It used to be that we'd attend St. Spyridon's Greek Festival every year. But over the last couple of years because of trips or work, we've missed their annual Greek Festival. I really wanted to make sure to check the festival out this year. I did have a Birthday to attend yesterday, and the Missus was working, but because admission was free from 5 - 10 pm, I thought it wouldn't hurt to just drop by.
And it was a perfect evening for a festival.
There was a decent sized crowd for 5 pm on a Friday, and all the usual suspects were present, such as the Deli, where you can get Greek food stuffs and of course the pastries!
The indoor "Dining Room" is usually the busiest, and this year no different as the line stretched from one end of the building to the other.
Because I had only a short amount of time I didn't anticipate getting anything to eat..... that is until the smell of lamb and sausages grilling over charcoal got the better of me. So I did grab a lamb plate from the Taverna:
This was much better than I recall, moist and tender, with a tad of the "flavor of the pasture". I ate at a one of the stand up tables, and watched a Dad teaching his daughter some Greek dance steps.... well I think it was Greek dance steps.
The new thing this year is the Greek Wine Bar, where you can purchase glasses or flights of Greek Wines.
Sorry about the lack of photos, but I only had a couple of minutes, which ended up being just enough time to stuff my face! As I walked back across Park Boulevard, the very friendly Traffic Control woman (I guess that's what they call crossing guards for adults) smiled at me and said "wow, that was fast, you must eat quick!" I laughed and told her "I know, it's terrible to eat and run!"
The festival runs through 10 pm tonight, and from 11am through 9 pm tomorrow, Sunday, June 5th. Admission is free from 11am to 1pm on Sunday. More information on the festival's website. Parking is thoughtfully provided at Roosevelt Junior High with a shuttle bus running to the festival every couple of minutes.
Sorry for the late post, but I hope you can make it!
St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church's Greek Festival
3655 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92103
ooh sounded like fun! too bad you didn't have a little more time to check out the pastries :)
Posted by: kat | Saturday, 04 June 2011 at 11:06 PM
That lamb plate looks ono!
Posted by: Nate | Sunday, 05 June 2011 at 08:32 AM
I'm glad that you reviewed this! We were planning on going tonight. We hadn't been in several years, but it still looks like a good time!
Posted by: Thefoodho.blogspot.com | Sunday, 05 June 2011 at 10:51 AM
Just got back from the festival. The children's traditional dancing was adorable, the food was great and the wine bar was a great new addition and a nice chance to try greek wines. We had been debating whether to go or not but your pictures convinced us to go this year. Thanks!
Posted by: Lynnea | Sunday, 05 June 2011 at 04:48 PM
Hi Kat - I ended up getting a box for my friends, but was in too much of a rush to photograph!
Hi Nate - It was better then I recalled.
Hi TFH - It is a nice, fun, laid back time!
Hi Lynnea - I'm glad you enjoyed the festival. Hopefully next year I'll have a bit more time.
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 05 June 2011 at 08:13 PM