenia xx