Greek Master Chef Dimitris Scarmoutsos Coming to Montreal!

 

Greek Master Chef Dimitris Scarmoutsos Coming to Montreal!

 

Top chef Dimitris Scarmoutsos will travel to Montreal to demonstrate his culinary skills at the Christmas gala organized by the Lyceum of Greek Women of Montreal (LGWM) Montreal on December 18th, 2022, 5.30 p.m. at Embassy Plaza. The purpose of the event is to raise funds to support the clinical research of the “DovEEGene” Project led by the renowned oncologist, Dr. LucyGilbert of McGill University.

 Dr. Gilbert is in the midst of a pioneering clinical research study which, when completed, aims to establish a new standard “Pap-type” test for the early and timely diagnosis of ovarian and endometrial cancers.

 Dimitris Scarmoutsos, with roots in Los Angeles, said he was excited to participate in this expatriate event as he feels tremendous bonds with the Hellenes of North America.

 The president of the LGWM, Justine Fragouli-Argyris, noted: "I am moved by the voluntary participation of the great Greek chef, Dimitris Scarmoutsos, who will come to Montreal to display his art and to contribute, without remuneration, to the pioneering research of Dr. Gilbert. 

 The “DovEEGene” project has already detected pre-cancerous cells in two women that were referred by the LGWM, two ladies who were saved from the "silent killer" that is ovarian cancer by undergoing prompt hysterectomy. It is hoped that this new test will catch millions of similar cases once it becomes standardized.

 The event will be emceed by Aphrodite Salas,  Assistant Professor and Graduate Diploma Program Director of Journalism of Concordia University.

 

Live music will be provided by the Artemis Lago orchestra.

 

 

Dimitris Scarmoutsos: Rocking the Greek Cuisine!

 

Master Chef Scarmoutsos, a pioneer of the new gastronomy that Greece has to offer, went to America at the age of 18 where he studied economics at UCLA and then at the Culinary Institute of America. His thesis was on French and Japanese cuisine. From 1993, he took his first professional steps alongside Thomas Keller and, in 1996, he began working in major hotels, such as the Sheraton, where he was the executive chef, as well as in well-known restaurants.

 In 2001, he returned to Greece, to Chania, in Crete, where he immersed himself in Cretan cuisine and locally sourced products. Since 2005, he has been a chef in a Cretan restaurant that has been awarded the Golden Chef Cap Award and many other Gourmet distinctions. 

 In 2010, Chef Scarmoutsos was asked to be one of the three judges (along with Lefteris Lazarou and Gianni Loukakos) on the initial “Greek Master Chef” reality show which was won by Akis Petretzikis. He remained on Master Chef for three years and went on to work on other well-known cooking shows such as "Junior Master Chef,” "No Recipe” and “Joy," where he showcased the delicacies of Greek cuisine. Concurrently, he was the executive chef of ERGON restaurants in Greece and abroad.

 For every famous chef, when it comes to the culinary arts, after the knowledge and the astute application of the principles of cooking, comes the "personal" creation, the moment when the master’s temperaments are passionately channeled into flavors.

 They are few and far between, those chefs that, when you try one of their dishes, you can perceive an entire philosophy in their creations. Dimitris Scarmoutsos is one of those few whose plates are completely and immediately recognizable with one bite.

 Unconventional from adolescence, a lover of life and adventure, Chef Scarmoutsos was and remains a kitchen “rocker.” From his beginnings in America to his studies and apprenticeship with Thomas Keller, he has traveled the world, indulging in the kitchens of many cultures. Upon his return, enriched and mature but more content than ever with the blessings of Mediterranean Crete, he has gone on to redefine Greek cuisine with its precious ingredients but also the entire culture around Greek food and its social function.

The event will be emceed by Aphrodite Salas,  Assistant Professor and Graduate Diploma Program Director of Journalism of Concordia University.

 Live music will be provided by the Artemis Lago orchestra.

“Leonidis,” A Man of Love and Courage!

 

By Justine Frangouli-Argyris

 Yesterday, Leonidas Frangoulis, my father’s last surviving brother, passed away in Sydney, Australia. Uncle Leonidas, or “Leonidis” as he was playfully called by our grandparents in Englouvi, left us after a long bout with Alzheimer’s but with the cause of death officially listed as coronavirus. He will now be able to meet up with his beloved wife, Katina, who died, tragically, in a car accident last year.

 Uncle Leonidas was sensitive man, reminiscent of someone who had descended form Scandinavia rather than from the isolated mountain village of Englouvi. With white skin and transparent green eyes, he had the face of an aristocratic, features that set him apart from his other brothers. I believe that his delicate look was inherited by my sister, Konstantina, along with his beautiful cheekbones.

 Leonidis began life as a shepherd, tending to the family flock of grandfather Apostolis. The job was heavy and unsuited to his delicate nature and my father would urge him to go abroad in search of a better life.

 One day, his opportunity came by way of a proposal from another isolated Lefkadian village. His future wife, Aunt Katina Vlachou, had sent a photo to her brothers in Exanthia requesting an eligible groom from the island.Uncle Leonidas responded with a photo of his own and Katina, who had been in Australia for a few years and put aside a little sum, said yes to the unknown beau.

 And so it happened. Before we knew it, we found ourselves in Exanthia, at Aunt Katina’s brother's house near the town square, bearing “European” macarons from the pastry shop and my mother’s exceptional “ladopita,” the traditional Lefkadian sweet made of oil, sugar and flour.  Mom had put everything on beautiful platters wrapped in colorful cellophane that she had tied with bows together with a thousand wishes for Leonidis to love Katina and for them to live happily ever after.

 We arrived in Exanthia, along with our whole extended family, after a tortuous ride in the local (KTEL) bus. We were the groom's procession and the whole village had come out to welcome us while our in-laws to be were anxiously awaiting to begin the celebrations. Uncle Leonidas danced first, followed closely by the rest of us, to rejoice that he would soon be boarding an ocean liner to Australia. Leonidis spun and twirled to “Amaranto,” his beloved tsamiko song, while being held up by a white handkerchief clutched by the dancer next to him. And my mother cried which seemed strange to me because it was a time of joy and not of tears.

 So, uncle Leonidas,who had never travelled before outside of Lefkada, emigrated to Australia where Aunt Katina was waiting. The wedding took place quickly with great fanfare. He wore a splendid suit while she wore a cute veiled wedding dress and held a bouquet. They sent us photos from the studio and we boasted that they looked happy and radiant in a large picture that grandmother put in the window of her commode and which we kept in our living room dresser.

 Leonidis regularly wrote long letters to my father describing every aspect of his life in Australia. He worked in one of the restaurants owned by Katina's brother and was very happy.  He sent money he saved so my father could buy him a plot of land in Lefkada.

 Shortly afterwards, the happy couple welcomed their firstborn, Konstantina, but this was followed by sadness as that they lost their second, another baby girl. 

 The years passed and Konstantina was growing up. When she was 9, they decided to come to Lefkada for summer vacation and to meet uncle Leonidas’ family.

 Konstantina was a sweet little girl who stole everyone’s heart. She spoke Greek with a cute Australian accent, catching everyone's attention. “Tyropitaman,” she would shout out to the cheese pie seller on the beach and run to treat all the children. My sister and I were jealous of her popularity and we could not wait for her to return to Australia so we could reclaim our place in the family. Aunt Katina was wonderful and we loved her from the start. As for Uncle Leonidas, he bought us anything we desired and I distinctly remember a nice girl’s pink purse from Gatzias’ store.

 Our uncle would call during the Holidays and it was with great joy that my father would hear that he was doing nicely, having opened a Fish ’n Chips restaurant of his own and built a house in one of Sydney’s nice neighborhoods. When Konstantina graduated, becoming a teacher, and married the love of her life, Giannis Kossivas, Leonidis and Katina would visit frequently and my parents were very happy to see them and be able to spend months with them in Lefkada.

 I really got to know Uncle Leonidas and Aunt Katina when we visited Australia in 2012. He was overjoyed, taking us everywhere, as was Konstantina, who pampered us to no end. We bonded with Konstantina and Giannis and got to know their children, Katerina and Christos, who have since begun their own travels to Greece.

 Leonidis had prospered in Australia and lived a beautiful, loving life with his family. I remember enjoying his company so much. He would caress my hands and tell me how overjoyed he was that we had visited. He told me that he would not be able to return to Greece, given his advanced age, as his “legs would not hold up.”  I insisted that he would surely manage but he kept repeating, "I will die with the pain that I will never again see my paternal home” and that "I am grateful to Australia for my good life but it is not my land.”

 I left Australia with a deep satisfaction that Uncle Leonidas had succeeded in life and family. It pained me that he would never return to his homeland and I felt his alienation, and the alienation of us all, deeply and inevitably.

 Leonidis suffered from Alzheimers a few years after and was cared for by his faithful and devoted Katina until he would require more professional help. Strong and capable, Aunt Katina would visit him daily until she was tragically killed in a car accident last year, so unjustly and unexpectedly. 

 Konstantina would send me photos that showed uncle Leonidas had become a shadow of himself but that he would smile when he saw her even though he could no longer speak or communicate.

 December 28 was the last time Konstantina was allowed to see him as visitation was suspended because  of COVID, to which Leonidis would eventually succumb. It was time to go and meet the woman he married from a photo and loved.

 Have a good trip where you are going,my beloved uncle! Υou were a man of LOVE and COURAGE!

 Konstantina, rejoice that he lived a wonderful life abroad, that he dared leave his homeland for the unknown. Feel content that you cared for him 'til the end. You are a worthy daughter and a wonderful cousin and our arms will always be open for you and your family. May uncle Leonidas’ soul be blessed and his memory never forgotten!

Classical Greek: A Fondamental Language!

 

“Classical Greek: When the Past blends with the Future” is a very important conference about Greek Classic Studies that will be realized virtually  on 20 December, 17:00EE.

 

The symposium is taking place in celebration of a series of successful initiatives, spearheaded by PeopleCert throughout 2021, which ignited renewed excitement around Classical Greek. Starting back in May 2021, PeopleCert presented the launch of the Global First Certification of Classical Greek and all exams were offered free of charge throughout 2021, in recognition of the Bicentennial of the Greek Revolution. Following this launch, the Certification of Classical Greek portfolio has been further enriched with a new certification level.

 

The symposium will focus on the universal, timeless nature of Classical Greek and the challenges and opportunities involved in teaching it internationally.

 

Five world-leading Classical Greek professors will come together online, to present their experiences in teaching Classical Greek and will explore with attendees’ opinions around the applications of Classical Greek in everyday life.

 

We asked Prof. Gerardo Guzmàn, who teaches Ancient Greek at the Accademia Vivarium Novum a few key questions:

 

1.According to the symposium's title, The Past Blends with the Future. Is this really feasible? Could literacy of Classical Greece truly blend with an uncertain future?

 

“By seeing that the future is always uncertain and unpredictable, we find ourselves in the need of getting acquainted with our past in order to learn from the vicissitudes, experiences, and ideas of those who came before us that can help us understand the present while also being able to look forward to things to come. Classical literature, therefore, is an opened door through which we can have access to these treasures full of wisdom and examples. Yet, the key that opens that door is the active and direct reading of the classics in the original language. Anyone that goes as far as suggesting that this collection of knowledge should be better off forgotten or “cancelled” incurs in the danger of forgetting not only the mistakes previously made by others but also solutions already found to some of our current problems and difficulties. As Isocrates says, “When you are about to make a decision, take a look to the past, lay hold of examples, for uncertain things can be clarified by situations already made clear”.

 

2.How would you visualize a world in which Classical Greek were abolished?

 

“If we were to take the decision of abolishing the study of Ancient Greek, we would condemn all future generations to obey preestablished opinions. It is through language that we have the means to talk face to face with an author through an exchange of views, as well as way of comparing our modern ideas with the thoughts of writers from classical times. Without this capacity, it is impossible to go freely on the quest for truth, for we must only passively receive and repeat doctrines handed down by others through the narrow frame which is translation.”

 

3. How do you envision the future of Classical Studies Internationally?

 

“If “specialists” were the only to take care of these studies, we would be creating the notion that Classical Studies only pertain to a small, reduced and elite group despite that it is in fact a discipline that concerns the whole human race. By being able to renovate the pedagocgical methodologies, we shall be able to enrich the generations to come with the treasures that this language has to offer. Thus, in the spirit of every young person, the desire of studying the Classics which subsequently paves the way to many other fields of human knowledge, will be sowed. “

The Keynote speakers will be :

·         Prof. Georgia Xanthaki-Karamanou, Professor Emerita of Ancient Greek Literature at the Faculties of Philology, Universities of Athens and of the Peloponnese

·         Prof. Luigi Miraglia, Founder and President of the Accademia Vivarium Novum

·         Prof. Christophe Rico, Faculty Member of the Université de Strasbourg, Ancient Greek Professor at École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem (EBAF), and Dean at the Polis Institute

·         Prof. Mauro Agosto, Professor of Classical Philology at the Pontificia Università Lateranense

·         Prof. Gerardo Guzmàn, Professor of Ancient Greek at the Accademia Vivarium Novum

Following the keynote speeches, a Committee of Experts in the ways and methods of learning Classical Greek will discuss universal views and their day-to-day own experiences with their Classical Greek students. These experts are:

 

§  Prof Christoforos Charalampakis, Professor of Linguistics at the National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, School of Philosophy, Faculty of Philology

§  Prof. Jacques Bouchard, Professor of Modern Greek Literature & Director of the Center for Neohellenic Studies at the University of Montreal Canada

§  Prof. Juan Coderch, Senior Language Tutor in Ancient Greek & Latin, Univesity of St Andrews, Scotland

§  Prof. Andrew Morehouse, Ancient Greek and Latin Language Tutor Boston MA,

§  Prof. Jenny Teichmann | Ancient Greek and Latin Language Tutor, Berlin Germany The discussion will be moderated by journalist Irene Nikolopoulou.

To extend their warm welcome, we will be honoured to have with us:

§  Mr Byron Nicolaides, Founder and CEO of PeopleCert

§  Mr. Angelos Syrigos, Deputy Minister of Education

§  Mr. Ioannis Chrysoulakis, Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy

 

To join the event, you may click on the link below:

 

To those of you who decide to honour us with your presence, we are happy to offer a free online voucher

for our LanguageCert Classical Greek A1 certification

 

 

 

A Fabulous Introduction to Romanian Wines!

Justine Frangouli-Argyris

A wine tasting event for journalists, oenologists and wine importers featuring top notch Romanian wines as part of Carrefour's "Open The Romanian Wine" program, was co-organized by The Iconic Estate winery, a member of the Alexandrion Group, at Avra Madison Restaurant in Manhattan.

 The wines were presented by wine critic-author, Marinella Ardelean, who guided the attendees not only through their distinct flavors and aromas but also to the areas of Romania where vineyards sprouted rapidly after the end of the Ceausescu era and have now gained a prominent position in Europe. Marinella Ardelean noted that Romanian wines, which now rank 6th in European production and have won numerous awards from European and world organizations, have not, however, yet gained the place they deserve in the all important U.S. market.

“Romania is truly a hidden gem when it comes to wine and some of its finest, most valuable varieties are little known. In this  program we took on the mission to change that. I am proud and excited to host our industry leaders  in New York to taste a small sampling of Romania’s winemaking history. This event coincides with our celebration of the upcoming National Romania Day which was on December 1^st,”stated Ms. Ardelean.

 The event, organized in part by the Alexandrion Group under the co-ordination of its American director, Greta Kamaterou, was attended by group CEO, Stelios Savva. Mr. Savva referred to the development of Romania over the course of the last 14 years, emphasizing that wine production has grown rapidly not only due to the cultivation of vineyards in fertile areas with their many grape varieties but also because of the perfection and standardization of the production process itself.

 It should be noted that oenologists and journalists alike tasted the wines and were impressed by the quality of all the products presented including ”The Iconic Estate Rhein Extra Magnifique Brut,” "The Iconic Estate Hyperion Feteasca Neagra,” "The Iconic Estate Hyperion Rose,” "La Sapata Babeasca Neagra,” “Avincis Olt de Vie Negru de Dragasani,”  and the “Domeniile Averesti Busuioaca de Bohotin.”

 An important element of the Alexandrion Group is the fact that President Nawaf Salameh, born in Syria in 1966, has already begun to expand its distillery activities to Greece, in the region of Kavala. Mr. Salameh, who studied medicine in Greece and speaks Greek fluently, began his medical career at the Tzanio Hospital in Piraeus before founding his first company in Crete.in Kavala, the Alexandrion group intends to produce whisky, thereby marking Greece’s foray into whisky production. 

 The Alexandrion Group is headquartered in Romania where its winery and distillery is located. There, workers work feverishly in the vineyards to gather the must to be fermented in huge metal containers. In the cellars, the wines are aged in wooden barrels one level below the cauldrons with the spirits. When ready, the bottles go by the thousands to be labeled before being put in boxes for shipping.

 "We are currently exporting to about 60 countries,” said Stelios Savva, who divides his time between Cyprus, Greece and Romania."We wanted to invest in Greece for many years and now is the right time as the government is supportive of investments and provides us with whatever help we require.”

 With its eye on Kavala for whisky production and the promotion of its Romanian Iconic Estate wines in the U.S.A., the Alexandrion group hopes to soon become one of the major players in the international market for wines and spirits.

Author-Journalist Justine Frangouli -Argyris between  oenologist-author, Marinella Ardelean and Alexandrion Group Director in USA Greta Kamaterou. Below: Ceo of Alexandrion Group Stelios Savva with Publisher Paul Kotrotsios.

Ceo of Alexandrion Group Stelios Savva with oenologist
-author, Marinella Ardelean

ICC WOMEN HELLAS: A beacon for Women's Equality in Business and Careers!

 A report written by Maria Pantazis-Peck co-chair coordinator of the ICC WOMEN HELLAS/Canadian Cluster in reference to all the activities of ICC WOMEN HELLAS for 2020-2021!

Written by Maria Pantazis

I thought I would summarize some of the discussion that took place this week on a Zoom call organized by ICCWH. The call took place on July 7 at 18:00pm  Athens times (11:00 am Canada EST) and close to 50 people were on the call with some dropping out due to other commitments. The objective was to introduce cluster members to each other and to outline the ICCWH Strategic Plan for the coming year including seeking input from all clusters. The ICC President Petros Doukas also joined the call while driving fresh from the EU XI Gender Equality Meeting in Higher education held in Madrid. 

Each cluster introduced themselves and their members  - Washington, New York, Paris, Canada together with new clusters Australia, London, UK and Dubai, UAE and presented the list of activities undertaken successfully and to support the program of ICCWH.

Ioustini Frangouli presented the Canada Cluster list outlined in her earlier message and highlighted the list of Canadian Programs in support of women developed by the federal government that piqued the interest of the Greek government. Also of special interest to the ICCWH was the participation of Melissa Kargiannaki in a virtual webinar on Female Leadership for a Sustainable Growth in Greece: The New Digital era. They would like to include her in future speaking events. Bravo Melissa!

 

On Future Strategy, The ICCWH adopted the new branding strategy for Vodafone whose slogan "Together We Can" the power that comes from combining human ambition with technology. The ICCWH which has seen its membership grow from 25 to 200 members with the inclusion of many new clusters and is an excellent example of global collaboration in support of Greek women in the diaspora and very much appreciated and supported by ICC Hellas.  On July 1st, they signed an MOU with the Ministry of Agriculture to deepen collaboration in the Agri-Food sector. They have also become official partners of Elevate Greece, an initiative launched by the Greek Government, intended to identify promising startups and support their growth using a digital gate through which Greek startups can apply for official accreditation.  Priority sectors of focus are - Agri-Food, Tourism, Information Technology and Climate Change. 

Other notable projects include:

- the Vamvaka Revival which aims to commemorate the birthplace of Vamvaka Village in Laconia of notable Greek Philanthropist Stavros Niarchos (1873-1955), 

- as dictated by the EU regulations, ensure that Greece adheres to 25% women CEOs in public and private sectors.

- in November organize an event to celebrate world renowned Greek lawyers and their contributions to enhance the Legal Field and Profession.

- offer to host the next European Meeting on Global Gender Equality in Higher Education 2023 in Greece.

-creation of a female Olympic Athletes group under ICCWH.

-Government lobbying initiatives such as meet next week with the Minister of Diaspora Greeks and Kyriakos Pierrakakis, computer and political scientist and Minister of State and Digital Governance in the Cabinet of Kyriakos Mitsotakis to bring to his attention the work of ICCWH.

-create a Platform to permit all Greek ICC Women to upload their personal profiles and interests with a view to fostering collaboration within the Global ICC Network.

 The ICCWH will host a networking event on Wednesday, September 15 in Athens at the St George Lycabettus Hotel and any ICC members who will be in Athens on that date are invited. More Information will follow.

 I invite both Ioustini and Aphroditi Salas to add any details that I may have missed.Overall the group is quite dynamic and active and is striving to make its mark.  We have many accomplished women here in Canada that could benefit from further collaboration with the ICCWH however we need to make them aware of our cluster and its benefits and get them to join.

 

Maria Pantazi Peck

 

 

 

So Long Aunt Katina !

 

So Long Aunt Katina !

by Justine Frangouli-Argyris

 

My aunt Katina was a girl among the many children born to the Vlachos family, in the mountainous village of Exanthia, in Lefkada. This did not bode well for the youngsters, especially for the girls, as the village and its surrounding area were located in a barren region of the island.

 In her early youth, however, she received an invitation from her siblings who had immigrated to Sydney and, thus, happily found herself in Australia. There, she began to work for her own well-being, to build her dowry, as well as for that of her family back home.

 Voyaging by ocean liner to Australia, she followed the fate of thousands of Greek immigrants who sought a better life abroad. With her brothers’ support and with her youth and desire for work, she had reached thirty by the time she was ready to wed.

 As most of her compatriots, she desired to wed a 'man from her hometown' and, thus, uncle Leonidas Frangoulis, the youngest of my respected father's brothers, came into the picture. “Uncle Leonidis,” as he was called back home in Englouvi where he was destined to a life grazing the family’s sheep, was a delicate creature who did not take to agricultural work. When a marriage proposal with Katina’s picture arrived depicting her black hair and dark, glowing look, he instantly decided to depart for Sydney, to marry her and start a family.

 I remember, there in her paternal house, in the middle of Exanthia, at the engagement party that was held, the groom dancing with the photo of the bride he had received and impatiently waiting to meet her upon his arrival in the distant world down under. The guests danced the “tsamiko” and the “kalamatiano” and they sang and played the violins while uncle Leonidis was full of emotion as he would be off to a better life in Australia but leaving his family and homeland behind.

 Aunt Katina welcomed him there. He fell in love with her warm personality and liveliness and they soon became a couple before God. They sent us the very large wedding photos that showed Katina wearing a beautiful wedding dress with a white tulle. I remember this photo that sat on the buffet in my grandmother Konstantia's house in Englouvi.

As children, we had never met aunt Katina but we learned to love her from afar because uncle Leonidis would send letters every month that my father would read aloud to us.

 Katina helped Leonidas start out and, together, they worked hard to make a good home. Soon, their only child, the beautiful Konstantina,(Kossy) was born who took the colors of her mother and the “Frangoulis” features of her father.

 After 12 years, along with 10-year old Konstantina, they finally returned to Greece for the first time. And they brought goodies from Australia, I do not remember what and how, only that a set of “formal” cutlery was given to my Mother who was always quick to mention this at our special family gatherings.

 Aunt Katina was a sweet yet dynamic woman, a quiet force, who stood strongly by her family but never failed to support her extended family in Lefkada. They visited their homeland many times over the years and my Mom was happy with her sister-in-law , for her kindness, immediacy and honesty. Although separated by continents and oceans, whenever they got together they spoke like sisters who had never been apart.

 Aunt Katina was happy to see her daughter Konstantina graduate from Univeristy, marry her love, John, and have two exceptional children, Chris and Katerina,( who took her grandma’s name). She was very active, an excellent cook and housewife and, when we visited them in 2012, she opened her big arms and welcomed us lovingly. She organized a big feast with all the Greek specialties and treated us as if we were her own. Our unforgettable moments in Australia with uncle Leonidis and aunt Katina are recorded forever in my memory and my heart.

 In her final years, Aunt Katina suffered as her beloved Leonidis was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and was unable to recognize her. As such, perhaps it's better that she left, and he will not realize it. However she departed tragically and abruptly hit by a car in the middle of the road.

 Have a good trip to heaven Aunt Katina. We will remember you with a lot of love for what you were to all of us. Warm greetings to my grandparents, your brothers-in-law and cousins. And a special hug to our “Butterfly.”  I promise you will be in the best company! Until we meet again!