Antipodes Festival, The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne and Victoria and Bank of Cyprus present: Flavours of Greece Festival 2011. A culinary journey through Greek cuisine as imagined by the top Greek Restaurants in Melbourne.

August 17 – Flavours of Greece: The Uniquest Flavours of Greece @ Philhellene

Don't miss this one, a culinary journey through all that is the most unique about Greek cuisine. The team at Philhellene will incorporate two of the most rare flavours known to man, Saffron (krokos) and the unique Chios Mastic will tempt and tantalise even the most refined palate.Join John, Manny and Philip as they create a veritable culinary masterpiece of flavour and with the official Melbourne launch of Darwin's Pantazis' family eclectic book, "Forty Fine Years" and special guest appearance by Neville Pantazis down from Darwin for the event, this promises to be a not to be missed highlight of Melbourne's already jam packed foodie event calendar – BOOK NOW!

Wednesday 17th August 2011 @ 7pm

Philhellene: 553 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds

Cost: $125 per person (includes matched wines and a personally signed copy of "Forty Fine Years" valued at $45)

Bookings: (03) 9370 3303

August 24 – Flavours of Greece: Growing up Greek/Australian @ Spitiko

Most Greek/Australians remember the time well. It was a clash of cultures, where two worlds collided and the 'wogs' were the meat in the sandwich. The result; Culture Shock! But the memories remain. The fresh flavours, unique recipes and memorable meals that really defined a generation. Come and enjoy a stroll down memory lane and reminisce with John at his place, enjoying some of your favourite dishes as well as the iconic lamb on the spit.

Wednesday 24th August 2011 @ 7pm

Spitiko: 270 Park Street, South Melbourne

Cost: $100 per person (includes beverages and LIVE music)

Booking: (03) 9690 2600

September 6 – Flavours of Greece: A Traditional Cypriot Banquet @ Tsindos

When it comes to Melbourne eateries you cannot go past the name Tsindos. A family that historically has been associated with some of the finest restaurants around town, the Tsindos team know exactly what it takes to bring down the house and put on a banquet, Cypriot Style. Come and partake in some of the finest Cypriot delights ever prepared and understand just how important this Mediterranean paradise is in the culinary world, with influences and flavours far reaching and revered amongst some of the world's finest chefs and palates.

This night promises to be one to remember with a menu that you will never forget!

When: Tuesday September 6th @ 7pm

Tsindos Greek Restaurant: 197 Lonsdale St, Melbourne

Cost: $110 per person (includes matched Cypriot wines)

Bookings: (03) 9663 3194

September 12 & 13 – Flavours of Greece: Black Athena – A Divine Degustation @ Salona

On the evenings of September 12 and 13, you are cordially invited to partake in an event like no other, a 7 course feast fit for the Gods, a degustation celebrating the finest aspects of the Hellenic Spirit: The team at Salona headed by Stavros Konis will explore, celebrate and surprise you with their eclectic menu and unique style matched with authentic and rare Greek wines. Courses include, but may change due to availability of ingredients:

1st course Beluga Tarama

2nd Lobster kefte

3rd black Russian tomato tako ( Cretan Crouton)

4th stuffed zucchini flowers with black quinoa

5th Goose stifado

6th Duck gyros

7th Chocolate bougatsa

Monday 12th September 2011 & Tuesday 13th September 2011 @ 7pm

Salona: 260A Swan Street, Richmond

Cost: $180 per person (includes matched Greek wines)

Bookings: (03) 9429 1460

September 17 – GOCMV Greek Schools Family Dinner Dance

The Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne & Victoria and the Domcasster Greek School Parent's Committees invite you to a family dinner dance.

Buy your tickets and choose your table off the floor plan at the Doncaster campus (Friday nights). Tickets are available from 2nd September 2011.

Limited tickets available – Presold tickets only.

Saturday 17th September, 7:00pm – Late

Stars International Reception: 1C Bell Street Preston

Adults $55, Children 6-17 years $30 & Children 5 and under free

Tickets & enquiries: Pam 0408 916 027, Ann 0414 466 913 (Balwyn Campus Monday nights only) & Anastasia 0403 313 070 (Alphington Campus)

September 20 – Flavours of Greece: The food of the Gods @ Pireaus Blues

Traditional and Ancient Hellenic cuisine has an amazing emphasis on Vegetarian dishes. Often described in historical texts as ὄψον – relish. Today's misconception by the modern day diner is Greek food is all about meat. However as soon as you start investigating the links of traditional recipes to their ancient counter-parts you discover a wonderful world of really tasty and incredibly healthy dishes. The team at Pireaus Blues have prepared a Vegetarian Banquet matched with a unique selection of regional wines that will surprise, impress and satisfy even the most hardened carnivore.

Drawing on different regional Greek cooking philosophies, from the north to the Mediterranean, the team here are delighted to be able to tempt you with something so unique, yet so amazingly Greek

When: Tuesday 20th September 2011 @ 7pm

Pireaus Blues: 310 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Cost: $110 per person (includes matched wines)

Bookings: (03) 9417 0222

September 28 – Flavours of Greece: OUZO – The Flavour and Symbol of Greek Culture @Alpha Ouzeri

Harry and the team at Alpha will really shake things up this year on Wednesday September 28th. Make sure you book your table early, coz you know they will sell fast at only $85 per head, includes a mezze feast with Ouzo being the hero. This will be an event not to be missed and a journey to delight the mind, body and soul. Make sure you stay till the end to try his eclectic, signature "rakomello"

Wednesday 28th September 2011 @ 7pm

Alpha Ouzeri: 342 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy

Cost: $85 per person (includes beverages and LIVE music)

Bookings: (03) 9078 0582

Click the following link to visit the official website: http://www.flavoursofgreece.com/