Opa!

One of my favorite annual events in Winston-Salem is this weekend: the Greek Festival. It's always a fun time of good food and festive Greek spirit.

They offer several a la carte vegetarian options alongside the souvlakis and gyros: Greek pizza, a Greek salad, spanakopita and potato wedges. But in my opinion, the best bet is always the plate meal. They've been offering a vegetable plate for several years now if you asked for it, and this year, they even have it printed up on the menu on the wall behind where you pay. For $7, you get two spanakopita squares, rice, Greek-style green beans in tomato sauce (my favorite thing!), a Greek salad, a roll and a drink. I've never come away feeling anything but full and satisfied.

Then, of course, there are the delicious Greek pastries and soft-serve ice cream with baklava topping, which I can never pass up no matter how full I am.

The festival is at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 435 Keating Drive, off Country Club Drive near Silas Creek Parkway.

Greek food is one of my favorite ethnic cuisines. I love the flavors that permeate its dishes: oregano, lemon, cinnamon, nutmeg, olive oil. Good, traditional Greek restaurants often have some wonderful vegetarian options, as these dishes are part of their culture. Vegetarian moussaka, grilled zucchini, skordalia (a potato and garlic spread), stuffed grape leaves and, of course, spanakopita are favorites found on many restaurant menus, including that of Athena Greek Taverna at 680 S. Stratford Rd. In fact, I think a visit is in order soon for their vegetarian moussaka, now that I've gotten myself thinking about it!