So what’s the connection between Greek films and Greek food in Sydney? The 2015 Greek Film Festival is almost upon us, beginning in Sydney in October, then travelling around the country to Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide. c If you’re enamoured of Greek food then why not enjoy it while watching one of these wonderful films?
A Touch of Spice
The name says it all. This 2003 film followed the fortunes of Fanis, who as a boy learns about cooking (and life) from his grandfather in Istanbul. When he returns from Greece to Turkey as an adult, he finds he may have forgotten his grandfather’s ultimate message that life, like food, requires a touch of spice. This film was a huge box office hit in Greece, and is definitely one to watch.
Zorba the Greek
If there’s one Greek film people all around the world know, it’s probably Zorba the Greek. This Oscar-winning film from 1964 starred Alan Bates as an Englishman who travels to Crete where he is taken under the wing of the exuberant Zorba, played with verve by Anthony Quinn. There was drama and intrigue, and then there was delicate slow-cooked lamb on a spit, devoured by the protagonists as they sat on the beach in the final scenes.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
No, it wasn’t a Greek film, but this one deserves honourable mention for the sheer volume of Greek food that makes it onto the big screen. Released in 2002, it became the highest-grossing romantic comedy of all time, and delighted audiences with the story of Greek girl meets American man, gets engaged and tries to keep him while navigating the ways of her very large, very traditional and slightly crazy Greek family.
Dangerous Cooking
If you visited the Greek film festival last year, you may recall this one. Another film blending romance, drama and Greek food, Dangerous Cooking is about Damocles, a famous chef waning in popularity, who finds his inspiration rekindled with the arrival of a beautiful young woman, Nana. However he’s not the only one with his eyes on Nana, and the arrival of the volatile Dimitris results in a passionate and dangerous, love triangle.
Under the Grecian Sun
Cynthia Daddonna is a journalist, TV personality and author of Diary of a Modern Day Goddess. With her Greek-American husband James, she created this documentary in which they undertake a culinary journey around the beautiful island of Crete: history, a sparkling Mediterranean Sea, and the fresh and flavoursome delicacies of this renowned region. Delicious.
And now to savour
So have we whetted your appetite? If you are in Sydney for the opening night of the film festival, you’ll be glad to know that Georges Mediterranean Bar & Grill will be providing some tasty treats to accompany the opening night party. If you want a more relaxed dinner experience, then you’re very welcome to enjoy our extensive menu of authentic and always delectable Greek cuisine at our stunning waterside restaurant in Darling Harbour. Families, groups of friends and those looking for a secluded, romantic corner will all find the perfect table.