I was an early adopter to the Greekfest New Orleans, arriving when the gates opened at 5:00. I was concerned about the weather; it had been raining on the Causeway and there was a bit of a drizzle as I stopped at the bank and got gas. Speaking of gas, I mean, really, it wasn’t too long ago it cost $12 to fill up; now it’s $40. So 40 is the new 12? How cool is that? Thanks, George!
Anyway, it was kind of a Tweet-up event. Bonerama Freak Stacey and her friend Sophia from Iowa were going to meet up with me; after some coordinating phone calls they arrived, but not before I had some preparatory shots of ouzo. I also arrived early enough to stake out a prime spot on the little levee on Bayou St. John that was above the rain-saturated field between the food booths and the stage.
Got baklava? If not, then head on out to the Greek Fest New Orleans and do what the sign says:
Lots of pastries are available, along with the usual suspects: gyros, lamb, souvlaki, calamari, coffee, and this creation:
Yes, baklava sundaes. They were next door to the “Nectar of the Gods” booth, which sold, among other things, ouzo daiquiris.
We watched the Hellenic Dancers perform. Lots of Opas!
The top of the levee was perfect for catching the breeze off the storm clouds, which stayed away completely once the gates were opened.
The band was getting bored with no one dancing, thus the Hendrix impression on the bouzouki.
That’s Stacey about to enjoy a gyro.
Loukoumades. Think puffier, crispier beignets sprinkled with cinnamon and warm honey poured over them.
After dark, the termites started swarming. Pretty creepy, and then they were gone. Those white streaks are the termites flying. Not too easy to photograph but I gave it a shot.
The crowd really picked up after dark. The dance floor set out in the grass in front of the band was packed with families joining hands and dancing in circles.
Saturday brings a work day for me. Stacey and Sophia are heading to the Bayou Boogaloo, another celebration and new tradition in the making on Bayou St. John. If you’re out and about today, I’d recommend the Boogaloo for the afternoon capped off by a night of Mediterranean music, dancing and booze at the Greek Fest.
Thanks for the yummy food pix. Sure would like to try the baklava sundae and the loukoumades. Via your blog and Nola’s, I’m revisiting the festivals I can no longer attend. I feast vicarously!
It was such a good night! Was wondering how the termite pics turned out!!
How were the canoe riders this year? They usually crack me up!