Vefa, the "First Lady of Greek Cuisine" Will Demonstrate Her Culinary Skills at a Troy Fundraiser April 2, 2011

TROY, Mich., March 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Internationally renowned author and "Grande Dame" of Greek Cuisine, Vefa Alexiadou, will travel from Athens, Greece, to Troy, Michigan, to present her Greek Cuisine Traditions. Often referred to as the "Martha Stewart of Greece," Vefa will be the honored guest at a benefit luncheon sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit Philoptochos Ladies Society, one of nearly 500 women's philanthropic organizations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America with 28,500 members. The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit encompasses parishes in seven states including Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, Upstate New York, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas.

The luncheon, An Afternoon with Vefa Alexiadou, will take place Saturday, April 2, 2011, at 12:00 Noon at the Somerset Inn; 2601 West Big Beaver Road; Troy, Michigan. Doors will open at 11 a.m. All proceeds from the event will benefit The National Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy in New York.  Vefa will delight the audience with her colorful, informative culinary commentary and book signing.

Prolific author, scholar as well as charming television personality, Vefa Alexiadou, received her degree in chemistry from the Aristotle University in Thessaloniki. She combined her culinary talents with scientific principles to modernize Greek Cooking without sacrificing authentic character and flavor of the traditional cuisine. For the past 30 years, no kitchen in Greece was considered complete without a cookbook by the country's most loved and respected culinary expert. Her 14 cookbooks have sold more than five million copies in over 35 countries.

Vefa appears frequently with her daughter, Alexia, who will join her for the benefit. Following a short period in the field of finance, Alexia decided to follow her family's shared passion for cooking, and also joined the world of gastronomy.  She is the author of the successful trilogy:  " Cooking: A Love affair," "Wedding Days" and " Cooking A Fairytale".  Her bestseller "Christmas Dreams" has sold 25,000 copies to date.  She, too, is a popular contributor to several Greek magazines and newspapers and frequently appears on TV shows, hosting the cooking segment or sharing her insights in the art of cooking.

Earlier this month Vefa and Alexia attended the Gourmand International Cookbook Fair in Paris where they received the "world best cooking series" award for their 24-volume publication, The ALPHA BETA OF COOKING by Alexia and Vefa. Prolific writers, dynamic culinary personalities, mother and daughter focus on the Greek kitchen where recipes are handed down from generation to generation.

Donation for the April 2, 2011 luncheon is $65 per person with proceeds earmarked for the National Philoptochos Center of Philanthropy. A book signing and grand drawing will also take place at the event. For reservations and additional information, please telephone Harriet Stoukas at the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Detroit, 248.823.2400.

Founded in 1931, the Ladies Society seeks to enhance and expand its role of assisting those in need through its ministries and programs. With the blessings of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, the Philoptochos Society has begun its campaign to establish a permanent home in New York City. Its mission is «to aid the poor, to provide high quality assistance through social services and to expand educational resources and leadership programs to Philoptochos nationwide.»

The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society's special project, The Center of Philanthropy, will serve as the National Philoptochos Headquarters and house its administrative operations. It will also serve as an Advocacy Center for children/women/families/seniors, an Archives Library, a Conference Facility Center, a Disaster Response Certification resource. The Center will offer Emergency Financial Assistance and provide an Information and Referral Hotline. In addition, the facility will house a Media /Technology Center, a Non Profit Leadership Center and a Social Services Office. Workplace/employee assistance/network and job search assistance will also be offered to Philoptochos members and chapters across the country.

SOURCE The Ladies Society