By Bess T. Chappas
For Coastal Senior

You didn't get to visit Greece during the Olympics? Don't you fret because Greece is coming to you Oct. 14, 15, and 16 in the guise of the 53rd annual Savannah Greek Festival held at the Hellenic Center, 14 W. Anderson St. Prepare your taste buds for spanakopeta, dolmathes, roast lamb, gyro and that fantastic Greek Salad. Save a little room for dessert, however, as there will be baklava, finikia, kourabiedes, and that ever-popular loukoumathes, better known as honey puffs.

All the food is lovingly prepared by the ladies of the Greek Community in the church kitchen with the same care and fresh ingredients, as they would use for their own families.

If you want to try your hand at Greek cookery, there are cookbooks available and many ingredients at the Bakaliko (grocery store). To mention a few, there is olive oil, oregano, Calamata olives, Feta cheese, Greek salad dressing, Greek coffee, manestra (orzo), and many others.

Stop by the booths for jewelry, vases and other articles imported from Greece, blouses, t-shirts, Greek sailor hats, dolls, and religious items, such as icons, incense burners, vigil lights.

Enjoy bouzouki music provided by Nick Demos and the Greek Islanders and watch the Greek Dancers perform. If you feel energetic, you can get out on the floor and learn the Greek folk dances yourself. Any of the dancers will be glad to show you the steps.

Bring the kids, have a ball, and be Greek for a day. Yassoo!!