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The
E/GOURMET
CLUB is a non-profit organization whose news, events and activities are
communicated through the "TASTES" pages of the Athenian weekly
newspaper "EPENDYTIS" (The Investor). Marios Kalfoglou is a
forty year professional in U.S. and Greek media, holds a master's degree
in Television Journalism, from American University in Washington D.C.,
and signs as editor and Food And Wine reporter for "TASTES".
His remarkable knowledge of the culinary field is a result of his work
experience, from his days as a student in all positions of the
restaurant business to his restaurant ownership, and his extensive
travels to numerous gourmet and wine sites of the world. His love for
and pursuit of culinary relights has been the essential ingredient for
the formation of this oeno-gastronomic association.
Like Athena, the Olympic pantheon's goddess
of wisdom who sprang into existence from the head of her father Zeus, so
was the E/GOURMET club born out of the pages of "EPENDYTIS",
and continues in its fifth successful year.
The E/GOURMET CLUB publishes all
information pertaining to its activities under the heading "GOURMET
CLUB/NEWSLETTER". With no office or supporting staff, everything
derives from the JOIE DE VIVLE, work and ideas of its originator and
operator, Marios Kalfoglou.
Activities
The club operates from September to
June, when there are regularly scheduled thematic oeno-gourmet events in
greater Athens.
At least twice a year casually in the
Spring and Autumn, the members of the E/GOURMET CLUB and their friends
have the opportunity to visit sites of food and wine interest in Attica,
continental and island Greece. In September 1999, the club enjoyed its
first trip abroad, visiting the unforgettable "LA ROUTE DU VIN
D'ALSACE" in France.
The monthly activities are limited to
the first forty members (and their friends) to reserve. In case of great
demand, functions are repeated. This limited number of participants
ensures the highest quality for each event.
To register as member of the E/GOURMET
CLUB, one must complete the application form and pay the yearly 20.000
Drachma dues. Associate members (spouses, etc) pay half this amount.
These fees cover all administrative expenses such as telephone charges,
gifts to invited speakers, photographs, extra costs of dining, etc. The
names of new and renewing members are published in the newspaper.
Past activities
During the past four years, E/GOURMET
CLUB has been educated in a variety of cuisines, such as classical
French, Oriental and Thai as well as traditional Greek and Mediterranean
seafood in various Athenian restaurants.
Thematic evenings have included seven
dishes prepared with various cheeses, seven dishes incorporating
saffron, even seven different souvlaki dishes from appetizer to desert!
Other events have included and evening with imported Scottish food and
Scotch Whisky hosted by Cutty Sark distilleries, Havana Rum and Caribbean
food, and the food and wines of Alsace. The E/GOURMET CLUB has also
visited wineries in northern Greece, east and west Peloponnese, the
islands of Evia and Santorini, the ouzo distiller of Argos, etc.
The next big events
As a chapter member of the
International Academy of Gastronomy, the club will organize the
Academy's spring conference on the island of Santorini, inviting all
twenty four country members from around the world. This event will be
the first of its kind for Greece and the Greek gastronomic tradition. |
