On Sunday, January 29, 2017, the RBC Tastes and Traditions event, organized by the Greater Montreal Hellenic Community Fundraising Committee and the Hellenic Associations of Greater Montreal, took place with perfect Mediterranean perfection in the reception halls of Chateau Royal of Laval.
More than a thousand visitors had the opportunity to taste dishes from all over Greece, cheerfully comparing the delicious merits of Cretan goat pilaf (a favorite), Macedonian cheese tart, Dodecanese baked fish and Pontian soup, to name but a few. For five hours, dozens of volunteers cooked and served countless of meals that were the delight of all present.
During the tasting, the eyes and ears were delighted by the Greek music playing live and the performance of several dance groups. Our favorites were, of course, the students of the Socrates-Demosthenes School who won the enthusiastic applause of the public. And let us not forget to mention the energetic and sympathetic animation of Maria Kyriacou and Sylvia Petridis.
The Executive Director of Socrates-Demosthenes, Chris Adamopoulos, made a heartfelt speech that he began, by highlighting the remarkable work of the many volunteers and the administration of RBC Tastes and Traditions starting with its President, Mr. Tassos Xipolikakis.
A commemorative plaque was handed to Tony Loffreda, Vice-Chairman of the Royal Bank and a great philanthropist, by none other than Senator Leo Housakos. Andy Crillis, Executive Vice-President of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal represented its President, Nicolas Pagonis. Many representatives of the municipal, provincial and federal political scene were present for the occasion.
We would like to thank all the people who made this magical moment possible, especially Tony Loffreda of the Royal Bank, and Vasilis Zannis of Chateau Royal, who graciously offered his hall for the day and all the wonderful volunteers who have given everything to the success of this venture.
See you next year!
Photos Harry Babaroutsis
Thank you to all who participated!
L’École Socrates-Démosthène
