In the heart of Yarraville, where the aroma of traditional Greek cuisine has wafted through the streets since 1971, Eleftheria ‘Thierry’ Amanatidis unveils her debut book, Ela na Fáme! (“Come and
Eat”) – a captivating blend of recipes and stories that celebrates the powerful lineage of women who built a Melbourne food dynasty.
With the growing popularity of food memoirs and a resurgence in Greek cuisine, Ela na Fáme arrives at the perfect moment for food lovers and home cooks alike. More than a recipe collection, it brings together over five decades of family stories, paying tribute to three generations of strong-willed Greek women who transformed food into a language of love, resilience, and cultural identity.
“This book is more than just recipes – it’s my life,” says Thierry. “It’s the story of my Greek heritage, my love for my family, and my deep gratitude for the three extraordinary women who shaped not just my life, but the food and culture of an entire community.”
Raised by her mother Parthena and two yiayias (grandmothers), Eleni and Eleftheria, Thierry has carried their strength and passion into her own career as the co-owner and driving force behind three thriving
hospitality businesses in the inner-western Melbourne suburb of Yarraville.
Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar, named after Thierry’s yiayia Eleni, made history as Yarraville’s first Greek restaurant when it opened in 1971. Known for its warm hospitality, high-quality produce and authentic Greek cuisine, the kitchen is helmed by Thierry’s mentor, acclaimed Greek chef Christos Katopodis, who spent 16 years as head chef at Jim’s Greek Tavern. In 2024, a devastating fire forced the restaurant to close for four months, but it returned stronger than ever, reclaiming its place as a Melbourne icon.
Next door is Jimmy’s Deli, a tribute to Thierry’s pappou (grandfather) and home to Melbourne’s legendary half-kilo “New Yorker” pastrami sandwich; and Cakes by Thierry, which showcases Thierry’s artistic and culinary talents through custom cakes and traditional Greek sweets.
Ela na Fáme! shares cherished family recipes that are accessible to home cooks of all levels, organised into Meze (appetisers), Mains and Sweets. Beyond familiar classics like spanakopita and moussaka, readers will discover northern Greek delicacies like gemista (stuffed capsicum and tomatoes) and lamb kleftiko (“stolen lamb”, cooked in individual parcels with vegetables). For dessert lovers, there’s plenty to try – including Thierry’s personal favourite, rizogalo (rice pudding).
Each recipe comes to life through personal anecdotes that transport readers to the bustling family kitchens of Thierry’s childhood, where she and her sister Natalie learned to cook from their yiayias. Rich with photographs, family stories and characteristic Greek humour, the book paints an intimate portrait of an immigrant family whose food became their identity.
Yarraville itself emerges as a character in this narrative – the setting where multiple generations of Thierry’s family established cafés, restaurants, and even a butcher shop, creating a hospitality legacy that continues to flourish. “Ela na Fáme! isn’t just about Greek food,” says Thierry. “Every family, regardless of background, understands how food connects us to our past and nourishes our future – it’s a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries.” Ela na Fáme! will be available online and in-store at Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar and Jimmy’s Deli from 17 April 2025, with national shipping available.
Preorders open 20 March 2025 via www.eleniskitchen.com.au/cookbook
