To support our friends at the MN Aboretum, The Gardens will be sharing food samples with some of the top chefs of the Metro Area on July 29 from 6-9pm. Check out their website for more details, or stayed tuned and we'll post them as they are made available to us.

What does a office department order when 30 decide to eat out together? They call in their preferences and Anna puts together a family-style meal that is ready when they walk in and served seamlessly to the end. Today's menu? Melitzana, Tyro, Fava, Briam, Spanakorizo, Yigandes, Freshly grilled skewers of Chicken and Lamb, Gyros and Tzatziki, Greek Fries and, of course, Greek Salad. And the dessert? Who has eaten Baklava freshly baked the same day? Topped off with Greek Coffee, complements of the Gardens...now, who's up for work??? ;)

Yes, and here's the proof! Lindsey and Xeno ordered a traditional Greek Extravaganza: Spinach Feta and Pikantiko Boughatsas, Tyro and Melitzanosalata with Pita bread at the table and two banquet tables-long of Greek Salad, Stiratto Bread, Vegetarian Mousakas, Pilafi, Kota Riganati, Gyros and Tzatziki, Lamb Psito and Patates tou Fournou, and a separate table of Kourembiedes (toasted almond butter cookies), Baklavas and Gioconda Trouffles. Yes, our brides AND grooms eat and immensely enjoy when the Gardens of Salonica caters. Congratulations! Oti Pethimisete!

Is the Gardens romantic? Do the Gardens have a good vibe? Evidently and to the point, our fifth couple just married under what we call, "The Tree of Life". With their closest friends flying in from all over the continent, Jenn and Jeff shared their moment with songs, dance and, of course, excellent food. We wish them every happiness!

Guess who sliced 30lb of Gyros for Steve Zeece III graduation? Lazaros! Yep, Steve had his own personal carver and the skies cooperated. No rain fell. Top photo Steve Zeece II, Steve Zeece III, Lazaros, and SZIII's mom, Amy. Build your own Gyros or Chicken Pitas, Pilafi and, of course, Greek Salad, with a bowl of Tzatziki that rivaled the swimming pool in girth, attracted the guests who could not help but focus on the food rather than the gray, threatening skies.

It's true! The Gardens' Party Platters have been a favorite addition to Patio Parties, Reunions, Rehearsals, Charitable Events for almost two decades now! Look for a top tab page on our website coming soon with more photos and detailed pricing. Until then call for additional info. Pictured here is the small Tyro Platter with grilled pita. For $20 it feeds 8-24. Large platters ($40-$50) serve up to 50. Options other than grilled pita: pita chips or raw veggies.

Every Wednesday the Gardens pours select wine flight specials. For the month of June we are featuring the white varietals: Levkos (Roditis, Moschofillero), Kretikos (Vilana), Asproudi/Asirtiko, Vatistas. From light and citrusy, to full-bodied, bold, to crisp, elegant and minerally, these wines are sure to find their way to your patio this summer!

Westcott and Calder visited us tonight with their parents, long-time server, John, and Dena. After an appropriate amount of "good boy behavior" the two set out for their favorite rock pile--Zoran's "Table and Chairs" installation. The sun was casting its "Golden Hour" and, hey, who can resist two charming articulate boys, blasting their energy on a heap of inert stone? To wit they named them: "The Fish," The Saucer," "The Motorcycle," and "The Surfboard." There were any number of sequences, hop-scotch-like, with ensuing story lines....the night was young.

In the sun-drenched Green Room of the Gardens Brian and Lauren celebrated their rehearsal dinner. Mom and Dad with sister, Meghan, all the way from Kentucky, orchestrated the night of festivities from afar with Anna, who was in Greece. But when the day came everything fell into place. It was nearly midnight when goodbyes were said. Seems like everybody had a good time. Photos are the bar, with visiting bar-tendress, Sophia and brother and sister, Brian and Meghan.

On Friday, May 7, all 21 members of Anna's Tour of Greece 2010 met for the first time for a 15 bottle wine tasting complements of Boutari Winery, Santorini. Talk about an ice breaker!