Evening of Food, Music, More to Showcase Greek Culture

BLUFF CITY, Tenn. – Andreas Papas cherishes his Greek heritage. Sharing among fellow Greeks and beyond filters throughout their history.
So Papas and his fellow Greeks invite everyone to Greek Night. Scheduled to fire up the fest on Oct. 24 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Bluff City, Tenn., the event showcases Greek culture. Their points are contoured.
In sum, Papas and company invite the public, hope to inform and intend to entertain via their rich Greek culture.
“It’s a chance to experience the authentic Greek food, music and culture,” Papas said. “Our main objective is to share our culture with the community.”
As one may suspect, few are the families of Greek heritage within the Mountain Empire.
“The core Greek families are few,” Papas said. “We have maybe 15 families.”
Consider this. Whether Greek, Italian, Russian or whatever heritage, however small or large, their representation each spices the American melting pot. After all, most of us own roots that reach beyond North America.
“Exactly,” Papas said. “The more we can learn about each other, the better.”
Several glues work to build avenues to understanding. Primary among the Greek is food.
So food maintains a prominent point of interest. As in most cultures, food within the Greek community reflects from whence they came while doubling as a magnet to draw people together. Hence food headlines as the star on Greek Night.
Come and dine on a variety of homemade bread. Appetizers include shrimp salad, roasted olives and spanakopita (spinach fillo triangles). Add Greek salad. Plate a round of Greek-style green beans, roasted potatoes and pasta. Top it off with souvlaki, skewers of marinated pork tenderloin and a choice of desserts including baklava.
“I don’t think you can get all of that for $35 from any restaurant,” Papas said. “Plus, the food is made from scratch.”
Hold tight. Greek Night means more than plates of palette-loving food. Per Greek culture, communal meals also contain loads of social bonding and music so lively as to make a dead man dance.
“You get to the point where the only people who aren’t dancing are the people with a handicap,” Papas said.
All of the above of which underlines a fundamental aspect to Greek culture.
“You have to celebrate life despite its difficulties,” Papas said. “You should always make time for your friends and family.”

IF YOU GO
What: Greek Night
When: Oct. 24, 6 p.m.
Where: Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 150 Elizabeth Ann Circle, Bluff City, Tenn.
Admission: $35, which includes dinner and wine for those of age, and music
Info: (423) 943-3973 or (423) 753-7078

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at .