Food is at the heart of Greek culture, and this year’s Antipodes Festival is celebrating it in style with ‘Taste of the Aegean,’ proudly supported by The Greek Herald.
In an exciting partnership with Antipodes Festival, The Greek Herald is proud to present this mouth-watering segment, where some of Australia’s most talented Greek food personalities will take the stage to share their passion, expertise, and delicious creations.
From artisan pastries and authentic Greek sweets to modern takes on traditional dishes and expertly crafted cocktails, ‘Taste of the Aegean’ will bring festival-goers up close with the masters of Greek cuisine. Whether you’re keen to watch live cooking demonstrations, discover new flavours, or learn the secrets behind your favourite Greek dishes, this segment promises to be a feast for the senses.
Here’s a closer look at the Greek foodies who will be bringing their expertise, creativity, and love of Greek gastronomy to Antipodes 2025.
Hellenic Wine & Spirits
Renowned for sourcing the finest wines and spirits from Greece, Hellenic Wine & Spirits is set to bring a taste of the Mediterranean to the Antipodes Festival with a special showcase of Greek-inspired cocktails. As a leading importer and distributor, they champion Greece’s rich drinking culture, offering everything from crisp Assyrtiko wines and bold Xinomavro reds to traditional spirits like Tsipouro, Ouzo, and the aromatic Mastiha liqueur.
At this year’s festival, their expert mixologists will be shaking up a selection of cocktails featuring Greece’s most iconic spirits, giving festival-goers a unique opportunity to experience classic flavours in a fresh and modern way. Whether it’s a refreshing Mastiha Spritz, a bold Ouzo-based creation, or a twist on the classic Greek frappe with a spirited kick, Hellenic Wine & Spirits is set to bring a new dimension to the Antipodes Festival’s food and drink experience.
Get ready to sip, savour, and discover the best of Greece – one cocktail at a time!
Angie Giannakoudakis
With a career spanning hospitality, food consulting, and cultural advocacy, Angie Giannakoudakis has dedicated herself to showcasing the richness of Greek cuisine and traditions in Australia. Known for her deep knowledge of Greek gastronomy and her innovative approach to food and drink experiences, she has worked across renowned venues, championing authentic ingredients, traditional techniques, and modern interpretations of Greek flavours.
Beyond the kitchen and bar, Angie is a respected consultant and creative force in the industry, collaborating on projects that celebrate Greek heritage and elevate Mediterranean-inspired hospitality. Whether curating menus, developing unique dining experiences, or sharing her expertise at major events, she brings a deep passion for storytelling through food and drink.
At this year’s Antipodes Festival, Angie will once again bring her infectious enthusiasm and expertise to the stage, ensuring festival-goers experience the true essence of Greek hospitality.
Vanilla
A name synonymous with Greek hospitality and indulgent desserts, Vanilla has become a staple of Melbourne’s Greek food scene, attracting thousands of visitors to its iconic Oakleigh location. At the heart of this beloved family business is George Giannou, a master pastry chef whose passion for Greek sweets has helped make Vanilla one of the largest Greek pastry destinations in the southern hemisphere.
Born in Naoussa, northern Greece, a region famous for its luscious fruits and rich pastry traditions, George developed a love for desserts from a young age. After migrating to Australia at 13, he later joined the Vanilla family in 2009, bringing his expertise and creativity to the Vanilla Bakehouse team, where he now leads an artisan pastry workshop dedicated to crafting authentic Greek cakes, biscuits, and pastries.
With over 50 years of hospitality experience, the Spanos family continues to uphold its commitment to quality, using only the best ingredients—free from preservatives or additives—to create its extensive range of traditional and modern Greek delights. From their famous loukoumades and galaktoboureko to handcrafted cakes and biscuits, Vanilla has become more than just a café—it’s a meeting place, a family destination, and a true taste of Greece in Melbourne.
At this year’s Antipodes Festival, Vanilla will bring its passion for Greek sweets to the spotlight, sharing the secrets behind its most beloved desserts and showcasing why it remains a must-visit for lovers of authentic Greek patisserie.
Philip Vakos
Celebrating 10 years of Bahari – The Hellenic Palate, Philip Vakos has firmly established himself as a key figure in Melbourne’s modern Greek food scene. His Swan Street restaurant has become a sought-after foodie destination, where he blends traditional Greek flavours with contemporary flair, creating dishes that respect Greek culinary heritage while keeping guests intrigued with unexpected twists.
With Bahari now expanding to two floors—offering a cosy dining space downstairs and a cocktail bar and event space upstairs – Philip continues to push boundaries in Greek Australian dining.
Born and raised in Tasmania, Philip was influenced by the cooking of his Cretan grandmothers, who taught him that the secret to great Greek food lies in simplicity – but with a touch of mystery. Despite initially studying accounting, his true passion for food led him to MasterChef Australia in 2010, which became the launchpad for his culinary career.
Philip has since shared his love for Greek cuisine through countless cooking demonstrations at major festivals, including the Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, Oakleigh Glendi, Moonee Valley Festival, and more. His passion extends beyond the kitchen, with his involvement in charity events for organisations like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
A familiar face in the media, Philip has made regular TV appearances on Everyday Gourmet (Channel 10), Farm to Fork (Channel 10), and The Cook Up with Adam Liaw (SBS Food). Alongside his wife Heleena, he also runs The Gringlish Co., a catering company bringing his signature Greek-meets-modern approach to events across Melbourne.
At this year’s Antipodes Festival, Philip will once again bring his energy and expertise to the food stage, showcasing his creative take on Greek classics and proving why he remains a standout in Australia’s Greek culinary scene.
This year’s Antipodes Festival is being held at Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, on Saturday, February 22 to Sunday, February 23. ‘A Taste of the Aegean’ Cooking Demonstrations are running over both days, proudly supported by The Greek Herald. For more details visit: www.antipodesfestival.com.au
