My Inspiration

Thalia

My yiayia (grandmother), Thalia, was born in the village of Litohoro, nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus in Greece, 1936. Her childhood was marked by hardship when German soldiers swept through the village during the war, taking all the family’s food and leaving them with little more than their resourcefulness. Even in those lean years, the traditions of family and food held great meaning, and once the war ended, they became central to her life. The flavors of Greece—passed down through family recipes and shared around the table—were not simply meals but a way to preserve identity, resilience, and love.

At just nineteen years old, Thalia left her home behind and embarked on a journey to Brooklyn, New York. She arrived without knowing a word of English but carried with her the strength of her upbringing and the skills she had learned as a seamstress. It was at a bus stop on the way to work that fate introduced her to Anastasios, the man who would become her husband. Together, they built a life in a new country, keeping their faith, language, and traditions close to their hearts. Church became their anchor, and Greek customs remained an essential part of their family life, giving her children and grandchildren a strong sense of heritage.

Today, at 88 years old, Yiayia Thalia remains the soul of the kitchen and the heart of the family. Her culinary talent continues to inspire, blending the lessons of resilience from her youth with the joy of tradition. To me, she is still the best cook—though I have to keep that secret from my mother—and each dish she prepares is a reminder of the strength, love, and culture she carried across an ocean. Thank you, Yiayia. This website is dedicated to you and to the legacy of nourishment, tradition, and inspiration you’ve gifted us all.