Launch of Ela na Fáme by Thierry Amanatidis at Eleni’s Kitchen & Bar
Melbourne’s culinary scene never ceases to amaze, and few events capture the essence of food like the recent launch of Ela na Fáme! (Come and Eat) at Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar in Yarraville. I was privileged to attend this vibrant celebration, hosted by the remarkable Eleftheria Thierry Amanatidis, a 28-year-old Greek-Australian chef and restaurateur redefining her family’s 54-year legacy in Melbourne’s west. The evening was an unforgettable blend of Greek hospitality, culinary brilliance, and cultural pride, all tied to Thierry’s debut cookbook, a heartfelt tribute to three generations of strong Greek women.
Stepping into Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar in Anderson St, Yarraville, the atmosphere was electric. The event, from kicked off with the Asteri Cocktail, a refreshing mix of vodka, mint, lime, and dry ginger, with a mocktail option just as delightful. This set the stage for a four-course Greek banquet showcasing Thierry’s skill and her family’s cherished recipes.
The meal was a journey through Greek tradition. Mixed dips, paired with house-made bread fresh from the oven, were a crowd favorite, their creamy textures and bold flavors the perfect start to our Greek feast. Next came Keftedes me saltsa, meatballs in a rich tomato-based sauce that felt like a warm embrace. Thierry shared the story of this family recipe, passed down through generations. Fish plaki, oven-baked with herbs and vegetables, brought sophistication, while Marouli salad offered crisp freshness.
The highlight was Lamb kleftiko. Slow-cooked for four hours in a paper dome, this "stolen lamb" emerged tender, juicy, and infused with vegetable flavors. The dramatic unveiling of the dome drew gasps, and the taste matched the spectacle, pure magic.
Dessert, Rizogalo, a creamy rice pudding, ended the meal on a sweet, nostalgic note. Greek red wine, beer, and soft drinks flowed freely, enhancing the festive spirit.
Beyond the food, the evening celebrated Thierry’s remarkable journey. At 28, she leads three beloved Yarraville businesses: Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar, Jimmy’s Deli (known for its half-kilo New Yorker Pastrami sandwich), and Cakes by Thierry. Her family’s culinary roots in Melbourne date back to 1971, shaping Yarraville’s multicultural dining scene through cafés, restaurants, and even a butcher shop run by her uncle. Ela na Fáme! is more than a cookbook; it’s a memoir of recipes, stories, and photographs honoring the resilience of the Amanatidis women.
Thierry’s passion for her Greek heritage radiated in her speech, and some speeches on the evening from family members and close friends were delivered in Greek and translated for all. I loved how Thierry's words vividly traced a family legacy spanning over five decades, thriving under her leadership. Meeting Thierry was a highlight, her warmth and authenticity as captivating as her cuisine. I left with a signed copy of Ela na Fáme! and a gift bag, thoughtful mementos of an extraordinary night.
Flawlessly organized by Julia Hume of Beyond and Above PR, the event at Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar amplified the sense of family and community that Ela na Fáme! embodies. For those who missed it, the cookbook is available for pre-order, promising to bring Greek warmth and flavor to kitchens everywhere.
Thierry Amanatidis is a rising star, and Ela na Fáme! is a love letter to Greek culture, family, and Melbourne’s food scene. This launch at Eleni's Kitchen + Bar was a celebration of heritage, resilience, and the joy of shared food. Pre-order the book and dive into the flavors and stories making waves in Yarraville and beyond. Opa!