Newsletter - 2-01-08

Philoxenia

Philoxenia translates roughly from Greek to mean hospitality. But it means much more than that. In Greek villages when a stranger enters your home, you must treat him like family. This has been the Greek way since ancient times. Philoxenia is the first thing you notice when you bustle through the heavy, oak door of Kokkari Estiatorio* at the intersection of Jackson and Front Streets in the Financial District. Kokkari's "make strangers your friends" philosophy permeates the entire restaurant whose handsome interior with its oriental rugs, iron floor lamps and exposed beams manages to look rustic and elegant at the same time. A commanding stone fireplace graces the area the restaurant refers to as "the living room." Here, on any given day you will find a crackling fire over which Napa Valley Spring lamb, Bershire Pork or Grimaud hens with cinnamon, orange and ouzo will be rotating on the rotisserie. Attractive, well-heeled women and dashing downtown men clad in dashing downtown suits hover around the bar nibbling on house cured Greek olives and baby octopus salad. A larger, more informal space with an open kitchen and a long communal table reminiscent of a taverna lies just beyond the "living room." Although considered a fine dining establishment, Kokkari never feels stuffy thanks to the knowledgeable staff that exudes warmth and friendship at all times. Philoxenia. Every Thursday, Kokkari extends some of its philoxenia to Food Runners. Every Thursday, in addition to overseeing Kokkari's daily menu of "Hellenic food inspired by the Gods" as the fare is described in house, quiet, reserved, Executive Chef Erik Cosselmon takes the time to whip up a main course large enough to feed 60-80 people, specifically intended for donation to Food Runners. Every Thursday afternoon, between 3:30-5:30PM, a cheerful Food Runners volunteer picks up Kokkari's generous donation and delivers it to the Washburn Hotel, a low income residence for developmentally disabled adults. Every Thursday, the Hellenic Gods smile a little smile as Food Runners and the folks at the Washburn thank quiet, reserved Chef Erik Cosselmon and Kokkari Estiatorio for their ongoing philoxenia.

Food Runners picked up and delivered 111,455 pounds of food during the month of January. Volunteers performed 762 runs and the truck did 281. Food Runners acquired 23 new volunteers, 6 new donors and 12 new recipients this past month. Many thanks to Kristen Radakovich of "Jenkins Street," organizers of this year's Zinfandel Festival at Fort Mason, for including in the information sent to all participating chefs, instructions on how to donate to Food Runners at the end of the event. Due to Kristen's efforts, Food Runners picked up several hundred pounds of food that night that would have otherwise been thrown away. Going to a catered event this month? Ask the catering staff what they're planning to do with the leftover food. Tell them about Food Runners. Help stop hunger and alleviate waste in San Francisco today. Gung Hay Fat Choy and Happy Valentine’s Day.

Nancy

* For more information about Kokkari, visit www.kokkari.com.

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