Fast Facts:
Dates: May 15-17
Place: 1100 Napa Valley Drive, Little Rock
More Info:
The Greek Food Fest is among the summer festivals I look forward to every year. . . and it’s not just because I love Falafel. The Greek Fest is held in a rather small area compared to Toad Suck Daze or Riverfest. In spite of the small size, there is a lot to do and see. Admission is free and the atmosphere is fun.
The festival is May 16-18 from 11:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. (Sunday it is 12:00- 6) and it’s held at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 1100 Napa Valley Drive. You can get tours of the beautiful church while you’re there.
This year, they continue to have a drive-thru (see the menu). The drive-thru menu is more limited than what you would find in the festival gates, but it looks like they hit the high points to me. They no longer have online ordering.
Greek and Middle Eastern dancers will be on stage during the festival at many times to entertain you. They also have costume shows, food segments and more. Check their entertainment schedule for more information on times and special entertainment.
The Fest includes a market where you can buy gifts like art, clothing and jewelry that reflect Greek and Middle Eastern culture. There are also groceries so you can cook like a Greek at your own home.
It seems like I’m leaving something out. What could it be? Oh yeah, THE FOOD! It is a food fest after all. You have to sample everything you can while you’re there. The food is prepared deliciously and reasonably priced. They have calamari, baked chicken, Greek salads, gyros, pastitsio, lamb, souvlaki, tabbouleh salad, hummus, falafel wraps and more. Some of those selections are great for vegetarians. I pig out on hummus, falafel, some of the salads and the Greek pizza. You can’t forget the desserts. Among can’t miss desserts are baklava, finikia, kourambiethes and loukoumathes.
Is all this food “Greek” to you? Don’t know what any of it is? Don’t worry. They have it all explained for you on their site. If just saying “Kourambiethes” is intimidating, the Fest has also provided a pronunciation guide so you won’t just have to point and say “Kor..cur…coo..whatever that is, I want it.” However, you don’t have to study before you go. They are more than happy to help you out once you get to the booths if you’re still confused as to what is what.
So, go Greek for a day, have some great food and fun and bring me back some spanakopita.
