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What's on the menu at Tallahassee's Greek Food Festival 2025

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/24 .. u-at-tallahassee-s-greek-food-festival-2025.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 5:26 GMT by Tallahassee Democrat
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Tallahassee’s 2025 Greek Food Festival: A Culinary Celebration of Tradition and Innovation

On Saturday, October 24, the city of Tallahassee will host the annual Greek Food Festival, a two‑day event that has become a beloved staple of the community’s cultural calendar. The festival, organized by the Greek-American Cultural Association of Central Florida, will bring together a vibrant mix of local Greek‑owned restaurants, artisans, and food producers, offering attendees an immersive journey through the flavors, traditions, and hospitality of Greece. Below is a comprehensive overview of what visitors can expect, including the culinary highlights, key vendors, and additional programming that will make the festival a must‑visit event for food lovers, families, and curious locals alike.

A Menu Rich in Tradition

At the heart of the festival is the food itself. The event’s website lists an impressive lineup of dishes that showcase both classic Greek staples and creative contemporary twists. Guests will find a wide range of options that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences.

1. Meze Selection – A centerpiece of the festival is the meze platter, featuring a variety of small, shareable dishes. Highlights include: - Tzatziki and horiatiki (traditional Greek salad) from The Olive Grove, known for its authentic, farm‑to‑table ingredients. - Dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves) and Kleftiko (slow‑roasted lamb) from Athens Bistro, where slow‑cooking techniques pay homage to rustic Greek kitchens. - Saganaki (fried cheese) and fava (yellow split‑bean purée) from Kiosk Kiosk, known for its inventive take on classics.

2. Seafood Delights – Reflecting Greece’s strong maritime culinary heritage, the festival features fresh seafood dishes such as: - Seared Mackerel with lemon‑herb butter from Morsel by the Sea, a local favorite among seafood aficionados. - Calamari in a light garlic‑olive‑oil sauce from Greek Kitchen & Table, known for its crisp textures.

3. Vegetarian and Vegan Options – The festival places a strong emphasis on plant‑based fare. Roots & Grains, an organic farm shop, offers an array of dishes featuring beans, lentils, and seasonal vegetables. The Falafel Cart from Sweets & Spices serves a signature, herbed falafel with tahini sauce that has become a festival staple.

4. Desserts and Sweets – No Greek festival is complete without a sweet ending. Baklava Bakery, a long‑running local shop, showcases layers of flaky phyllo pastry filled with pistachio‑spiced honey, while Zorba's offers the iconic Greek Coffee Ice Cream, a creamy treat served in traditional Greek coffee cups.

Featured Vendors and Culinary Showcases

Beyond the main food stalls, the festival’s program includes a series of culinary showcases, live cooking demonstrations, and interactive workshops. Some of the standout vendors and events include:

• Athens Bistro – The flagship venue will host a live demonstration by Chef Maria Kostopoulou, who will showcase how to prepare a traditional Greek lamb roast. The session will cover seasoning techniques, herb blends, and the use of local olive oil.
• The Olive Grove – In partnership with the Tallahassee Food Co‑op, the grove will offer a hands‑on workshop on creating homemade tzatziki, featuring a discussion on the balance of yogurt, cucumber, and garlic.
• Greek Kitchen & Table – Chef Antonios Demetriades will lead a “Mediterranean Grilling” masterclass, focusing on techniques for grilling lamb, seafood, and vegetables with authentic Greek seasonings.
• Roots & Grains – The vegan‑focused vendor will conduct a “Plant‑Based Greek Meals” cooking demonstration, highlighting how traditional Greek dishes can be reimagined without meat or dairy.

Family‑Friendly Activities

The festival isn’t just for foodies. A dedicated family zone, located near the festival’s central square, features a range of activities for children and adults:

• Greek Mythology Storytelling – Local author and storyteller, Lydia Papadopoulos, will read classic Greek myths in a captivating, child‑friendly format.
• Traditional Dance Workshop – Participants can learn the steps of the Kalamatianos, a popular Greek folk dance, from dance instructor Kostas Papas.
• Kids’ Cooking Corner – The “Mini Chef” station offers kids a chance to decorate their own mini pastries, such as cinnamon‑spiced baklava or Greek‑style lemon bars.

Cultural and Community Engagement

The festival also highlights the rich Greek‑American community in Tallahassee. In collaboration with the Tallahassee Greek Orthodox Church, the festival will feature a small exhibition of Greek icons and artifacts, giving visitors insight into the religious and cultural traditions of the Greek diaspora. Local Greek musicians, including a small quartet from the church’s choir, will perform a blend of traditional and contemporary Greek music throughout the day, further enhancing the immersive atmosphere.

Logistics and Accessibility

• Date and Time – The festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2025.
• Location – The event will be held at the downtown Tallahassee Convention Center, which offers ample parking, public‑transport access, and wheelchair accessibility.
• Tickets and Entry – Admission is free for all visitors, although certain workshops and demonstrations require a small donation or purchase of a food voucher.
• COVID‑19 Precautions – The event will comply with local health guidelines, offering hand sanitizer stations, mask options for those who wish to wear them, and social‑distancing signage.

Planning Your Visit

While the festival’s main food stalls and cooking demonstrations are a must‑see, there is more to explore. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot in the popular live‑cooking sessions and to take advantage of the morning’s food tastings. The festival’s website, which offers a downloadable event map and vendor list, will be updated regularly to reflect any changes in the schedule or vendor lineup.

For those interested in supporting local Greek‑owned businesses, the festival also features a marketplace where vendors sell Greek‑themed products such as olive oil, hand‑crafted ceramics, and locally produced wine. The Greek Wine & Spirits booth will highlight both traditional Greek varietals like Assyrtiko and modern interpretations from local vintners.

Conclusion

Tallahassee’s 2025 Greek Food Festival promises to be a feast for the senses, blending time‑honored Greek culinary traditions with innovative twists from contemporary chefs. Whether you’re a seasoned Greek cuisine aficionado, a curious foodie, or a family looking for a fun, educational outing, the festival offers an inclusive, vibrant experience that showcases the warmth, flavor, and community spirit that defines Greek culture. Mark your calendars for October 24 and get ready to indulge in a Mediterranean celebration right in the heart of Florida’s capital.