46th annual Greek Food Bazaar returns Oct. 14-15-16

Visit Greece without leaving Berks County at the 46th Annual Greek Food Bazaar, returning Oct. 14-15-16 to Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.

In addition to authentic Greek food and pastry, the three-day festival features live music, folk dancing, gift rooms and church tours.

Several new menu items, including “Greek-style” pizza, are available under the large white tent, which features additional outdoor seating.

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-backed 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. You can substitute Plaki (fresh fish fillet baked with vegetables, herbs and wine) or Souvlaki (chunks of marinated pork) on the platter meal.

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 béchamel 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 freshbrewed 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.

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.

All food items are available to eat-in in or take-out.

Bazaar hours are noon to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking are free. 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 610-3747511 or visit www.stsconstantinehelen.org

TONY PHYRILLAS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Thousands of loaves of braided Greek sweet bread, all baked by the women at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church, will be on sale at the Greek Food Bazaar along with a variety of Greek pastries.

TONY PHYRILLAS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Kitchen workers create the perfect Gyro sandwich at the Greek Food Bazaar at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Reading.

TONY PHYRILLAS — DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Volunteers man the Gyro sandwich assembly line at the annual Greek Food Bazaar at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The popular event features all kinds of Greek dishes made by parishioners.