READING >> Take a trip to the Greek isles without leaving Berks County at the 47th Annual Greek Food Bazaar at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
In addition to authentic Greek delicacies and pastry, the three-day festival (Oct. 20-21-22) features live music, folk dancing, gift rooms and church tours.
And you don’t even have to get out of your vehicle this year to stock up on food and pastry. The festival will feature a drive-thru area in front of the church at 1001 E. Wyomissing Bldv.
The food is prepared and cooked on the premises by church members using family recipes handed down through generations.
“This is the largest fundraiser for our church and helps support our various ministries,” said Artie Fecera, church council president. “It’s also a way to share the Greek culture with Berks County residents.”
Athenian-style chicken platters, which come with a half-baked chicken, rice pilaf, Greek-style string beans, a Greek salad, roll and butter will be offered all weekend in the main dining hall for $12. Platters will also be available in the drive-thru area. You can substitute Plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) or Souvlaki (chunks of marinated pork) on the platter meal in the dining hall.
For the more adventurous, the Taverna room offers a variety of exotic Greek dishes: Calamari (squid) cooked in tomatoes and wine; Moussaka (eggplant casserole); Arni Psito (roast lamb cooked with herbs); and Pastitsio (layered Greek pasta, seasoned with chopped beef topped with bechamel sauce).
Gyro (beef and lamb slices) and Souvlaki (pork shis-ke-bob) sandwiches are another popular food item, with “Greek fries” offered as a side.
A variety of imported Greek wines and spirits, including Ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur, are available for sale, as well as domestic and imported beers.
After a hearty meal, there’s plenty to see and do on the church grounds.
The Kafenio (Greek coffee house) features fresh-brewed Greek-style coffee, tasty rice pudding and pastries in a relaxed atmosphere.
It wouldn’t be a Greek food festival without a stop in the pastry room, where you can sample Baklava (almonds, butter and honey layered in flaky pastry), Teelikta (walnuts, butter and honey rolled in flaky pastry); Kourabiethes (butter cookies topped with powdered sugar); Koulourakia (Greek twisted butter cookie); and Galaktobouriko (a filo pastry filled with custard and moistened with honey syrup).
Many visitors will take a variety box with them and sample each type of pastry. A pastry sampler box will also be sold in the drive-thru area.
Another Greek delicacy offered throughout the weekend is Loukoumades (puffed honey balls), a warm, dough pastry topped with syrup, cinnamon and chopped nuts.
Visitors can also shop for original artwork, gold jewelry and items imported from Greece in various gift rooms.
Guided church tours are offered on the hour.
All food items are available to eat-in in or take-out. Admission and parking are free.
Bazaar hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Additional parking is available at the adjacent Berks Catholic High School lots. The event is held rain or shine.
The church is located at 1001 E. Wyomissing Blvd., about a half-mile from Business Route 222 South, also known as Lancaster Avenue.
For directions or more information, call 610-374-7511 or visit www.stsconstantinehelen.org
