Philoxenia

Yesterday I attended an event at the Elixirion Greek restaurant in Augsburg, where, in a kind of experiment, a number of strangers had been invited to sample Greek Cuisine. Extending over three hours, the meal featured an amazing array of perfectly cooked dishes, drinks, and desserts, with the invitees paying at the end whatever they thought appropriate.

Our hosts — Angelos Gkantzos and his team — opened their doors and hearts to a sizeable group of Grecophile and hungry strangers and through their friendly and generous welcome made us all feel immediately at ease.

The word Philoxenia came to mind. Love and friendship towards strangers, towards visitors, generosity combined with eagerness to show hospitality. Here, this evening, the concept became reality through the experience of togetherness and being received in a generous and good-natured spirit.

 The food was perfectly cooked and delicious, the drinks cool and flowing, and the ouzo something that Odysseus himself would have stayed for and enjoyed!

Many heartfelt thanks to the owner Angelos Gkantzos and all the staff who created this wonderful event and helped us remember the concept of Philoxenia. And to the fellow invitees who helped make the evening a most enjoyable event.

Photo altered to protect privacy.