Elaia is more than just a Cafe. It's an experience.
I’ve been spending more time at Elaia lately, covering gaps in the roster, training new team, working on the business whilst working in it. It’s heartwarming to see this next generation of guests coming in smiling and acknowledging our team like they’re family and completely ignoring me because they have no idea who I am😉 In fact when I do hit the floor I’m met with curious glances when they see me fumble taking orders or working out the table numbers and notice my slower pace. Who is that woman? Well it has been a while and these days I am a little rusty and a tad slower. I’d like to think of myself as a clever employer who knows when to step back and give opportunities to those that can do as good and better than I ever could. And I’ve definitely succeeded in achieving that. The fact that my team have created their own tribe of regulars speaks volumes of our culture and our values. As they say, culture is what happens when you’re not there. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, we could not be where we are today if it wasn’t for the loyalty, commitment and trust of our team 🙏🏼
This is followed by more heartwarming moments of the first generation of Elaia guests that still grace our humble establishment. We might be a little older and greyer but our eyes have the same twinkle and once we recognise each other (because masks) it’s like a reunion of long lost friends and family with awkward hugs (are we allowed to hug yet?) followed with memories and stories from the early days of the Health Den and how we morphed into delicatessen and then a cafe/deli and then a café and then café/restaurant.
And that’s the thing. Elaia has morphed and evolved into this unique hybrid of an eating establishment that’s difficult to find the correct word to describe us. Are we a Café, Restaurant, Takeaway, Cake Shop, Greek Restaurant, Pizzeria, Cocktail, Ouzeri, Wine and Mezze Bar? Well I guess we’re all of that and much much more. But rather than try to limit us to a title, I think it’s best to describe Elaia as an experience. It’s what you and our team have made us over the last three decades. We’ve kept the best of what we were, added the best of now and working on creating the best of the future.
Ritsa Nicholas
Specials Board Long Weekend Edit
Ancient Greek Pizza. Apparently the Ancient Greeks used to smash their own version of pizza back in the day. It was a flatbread base with vegan toppings. Ours is our special pizza base with tomato, red onion and olive oil. Perfect sized for a snack or starter.
Pastitsio. The ultimate in Greek comfort food. A traditional Greek dish with layers of pasta, bolognese and bechamel sauce sprinkled with goats cheese and parmesan. Try with a side of Fasolakia or Greek Lemon Roasted Potatoes.
Befteki (Lamb Meatballs). This is life changing. Try in a Souvlaki Bowl or in a Wrap.
Twice Cooked Pork Belly with a creamed cauliflower and a fennel, roquette, orange and olive salad with a pear ginger and honey puree.
Dessert. Your favourites are waiting for you, Caramel Slice, Tiramisu, Citrus Tarts, Flourless Chocolate Cakes.
Cheesecake of the week is Baked White Chocolate and Caramel Cheesecake with Peanut Brittle.
Pasta Sokolatina (Just call me 'Tina') This is a dessert of a luxurious Greek syruped chocolate cake with a chocolate patisserie layer and a silky ganache.
Aphrodite Cocktail. Koumozo Ouzo, grenadine with a splash of lemonade. Tastes just like a pink jellybean.
That’s us for another week. We’re open all day Friday and Saturday for your usual Elaia cravings.
