ORLANDO, Fla. — Greek Orthodox Easter is coming up, and it might be different from what most people are used to during the holiday celebration.
Taverna Opa, a Greek-of-all-Greek joint on Pointe Orlando, provides an internationally inspired journey into deep tradition.
- Katerina Coumbaros is immersed in Greek Easter culture. It starts with the dying of red eggs, symbolizing the blood of Christ. “So we actually cook the eggs in the dye,” she said. “Normally, with American Easter, the eggs are normally cooked and cooled. But we boil them to create that red, vibrant color.”
- Easter is Coumbaros’ favorite holiday, and she said she's excited to incorporate it into her Greek-infused International Drive destination. “It is just the time of year when you eat foods that you don't normally having during the year,” she said.
- Unlike any other time of year, April is important to her heritage and its culture. “On Easter Day, we play a game and crack (the red eggs against one another's) and whoever's egg has not cracked, they say, has good luck for the year!”
- And then, there's lamb. On Greek Easter, Coumbaros and her family would wake up early in the morning and take turns rotating the lamb for nearly five hours. “People are fighting over who's eating the brain,” she said, laughing. “We like to eat all parts of the lamb.”
- Coumbaros and her husband built Tavern Opa 15 years ago and will be sharing their family's traditions with guests on Greek Easter, which will be celebrated on April 24. Their tip is to park on the third floor of the Pointe Orlando garage for easiest access.