Last night we had the absolute joy of attending the book launch of Ela na Fáme! Come and Eat by the incredible Eleftheria ‘Thierry’ Amanatidis – and what a night it was!
It’s no secret that Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar is a long-time family favourite of ours. We’ve been coming here for years, drawn in by the warmth, the legendary Greek hospitality, and of course, the unforgettable food. Their Greek nights are electric – full of music, dancing, laughter, and that unmistakable feeling of being part of something bigger. Not just a restaurant, but a story. A legacy.
Thierry’s debut book is a celebration of that legacy – a beautifully woven tapestry of recipes, memories, and moments that span three generations of strong Greek women. Ela na Fáme! (“Come and Eat”) is more than a cookbook. It’s a food memoir that honours her mother Parthena and her two yiayiás, Eleni and Eleftheria, who taught her that food is more than nourishment – it’s love, identity, and connection.
At just 28, Thierry is already a force in Melbourne’s food scene. Alongside her family, she runs three thriving businesses in Yarraville: Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar (named after her yiayiá), Jimmy’s Deli (home to the famous half-kilo New Yorker pastrami sandwich), and Cakes by Thierry, which showcases her artistic flair and love for traditional Greek sweets. Her journey is a testament to resilience and passion – especially after a fire forced Eleni’s Kitchen to close for four months last year. The way it bounced back stronger than ever is a story in itself.
As her yiayiás would say, “Ela na fáme!” – Come and eat!
And that’s exactly what this book invites us to do – to gather, share, and laugh over good food and great company.
The book is filled with personal favourites – from classic spanakopita and moussaka to regional gems like lamb kleftiko and rizogalo (her ultimate comfort food). Each recipe is paired with touching anecdotes from Thierry’s childhood, where cooking wasn’t just a chore – it was a ritual, a way to honour her roots and carry forward the wisdom of the women who came before her.
Ela na Fáme! captures the soul of Yarraville itself – a suburb that has been home to Thierry’s family businesses since 1971, when Eleni’s first opened its doors as the area’s very first Greek restaurant. More than 50 years later, the aroma of garlic, lemon, and oregano still wafts through Anderson Street, welcoming all who walk by to come in and eat.
To Thierry – thank you for letting us be part of this beautiful celebration of family, heritage, and food. Your book is a gift, and we can’t wait to cook from it, laugh over its stories, and continue making memories at your table.
If you haven’t already, do yourself a favour and visit Eleni’s Kitchen in the heart of Yarraville. It’s more than a restaurant – it’s a love letter to Greek hospitality, brought to life by generations past and the passionate souls continuing their traditions today.
Location: Eleni’s Kitchen + Bar, 28 Anderson St, Yarraville VIC
Ela na Fáme! (“Come and Eat”) is now available in-store and online at: www.eleniskitchen.com.au/cookbook. RRP $39.95 (hardcover) – with national and international shipping available.
Melbourne with Kidz (MWK) 
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