Papouli’s Greek Grill in the Alamo Quarry celebrated its ‘"Opa!": A Celebration of Greek Food, Family, and Fun’ this past Saturday, November 6, 2010 from noon to 4:30 p.m.

The event kicked off during Saturday’s lunch hour, with Papouli’s Owner, Nick Anthony, present to greet guests as they came in to dine.

"It’s absolutely wonderful to see our guests come in and have them celebrate our food and culture with us," said Anthony. "Knowing that they made that choice to specifically come into Papouli’s is a wonderful thing."

The Greek restaurant offered different family-friendly activities, such as traditional Greek music, belly dancers, Greek dancers, live music on the sidewalk, wine-tastings, raffle prizes, and a water color artist for the children.

In addition, the staff of Papouli’s could be seen tapping their feet along to the music and cheerfully helping out first-time guests make decisions at the menu board for their entrees.

Local watercolor artist Hector Nanez helped make colorful creations with the younger dining crowd. "I had never been to Papouli’s before," said Nanez. "But I did have an opportunity to try the food and it was unbelievably delicious. I’m so glad Papouli’s had an event like this to be more connected with the community here."

Nanez painted in Papouli’s media room, where kids participated in the art while their parents enjoyed sports updates on the big screen television.

Guests were also entertained by a live belly dancer from Austin who shimmied her way around the café, dressed in traditional costume. On-looking guests watched and applauded her moves, which were accompanied by Mediterranean music.

One of the most highly anticipated performances of the day was by local band Hot Sauce. The trio, who plays the bongos, the xylophone, classical guitars, and various percussion instruments, lined the outdoor café and played for restaurant patrons and the occasional passerby.

First-time Papouli’s guest, Genevieve Esparza, was thrilled to hear the band play in the outdoor atmosphere, "I stopped by because I had never heard anything like it. I then came into the restaurant, had a wine sampling, and ended up getting a traditional gyro sandwich and dessert! I’m always scared to try new places, but I don’t think I’ve ever had a more delicious adventure!"