2011 Oakland Greek Festival

Yesterday I hit up the festival's opening day. I was completely bowled over by the amount of food available -- up for grabs was every possible Greek delight you can imagine, prepared by local cooks.
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A meal worthy of the gods.

For the next two days, Oakland's Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension is hosting their annual Oakland Greek Festival. Besides being a gathering of some of the East Bay's most enthusiastic Greek residents, the festival is home to some of the best Greek food in the Bay Area.

Yesterday I hit up the festival's opening day. I was completely bowled over by the amount of food available -- up for grabs were every possible Greek delight you can imagine, prepared by local cooks. Within the culinary booths, you'll find everything from whole lamb on a spit to flaming cheese (seriously -- stand back when they set it on fire!). For those who love to cook, Saturday and Sunday are filled with countless Greek cooking demonstrations. If you're in Oakland this weekend, can you think of a better way to spend a few hours?


Fresh calamari and French fries


Breading the calamari by hand.


John Constantine, calamari Superman


Flaming cheese -- this you really have to try.


Lamb goddess Karen Kolokithas


Fresh baklava, ready for a new home.


What kind of Greek festival would it be without the requisite feta and olives?


Loukoumades, or honey-dipped pastry puffs. There are not words.


Assorted Greek goodies for sale.


Alyssa Landis dishes out some of the most incredible lamb I've ever tasted.


Happy Greek chefs!


More luscious lamby bits...


Harry Greer unwrapping his lamb on a spit.


The [rather large] lamb, in all its glory.


Anna Wade grills meat for gyros.


Brittany Wade shows off her winning gyro-making skills.

Admission: $6 for adults, children under 12 free. With a coupon, you can receive $1 off adult admission.

All photos taken by Stephanie Stiavetti.

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