Palm Desert Greek Festival February 23-24, 2013, 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Open Friday evening,  Saturday & Sunday 11am -9pm. Cost:  $2 per adult and free to children 12 & under (sujbect to change)

16th Annual  St. George Greek Orthodox Church
74-109 Larrea, Palm Desert CA 92260
Church office: (760) 568-9901  palmdesertgreekfest.org (old website)

If you have never visited a Greek Festival, be sure to take your appetite because we've never been to a Greek fest in California where the food wasn't fantastic. Palm Desert's Greek Festival sponsored by and held at St. George Greek Orthodox Church is their biggest fundraiser and is well attended.

Recently they began launching the event with a Friday evening "Taverna Night" teaser with a limited menu and drinks to get things started.

The action goes into full swing on Saturday & Sunday, and the entire church congregation pitches in to make the event a success. The Festival includes Live Greek Music, Traditional Folk Dancers, Authentic homemade Foods, Pastries, Greek Beer & Wine, Exotic International Vendors, Church tours, Byzantine Iconography & a Kids Zone.

Set up in in themed areas, the village center  Plaka,  the lawn Taverna courtyard, and other areas provide opportunity to dine, shop, stroll, and dance to the music.

THE FOOD!
Paidakia --Country Style Lamb Chops, St. George Signature Dish
Taverna-style  Mezedes" appetizers
Greek Salads
Greek Fries with hot  Greek Seasonings,  Feta cheese & Olives
Spanakopita -- Fillo layered with rich cheeses and fresh spinach
Spanokopita Pastitsio -- baked macaroni w/ beef filling and Romano cheese, topped with béchamel
Tyropita-- triangular shaped cheese filled pastry puff 
Gyros
Flaming Saganaki Cheese  -- flamed with brandy and quenched with fresh, tart lemon juice.  (For the full effect, take a shot of Metaxa brandy and add some lively, Greek music.)
Loukoumathes -- puffs of hot pastry drenched in cinnamon & sugar

BEVERAGE:
Ouzo licorice liquor or Imported Greek Beer

Greek Agora (marketplace) with over 20 unique, vendor kiosks include items such as  souvenirs, imported olives, oils, spices and treats. Fine jewelry, art and religious items are collectibles.  Original works and exceptional values  found in small Greek villages.

Directions: Just off El Paseo, behind the Wells Fargo Bank where Lantana meets Larrea. Look for the Santorini island style, domed, white church, sky high balloons and Greek Flags waving to welcome you.