Tagged: celebrations

Mothers Day 2019 at George’s

Posted on April 30, 2019 by - News & Reviews

Mothers Day 2019 is less than two weeks away and if recent years are anything to go by, Australians are set to dig deep, with a special Mother’s Day lunch likely on the agenda.

Here’s an insight into recent Mother’s Day trends, and how George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is set to celebrate in 2019.

Mother’s Day 2019

This year Mother’s Day falls on Sunday, May 12. And as always, the event is the chance to celebrate and spoil mum in recognition for the many thankless jobs and roles she’s filled over the years.

In Australia, Mother’s Day is one of the biggest events on the gift-giving calendar, with Australians spending an estimated $2 billion on celebrating the event in 2016 alone

So, what’s on the gift list?

Flowers

According to the Australian Retailers Association, flowers continue to retain their popularity when it comes to showing mum just how much you care.

In 2016, Australians spent an astounding $200 million on flowers for mum.

Dining

Flowers might be a perennially popular Mother’s Day gift but dining out takes the cake when it comes to Mother’s Day gifts and activities.

In 2016, Australians spent an estimated $300 million enjoying a meal out with mum. ARA Chairman Russell Zimmerman noted: “Mother’s Day lunches are hugely popular in Australia, with restaurants and cafes often booked out well in advance, while celebrating with the traditional Sunday roast at home will also lead to an increase in grocery purchases associated with home entertaining”.

Gifts

If the US is anything to go by, this year will see an increase in experience-based gifts including personal services.

The National Retail Federation there explained Mother’s Day 2019 was set to be a bumper year, with many people opting for experiences alongside traditional options like flowers.

“The number of people planning to gift a personal service (like a much-deserved massage) has grown from 16 per cent 10 years ago to about 25 per cent today, and spending on these gifts has nearly doubled,” they reflect.

Meanwhile, consumer electronics and gift cards have also risen in popularity.

“While these gift categories continue to grow, they’re doing so alongside more classic Mother’s Day gifts, rather than replacing them.”

Mother’s Day at George’s

At George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill, we view Mother’s Day as one of the most special events of the year and a particularly hallowed day when it comes to bringing the family together.

This year, we’re offering the option of two or three-course Mother’s Day lunches featuring some of our finest Greek cuisine.

Commencing with share plates and culminating in a succulent main followed by the option of three choices of desserts, our Mother’s Day menu is designed to delight mum while also indulging her in the ambient surrounds of our stunning Darling Harbour location.

Bookings for the event are essential and you can download the complete Mother’s Day Menu here.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice

The tradition that is Greek Easter

Posted on March 15, 2018 by - News & Reviews

Easter is one of the most celebrated occasions on the annual Greek calendar. An opportunity to gather amongst family and friends, it includes a full week of activity and observance culminating on Easter Sunday or Pascha.

Starkly different to the chocolate-infused Easter enjoyed in Australia, Greek Orthodox Easter is steeped in traditions that date back centuries, where the focus is resoundingly family, food and faith.

As we count the days until Easter, here’s an insight into how it will be celebrated in Greece.

A different date

Few may realise, but Easter in Greece is often observed on a different date to countries like Australia, the UK and US. That’s because the Orthodox religion uses the Julian rather than the Gregorian calendar. This year that means Easter in the Greek Orthodox faith will be celebrated a week later than in Australia and will fall on April 8.

The lead up to Easter

The week prior to Easter often involves fasting, and come Maundy Thursday major preparations for the pending celebration are under way.

On this day, it is traditional to bake a sweet bread known as tsoureki. This treat will be eaten on the Easter Sunday and comprises a braid to represent the Holy Trinity.

Meanwhile, Australia may celebrate with chocolate, but in Greece hard boiled, richly-dyed red eggs are a symbol of Easter. Symbolising new life, they also represent the blood and resurrection of Christ.

Good Friday

Good Friday is a somber affair that sees church bells toll and flags flown at half mast. In some of the more traditional villages, a shrine is created and carried through the streets in a procession.

“Christos Anesti”

Greek culture celebrates the resurrection of Christ with a midnight church service that soon makes way for a light festival and breaking of the fast. Come the stoke of midnight, the church goes dark, bells begin to peal, and cheers ring out. The priest lights a single candle to symbolise Christ’s eternal flame.

Many people make their own home-made candles in the lead-up to the event, and they are progressively lit from the priest’s flame. Fireworks and crackers are set off as people carefully carry their lit candles home.

The festivities continue long into Easter morning as families gather together after church to enjoy a celebratory meal often comprising the tsoureki, lamb and feta.

It is during this celebration that a traditional game is played using the red dyed eggs. Known as tsougrisma it involves a player tapping their egg gently against another person’s egg in a bid to break it. The person who finishes the game with their egg intact is believed to have good luck for the year.

About George’s

Located on the King Street Wharf amidst the beauty and excitement of Darling Harbour, George’s Mediterranean Bar and Grill is renowned as one of Sydney’s premier eateries. Come share the Greek hospitality for which we are renowned as we serve up harbourside dining in simply stunning surrounds.

You can learn more about our function facilities here, or contact us directly for further advice.