Tell us about yourself and what you do at the Untold Events Co markets...
Greek Masa is all about fresh, flavourful and traditional Greek food. Our food stall is family owned and run, taking inspiration from traditional gourmet street food styles and serving up all the Greek greats! We believe in the tradition of supporting other family producers and suppliers, which is why we always use locally sourced and fresh quality ingredients. After all, that is the Mediterranean way. Greek Masa caters for everyone – with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options available so no one misses out on the flavour! If you want to be transported to Greece through delicious, traditional and fresh food, then you have to try our food stall Greek Masa!
When did you first know you wanted to be creative in the kitchen?
At age nine, I was obsessed with karaoke to the point where I wanted to make my own karaoke system. I crafted it by deconstructing a small radio, and it blew up! However, when it comes to food I have always been in love. My mother was the best cook and she taught me as I grew up. When I met my wife, I was the cook in the relationship. Then after we were married, I taught my wife to cook traditional Greek food and we have been cooking together ever since!
Describe your perfect day...
All days are perfect if you know where to look. In a perfect world, our perfect day would be on a beach in Greece surrounded by family and friends. In the real world, the perfect day looks more like the everyday – as long as we have family and friends around us (and great food of course!).
What is your best ever creative moment?
To be honest, our best ever creative moment was when we decided to commit to starting a food stall which became Greek Masa. My wife, Iliana, worked at a signage company a few years ago and her former boss was also a chef. He returned from a trip to Vietnam where he got the idea to open a food stall. Iliana invited her boss and his family to come over for dinner one night. She was a bit nervous as he was not an easy person to impress – especially when it came to food! We were all so shocked as we watched him shovel down three servings of her mousaka, he absolutely loved it! The next day at work, he told my wife that he had booked and organised all the paper work for a 3 x 3 metre marque at the market for her to cook in. She was totally taken off guard – he didn’t even ask her! That was the Emu Plains Market. Our first ever market! She could have killed him at that moment for throwing her under the bus like that – but we’re so thankful that he introduced us to the amazing and tasty world of food stalls! This was our lightbulb and best creative moment to create the Greek Masa food stall.
Describe a lesson you learnt from a creative failure...
Failure isn't fun, but it's definitely educational. All our wins over time have been results of learning from previous failures.
What's the scariest movie you have ever seen?
The Saw Movie. We are not very good with blood and suspense, so if you’re like me then make sure you’re brave enough! Don't watch it if you have a weak heart and preferably watch it with someone during the morning!
What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you?
Don't ever stop learning and growing as a person. From there you will learn to be yourself and always listen to those around you.
What's your favourite tunes to get you in the creative mood?
Bossa nova which is a style of Brazilian music, Gypsy jazz (also known as gypsy swing or hot club jazz), and Greek music both traditional and modern!
What do you love most about the Untold Events Co markets?
The people, the set up and the atmosphere. We love talking to the community and getting to know everyone. Plus it’s so peaceful and enjoyable seeing people relax and enjoy the market. It’s such a well organised market and everyone working behind the scenes is amazing and so helpful. It’s a very well run event and we always look forward to it!
Where do you see your business in the next 5 years?
In five years, we would love to extend Greek Masa and open a Greek style tavern where people can taste a large variety of traditional dishes while listening and dancing to authentic live Greek music. A haven for the mouth, eyes and ears!
.jpg)
%20(1).jpg)
