Official Summer Kickoff — Food | Family | Fun
Kefi Life is officially kicking off summer with food, family and fun.
Estia restaurant in Naples Florida and Lincoln Square Greek Fest in Chicago, Illinois are two places that set the tone for the upcoming season of warm hospitality, outdoor vibes and great music.
First stop, Estia Restaurant, which we visited and dined at last week. We had the opportunity to meet the owners, cousins Dean & Gus, who opened their Mediterranean style restaurant to bring the essence of home to you and yours.
Estia actually means the “hearth home” in Ancient Greek and when you step into this elegant, welcoming establishment, you do feel as though you have arrived. The ambiance curated by Dimitri, a Cypriot Greek designer, has much to do with this feeling, as his decor beautifully presents the spirit of Estia.
Once seated, and to get the party started, we ordered the zucchini chips, xoryiatiki village salad, beet appetizer, Octopus appetizers with Assyrtiko Terranera 2022 dry crisp white wine from Santorini. Yiamas!
Upon tasting each of these edibles, our stomachs were more than satisfied and pleased, but come on, we had to try the freshly flown in Mediterranean Lavraki fish. We did, and it was delicious. Arman, our friendly and attentive waiter, wouldn’t let us skip on the dessert, so out came the baklava and ice cream. Oh my word, it was then time for an after dinner drink called Masticha- from the Mastic tree of Chios. Finally, we topped off with a freshly brewed cup of Joe. The meal experience was approaching “Fait accompli, yet there was more. There was “people watching.”
The guests and employees dominated my attention, however the star of that activity was Gus who passionately supervised the operation of his open style kitchen. Looking into the kitchen reminded me of a cooking show with all the sous chefs and line cooks prepping, cooking and serving. Gus, a mild mannered person, navigated the kitchen with order, cleanliness and purpose. As someone once said, “Teamwork makes the dream work.”
As a result, the Mediterranean food is fresh and simple with the century old recipes which remind us of our familial roots.
Estia Estiatorio; the personality, great vibes and yummy food make it a perfect place to celebrate summer when you travel to Naples in southwest Florida.
Speaking of personality, International singing sensation Konstantinos Nazis helps kick off summer next week in Chicago. The north side of the city will bring the authentic tastes of Greek food and Kefi to Lincoln Square Greek Fest. Come hungry for tasty dishes including the nostalgic Loukoumades. I always save my calories for these Lou-koos- fried donuts with no holes drizzled with honey and walnut pieces.
All good though, we can dance the night away under the stars.
Lincoln Fest takes place at the historic St Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Lincoln Square June 5, 6 and 7.
Where ever you find yourself this summer, seek a summer festival so it can feed your with soul with a blend of cultural celebration, unique food and local traditions.
Wishing you and yours a Kalo Kalokairi- good summer with fresh food, fun and wonderful family and friends.
Sending you
Filakia-kissses
Kiki