Washington, D.C.
The founding fathers’ affinity for Greece is evident in the Greek Revival architecture gracing the city, most notably in the U.S. Capitol. But columns and porticoes aren’t the only Greek influences in the American capital. Chrysoula Economopoulos leads the tour.
The list of Greek Americans who have distinguished themselves in this city of movers and shakers looking to influence national and international affairs includes former CIA chief George Tenet, television commentator and former presidential aide George Stephanopoulos, the respected Senator Paul Sarbanes, and former White House chief of staff John Podesta. But there are “Greek” marks on the city beyond the political Washington the world sees as the city has several diverse layers, including a culturally and socially vibrant Greek American community. Add the impact Hellenism has made on both the architecture and political philosophy of the city, there is no shortage of outlets through which visitors to the District of Columbia can connect with Greece. Just take a stroll along the National Mall, a park that extends from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument; it is lined by museums, memorials, and federal buildings featuring neoclassical architecture that recall the buildings of ancient Greece. America’s founding fathers expressed their commitment to a democratic society in many forms, looking also to the birthplace of democracy to inspire the city’s architecture.
Washington is also “home” to leading Greek American organizations like the American Hellenic Institute, the National Coordinated Effort of Hellenes, and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), the oldest Greek American membership organization. The Embassy of Greece and the Embassy of Cyprus also regularly host cultural or other events.
Community
Embassy of Greece
2217 Massachusetts Ave, NW; www.mfa.gr/Washington)
Cultural and other events organized by the embassy are posted on its website’s announcement page. The annual Greek independence day “open house” on March 25 is something of an Embassy Row institution.
Embassy of Cyprus
2211 R St, NW; tel.: 202 462 5772; www.cyprusembassy.net
The Cyprus embassy also hosts or participates in a variety of cultural events that are listed on its homepage.
Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
36th St. & Massachusetts Ave, NW; tel.: 202 333 4730; www.saintsophiawashington.org
The oldest Greek Orthodox church in the area, Saint Sophia celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2004. Its architecture recalls that of Aghia Sophia in Constantinople.
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church
4115 Sixteenth Street, NW; tel.: 202 829 2910; www.stsconstantine-helen.com
Founded in 1918, Sts. Constantine and Helen is the only other Greek Orthodox church in the District of Columbia proper.
Art & Architecture
U.S. Capitol Building
East Capitol Street, NE and 1st Street, NE; www.visitthecapitol.gov for information on tours and hours)
Step into the United States Capitol Building rotunda to view Greek-Italian artist Constantino Brumidi’s (1805-1880) fresco, The Apotheosis of Washington, which adorns the inside of the Capitol’s dome. The country’s first president, George Washington, is depicted being transformed into a god, accompanied by figures from classical mythology. Brumidi, a naturalized American citizen, was born in Italy to an Italian mother and a Greek father from Filiatra, Messinia.
Dumbarton Oaks Byzantine Collection
1703 32nd Street, NW; tel.: 202 339 6401; www.doaks.org/museum/byz_collection; Hours: museum and shop open daily Tuesday-Sunday, 2 p.m.-5 p.m.
An institute of Harvard University, this research library and collection specializes in Byzantine, Pre-Columbian, and Landscape studies making it a veritable oasis in the heart of Georgetown. Visit to view one of the most important collections of artifacts from the Byzantine Empire outside Greece. Treasures include bronze, silver, and gold Eucharist vessels, late Roman and Byzantine jewelry, icons, mosaics, and a large collection of coins and seals.
Panorama of Greek Film
The Avalon Theater, 5612 Connecticut Avenue, NW; tel.: 202 966 6000; www.theavalon.org/programs-events/panorama-of-greek-cinema
The Avalon Theater showcases a Greek film the first Wednesday of every month. The series is presented by the Embassy of Greece in collaboration with the Greek Film Center and Greece’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Recent screenings have included Dimos Avdeliodis’s The Four Seasons of the Law and Pantelis Voulgaris’s Quiet Days of August is scheduled for April.
Dining
Cava
527 8th St, SE; tel.: 202 543 9090; open Monday for dinner, Tuesday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Sunday for brunch and dinner; www.cavamezze.com for other locations in the metropolitan area.
From its signature array of contemporary meze to its convivial bar scene featuring a top selection of Greek wines and a unique martini list, Cava has made a splash as one of the city’s top Greek restaurants. Launched in nearby Rockville, Maryland, by long-time friends Ike Grigoropoulos and Ted Xenohristos, along with chef Dimitri Moshovitis, Cava’s Capitol Hill location is easily accessible by metro from downtown. Don’t miss the “disco fries”, topped with braised pork and veal ragout, the grilled octopus, and a unique “inside-out moussaka”. Cava is rapidly expanding, with its first fast food outpost–Cava Grill–recently opened in Bethesda and more to come. Cava products are also available at local Whole Foods and other specialty markets in the area.
Kellari
1700 K St. NW; tel.: 202 535 5274; open Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.kellaridc.com
Kellari–Greek for “wine cellar”–beckons you to “Enter as strangers, leave as friends”. True to its motto, the restaurant exudes a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with regular events to prove it. The first Friday of every month is “Greek Night”, featuring live music that inspires patrons to get up and dance. Another recent introduction is the “Greek Wine Happy Hour” the first Monday of every month, in partnership with the Greek Embassy (plus regular happy hour specials during the week). Let’s not forget the food: Kellari’s trademark is superb seafood, flown in from Greece and on display for diners to make their selection.
Komi
1509 17th St, NW; tel.: 202-332-9200; open Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30 p.m.; komirestaurant.com
Freshly-crowned first place on Washingtonian magazine’s “100 Very Best Restaurants“ for 2011, Komi is a special occasion kind of place. Chef/proprietor Johnny Monis, 31, takes you on a culinary tour of different ingredients, textures, flavors, and aromas through his ever-evolving multi-course tasting menu ($135 per person; $70 per person wine pairing option). The geographic inspiration? Komi beach in the island of Chios, where Monis’s parents were born. According to Washington restaurant critic Tom Sietsema, “Monis's latest creations are among the most thrilling combinations in town.” Reservations are hard to come by–call at least a month in advance to make sure of a table.
Mourayo
1732 Connecticut Ave, NW; tel.: 202 667 2100; open Monday from 5:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m., Saturday-Sunday from 11:30 a.m. through dinner; www.mourayous.com
Dock your appetite at this Dupont Circle establishment whose design inspiration is the interior of a Greek yacht. With a number of classics on the menu, Mourayo also offers a contemporary spin with the likes of butternut squash keftedes, ground duck “moussaka stymfalis”, and “moshari klemeno”–filet mignon with wine and truffle essence sauce served over porcini mushroom and potato skordalia.
Parthenon Restaurant
5510 Connecticut Ave, NW; tel.: 202 966 7600; open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; www.parthenon-restaurant.com
For the District’s most traditional rendition on a Greek restaurant, head on up to the Parthenon for staples such as saganaki flambé, pastitsio, and a long list of seafood specialties. Washingtonian magazine food writer Cynthia Hacinli recently gave a thumbs-up to its “lighter-than-most moussaka” in her December 2010 listing of favorite dishes in and around the Friendship Heights neighborhood. With warm weather on the horizon, a spacious patio out front welcomes diners to enjoy their meal al fresco.
Fast Food & Delis
The Greek Deli & Catering
1120 19th St, NW; tel.: 202 296 2111; open Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.; www.greekdelidc.com
The Greek Deli is an institution among downtown office denizens. The daily queue outside of the small shop during lunch hours attests to its quality offerings. Never fear, though: the line moves quickly. Waiting at the finish line to greet you whole-heartedly is proprietor Kostas Fostieris, who stands behind the counter serving up fresh, hearty portions of homemade Greek staples every day. Aside from the daily specials, the avgolemono soup receives rave reviews.
Zorba’s Cafe
1612 20th St, NW; tel.: 202 387 8555;open Monday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; www.zorbascafe.com
For a quick and affordable Greek food fix, drop by Zorba’s just off of Dupont Circle. Ample indoor seating is positively supplemented by an outdoor patio for al fresco dining at one of the city’s most bustling neighborhoods.
Port of Piraeus
1155 21st Street, NW; tel.: 202 833 3338 and 1225 I Street, NW; tel.: 202 898 0778; open Monday-Friday 7 a.m.- 6 p.m.; www.portofp.com
This busy lunch spot is remarkable for its food as well as the warm, attentive service of its staff and owner Frank Doyle. Traditional specialties and a wide selection of Greek-themed sandwiches are on the menu and Greek music plays in the background. Plenty of outdoor seating is available. Port of Piraeus also offers a “Meals-to-Go” menu: pick up a tray of pastitsio, moussaka, vegetable filo pie, or similar and “simply heat and serve” when you arrive home.
What’s Happening, DC?
To find out what’s coming up on the Greek calendar in D.C., visit www.DCGreeks.com for virtually every Greek event happening in the DC area and regional and national Greek destination events as well. Founded in 2001 by brothers Themistocles and Aristotelis Chronis, their goal has been to bring together young professionals from Washington, Maryland, Virginia, while highlighting the best of what the Greek community in D.C. has to offer from a wide range of promoters and organizations. As part of this mission, DCGreeks.com sponsors Pan-Hellenism Weekend every November as an outlet for young professionals and college students from across the country to spend time with each other set against the backdrop of one of most dynamic U.S. cities.