Authors of “Greek Cafes And Milk Bars of Australia” to speak at NSW Seniors Festival

Documentary photographer Effy Alexakis and writer Leonard Janiszewski will be hosting two talks titled “Greek Cafes & Milk Bars of Australia” at the NSW seniors festival in Sydney during February.

Alexakis and Janiszewski will be discussing their book “Greek Cafes & Milk Bars of Australia,” as well as answering questions and discussing Australia’s rich history of Greek cafes and milk bars.

Taking Readers Through Memory Lane

Alexakis and Janiszewski’s book was first published on 30 March 2016 and captures the rich history of Greek cafes and milk bars that were once scattered across the country, acting as a staple in peoples lives at the time.

The book combines Effy Alexakis stunning photography and ability to re-ignite the past with historic images from family albums, combined with Leonard Janiszewski’s ability to interview and tell the stories of the workers and owners of these memorable stores.

The national publication brings together over 30 years of research culled from travels within four continents, selected from over 1,800 interviews and innumerable contemporary and historical photographs. Hundreds of Australia’s Greek cafés and milk bars are referenced within the book’s 256 pages.

The publication is also a companion to the highly-popular and critically applauded touring exhibition Selling an American Dream: Australia’s Greek Café.

Below is a short description of the novel:

Nostalgic trip to the days when the Greek Cafe was the gathering place for every town and suburb. Effy Alexakis’s evocative photos are paired with marvellous images from family albums. The cafes and the people behind them, showing decor, milkshakes, sundaes and innovative sweets were combined in a unique and special Australian experience. The authors have travelled Australia, Greece, Egypt and the USA, tracking down cafes, milk bars and their forerunners overseas.

Event Details

WHAT: Author Talk – Greek Cafes and Milk Bars of Australia by Effy Alexakis and Leonard Janiszewski.

WHEN:

Thursday 13 February – Bankstown Library and Knowledge Centre

Friday 21 February – Campsie Library and Knowledge Centre

TIME: 10-11.30am

More information on the event can be found HERE