2011 Oakland Greek Festival

A Greek meal worthy of the gods.

This weekend, Oakland's Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension is hosting their annual Oakland Greek Festival. Besides being a gathering of some of the East Bay's most colorful and enthusiastic Greek residents, the festival is home to some of the best Greek food the Bay Area has to offer.

Yesterday I hit up the festival's opening day, and was completely bowled over by the amount of food available. Every possible Greek delight you can imagine was being prepared by local cooks, from whole lamb on a spit to flaming cheese (seriously -- stand back when they set it on fire!). Saturday and Sunday are filled with Greek cooking demonstrations. If you've got some free time this weekend, can you think of a better way to spend a few hours?

Fresh calamari and French fries

Breading the calamari by hand.

John Constantine, calamari Superman

Flaming cheese -- this you really have to try.

Lamb goddess Karen Kolokithas

Fresh baklava, ready for a new home.

What kind of Greek festival would it be without the requisite feta and olives?

Loukoumades, or honey-dipped pastry puffs. There are not words.

Assorted Greek goodies for sale.

Alyssa Landis dishes out some of the most incredible lamb I've ever tasted.

Happy Greek chefs!

More luscious lamby bits...

Harry Greer unwrapping his lamb on a spit.

The [rather large] lamb, in all its glory.

Anna Wade grills meat for gyros.

Brittany Wade shows off her winning gyro-making skills.

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2011 Oakland Greek Orthodox Festival: May 13, 14, 15
Oakland's Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension
4700 Lincoln Ave
Oakland, CA 94602

Admission: $6 for adults, children under 12 free. With a coupon, you can receive $1 off adult admission.