Last night, over 40 attendees came to Psomi Restaurant in Tampa for a joint National Hellenic Society & Leadership 100 reception. Rising star Chef Christina Theofilos spoke of her family’s Greek traditions, especially her mom’s culinary influence. NHS Chair Drake Behrakis welcomed guests and discussed the transformational Heritage Greece program. L100 chair and NHS board member, Jim Logothetis, remarked about collaborative efforts between organizations to better serve the next generation. 

Special guest, Diane Kochilas, spoke of her program, My Greek Table, and an upcoming season focused on the Greek American story.

The National Hellenic Society (NHS), a non-profit organization dedicated to perpetuating, celebrating, and passing on Hellenic heritage, proudly announces the establishment of the National Hellenic Society Culinary Legacy Fund at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV).  The Fund will promote Hellenic heritage, culture and cuisine to culinary arts students enrolled in the Food and Beverage Program within the UNLV’s world-renown William F. Harrah College of Hospitality.

​Stowe Shoemaker, dean of the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality and his team hosted a memorable reception for NHS members and guests attending the annual NHS Heritage Weekend event in celebration of the launch of the Fund.  NHS Guests included Her Excellency, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, Greece’s Ambassador to the U.S., David Horner, President of the American College of Greece, Alexander Zagoreos, Chair of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Nancy Papaioannou, President of Atlantic Bank, George Marcus, John Calamos and Drake Behrakis, NHS Co-Founders, and NHS members from all over the U.S.

November was a busy month for celebrity chef and author Diane Kochilas following the October launch of her PBS 13-part series, My Greek Table. The series is also co-sponsored by the National Hellenic Society. 
 
Diane was the featured guest at four NHS chapter-hosted events along with NHS Executive Director Art Dimopoulos in Salt Lake City, UT, hosted by member John Saltas, in Seattle, WA, hosted by co-chair Elizabeth Grillos, in San Diego, CA, hosted by co-chair Gerry Ranglas, and concluded in Los Angeles, CA, hosted by member Thelma Nickols Waxman. Guests were treated to Diane's wealth of Greek cooking historical tips along with a Greek cheese tasting and wine from the Padis Vineyards in Seattle and Los Angeles.