It’s a Greek tradition.

Well it’s less a “Greek” tradition (since I’m not Greek) and more a “birthday” tradition. My birthday usually falls on or around the Halifax Greek Fest, and several years ago, Mary and I decided that we would celebrate my birthday with Greek food.

For the last 6 years (last year didn’t count since I was in Ottawa for my birthday) we have been honouring this tradition in various ways. I think we only ever went to the actual Greek Fest festivities once in that time, and found other ways to satisfy our Greek cravings for the other years. We’ve dined at Greek restaurants, made Greek food at home, and during this time, I’ve admitted others into the fold to celebrate in the Greek fashion.

It’s really not a hard sell.

Lamb, tzatziki, souvlaki, hummus, kalamata olives, salata, mousaka, pastisio… yum!

A few years ago (my first birthday after meeting Shauna), she and I ordered Greek food for delivery. We had heard great things about this restaurant (sadly it has since closed) but when the food arrived without any of the minor changes we had specifically, and politely asked for… we were a little disappointed.

Our disappointment was short lived.

Our delivery guy was very apologetic. I mean, it wasn’t HIS fault. So he left the food, returned to the restaurant, and 30 minutes later he was back with our order AGAIN (with the correct alterations in place this time), 2 free rice pudding desserts, 2 soft drinks, 2 coupons for free dessert, AND a $50 gift certificate. Pretty amazing.

Happy Birthday Me!

The tradition continues.

Last night my new friend and I went out for my birthday. It was a nice little birthday treat for me, and I was quite pleased and felt awfully special to be taken out. We went to Ela! Taverna for a late dinner (pastisio for me, lamb souvlaki for my friend), complete with a delicious glass of Riesling. The food was amazing, the company was charming, and I even got a take-away Greek yogourt, honey and walnut for dessert today’s breakfast.

We celebrated my birthday until it was no longer the 7th.

And I was told there will be more celebrations to come in the next couple weeks…

Who said that birthdays only get to last 1 day?