Food

The St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church prides itself on being the unofficial Greek culinary capital of Maryland, with traditional and delectable delights prepared by the "at-home" chefs of our community, and served by the thousands during the Greek Folk Festival weekend. All mezzes (appetizers), entrees, and desserts are still homemade, as they were over thirty years ago when the festival began, and are comprised of only the freshest and finest ingredients available.

Dolmathes - Tender grapevine leaves stuffed with seasoned ground beef and rice. 

Spanakopita - Spinach and feta cheese wrapped inside crispy phyllo dough. 

Leg of Lamb - Slowly roasted with Greek herbs and spices.  Not served with mint jelly!

Tyropita - Feta cheese filling wrapped inside crispy phyllo dough. 

Souvlaki - Marinated cubes of either pork tenderloin or chicken breast on grilled pita bread with tomatoes, fresh parsley, onions, and tzatziki sauce (a mixture of yogurt, cucumber, and garlic).

Gyro - Slowly cooked slices of pressed lamb and beef served on grilled pita bread with tomatoes, fresh parsley, onions, and tzatziki sauce.

Grilled Octopus - Marinated fresh octopus grilled on an open flame drizzled with olive oil and red wine vinegar.

Moussaka - Baked layers of fresh eggplant, ground beef, and potatoes topped with a béchamel cheese sauce.

Pastitsio - Baked layers of macaroni and ground beef topped with a béchamel sauce. It’s the Greek take on lasagna. 

Greek Salad - Fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and a homemade greek dressing.  

The menu is subject to change, more likely expansion however, based on the availability of fresh ingredients.

The Greek Folk Festival also features daily specials.

Baklava - Many layers of butter-drenched phyllo pastry, spices, and chopped almonds and walnuts drizzled with honey syrup. 

Galactobouriko - A special St. Nicholas recipe, as featured in The Baltimore Sun! Custard filled phyllo pastry with a light honey syrup. 

Kataifi - Chopped almonds and walnuts wrapped with shredded phyllo pastry and drizzled with honey syrup.

Karidopita - Spiced walnut cake with honey syrup.

Koulouria - Buttered cookies.

Kourambiethes - Buttered cookies topped with powdered sugar.

Loukoumathes - Fried dough puffs with honey syrup.

Ahladakia - Soft buttered cookies, pear shaped, dipped in honey and sprinkled with cinnamon and finely chopped walnuts.

Diples - Fried pastry swirls dipped in honey and rolled in finely chopped walnuts.

Finikia - A dry oval cookie dipped in honey and rolled in finely chopped walnuts.

In addition to an array of Greek cuisine, the Greek Folk Festival features an assortment of imported Greek wines, beers, and spirits. Furthermore, in an acknowledgment of the hybrid Greek-American culture, you will also find a Martini Bar, complete with Appletinis, Bloody Mary Martinis, and Cosmopolitans.*

Naturally, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee, including an Iced Greek variety, are also available.

Entertainment: Music, Dancing, & Greek Nights!

The best way to experience the language, the culture, and the traditions of Greece is by surrounding yourself in our art. For centuries, music and dancing have played an integral role in Hellenic traditions, the Hellenic culture, and the Hellenic life.  At the Greek Folk Festival you will find evidence of that truth, with live musical performances, featuring Apollonia Band, and dancing performances from 12:00 p.m. to 2 a.m. For more information, click here.

Shopping

Each year thousands flock to the St. Nicholas Greek Folk Festival to enjoy homemade Greek food and pastries and/or watch traditional dances.  Often visitors find that shopping can be just as enjoyable.  At the Greek Folk Festival you can purchase ornate and historic icons, fine jewelry, religious texts, Mediterranean herb and spice plants, Greek cooking books (in english), Greek Music CDs, handcrafted items, authentic Greek sailor hats, and more!

Orthodoxy: Church Tours

For Greek-Americans, the importance of church cannot be overstated. It is a central and powerful force in our lives. Each day from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., patrons can engage in self-guided tours of the Greek Orthodox Church sanctuary.  Church members will be available to discuss the church, the icons, and the Greek Orthodox faith, and to answer any questions.

Learn How To Cook Greek

A little entertainment, a little instruction. Rachel Ray has nothing on Stella Koukides! Join Mrs. Stella Koukides in Library of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church to cool off, relax, and learn how to bring a taste of Greece into your home. Mrs. Koukides’ cooking demonstrations are scheduled for 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

There is so much to do for kids at the Greek Folk Festival. There is face painting, kid-friendly art exhibits, sand art, and dancing performances that will wow them.  So bring the entire family along for three days of experiencing a culture and traditions that have survived centuries! For a schedule of events, click here.