"Taste of Greece"

## Taste of Greece: Five-Course Menu & Wine Pairings

Event Details:

• Host: Chef Gary W. Irvin II
• Location: Lakewood
• Date: Tuesday, September 2, 2025
• Time: 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
• Theme: Taste of Greece
• Note: BYOB Event
• Reserved Seating $39.95

Limited to 20 seats. Grab tickets here: "Taste of Greece" | Wednesdays Angels

### The Five-Course Greek Culinary Journey

This menu is designed to offer a balanced and authentic Greek dining experience, moving from light and fresh starters to hearty mains and a sweet finish.
Course 1: Appetizer (Mezedes Platter)

• Dish: A vibrant platter featuring:
• Tzatziki: Creamy yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill dip.
• Melitzanosalata: Smoky eggplant dip.
• Tyropita: Flaky phyllo pastries filled with a blend of cheeses (feta, kasseri).
• Kalamata Olives & Feta Cheese
• Served with warm pita bread and fresh vegetable sticks.
• Garnish: A sprig of fresh dill & a drizzle of olive oil on the Tzatziki; a sprinkle of chopped parsley on the Melitzanosalata; & a dusting of paprika on the feta cheese.
• Wine Pairing: Assyrtiko (Santorini, Greece)
• Why: This crisp, mineral-driven white wine with high acidity and citrus notes cuts beautifully through the richness of the dips and cheeses, refreshing the palate. Its saline character complements the olives and feta.

Course 2: Salad (Primi)

• Dish: Horiatiki Salata (Traditional Greek Village Salad)
• A refreshing and hearty salad with ripe tomatoes, crisp cucumber, red onion, green bell pepper, Kalamata olives, a large slab of creamy feta cheese, and a generous drizzle of high-quality Greek extra virgin olive oil, seasoned with oregano.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of dried oregano and a few caperberries on top of the feta.
• Wine Pairing: Moschofilero (Peloponnese, Greece)
• Why: An aromatic white wine with floral notes, citrus, and a hint of spice. Its bright acidity and fragrant profile complement the freshness of the vegetables and the brininess of the feta without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Course 3: Soup Course

• Dish: Avgolemono Soupa (Greek Lemon-Egg-Rice Soup)
• A classic, comforting, and creamy chicken and rice soup, thickened with an egg-lemon emulsion, giving it a characteristic tangy and rich flavor.
• Garnish: A swirl of extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly parsley.
• Wine Pairing: Assyrtiko (Santorini, Greece)
• Why: The high acidity and crisp minerality of Assyrtiko will beautifully complement the rich, tangy, and lemony notes of the Avgolemono soup, cutting through its creaminess and refreshing the palate.

Course 4: Main Course (Meat Option)

• Dish: Moussaka
• A classic and comforting Greek casserole with layers of seasoned ground lamb (or beef), sliced eggplant, and a rich, creamy béchamel sauce, baked to golden perfection.
• Garnish: A light sprinkle of ground cinnamon & a sprig of fresh mint leaves.
• Wine Pairing: Xinomavro (Naoussa or Amyndeon, Greece)
• Why: Often compared to Nebbiolo, Xinomavro is a robust red wine with high tannins, acidity, and complex aromas of dried tomato, olive, and red fruits. Its structure and savory notes stand up perfectly to the rich, layered flavors of Moussaka, especially the meat and béchamel.

Course 5: Dessert

• Dish: Baklava
• Layers of crisp, buttery phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios), drenched in a fragrant honey-cinnamon syrup.
• Garnish: A sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios & a thin strip of orange zest.
• Wine Pairing: Muscat of Samos (Samos, Greece - Dessert Wine)
• Why: A naturally sweet, aromatic fortified wine with notes of orange blossom, apricot, and honey. Its sweetness and complexity harmoniously complement the honey and nut flavors of the Baklava, providing a delightful end to the meal.

## Refreshment Bar:

• A selection of freshly brewed Coffee
• Assorted Teas
• Refreshing Lemon Water
• Ticket Options:
• Prepay & Save: Secure your ticket in advance for $39.95 per person.
• Dinner Night Ticket: If paying the night of the event, tickets are $49.95 per person.
• RSVP Option: Prefer to hold your spot? You can RSVP to reserve your seat.
• Important Reservation Policy:
• Non-Attendance Fee: If you RSVP but do not attend, a $100.00 reservation absentee fee will apply, which must be paid before attending any future events.
• Changes & Cancellations: You may adjust your RSVP up to 48 hours prior to the event. After this window, your reservation is locked to ensure fairness in seating availability.
• We look forward to hosting you for an incredible evening of fine dining and great company! 🍷✨