George Diakomichalis Brings Greek Cuisine to National TV with “It’s All Greek to Me”
George Diakomichalis, the celebrated pastry chef behind South Australia’s renowned Kalymnos Pastries, has expanded his culinary reach with his new cooking series, “It’s All Greek to Me.” Originally launched on YouTube, the show has now been picked up by Australian broadcaster Nine, with its premiere airing last month.
The First Episode: A Personal Touch
The debut episode features Diakomichalis’ lifelong friend Niko and Niko’s mother, Georgia Mavragelos. In an interview with Neos Kosmos, Diakomichalis hinted at a series filled with traditional Greek recipes and episodes that celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity.
“You’ll be amused; you’ll laugh, and you may cry. You’re going to learn about some mouth-watering recipes that you need to make at home!” Diakomichalis promised.
A Culinary Journey
Diakomichalis’ journey with “It’s All Greek to Me” began years ago, honing his skills in creating and presenting various cooking segments. His passion for sharing his culinary love has been recognized both locally and nationally.
Family and Tradition
The series also features Diakomichalis’ parents, Nick and Poppy, who emigrated from Greece to Australia nearly fifty years ago. They share their life stories and traditions while cooking traditional Greek dishes, bringing family and friends together.
In another episode, Diakomichalis teams up with actor and comedian George Kapiniaris, known for “Acropolis Now,” to prepare a Greek classic with an Aussie twist. This episode blends food and culture, enriched with migration stories and cooking wisdom from Kapiniaris’ mother.
“I love sharing the traditions passed down from our ancestors. Connecting with other cultures through food and sharing heartfelt dishes is both significant and sacred,” Diakomichalis told Neos Kosmos.
Preserving Cultural Identity
Diakomichalis emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural identity through culinary arts, helping maintain connections with current and future generations. His recipes blend traditional flavors from Greece with the unique tastes of their new homeland, Australia.
“The next generation will benefit because food is one of the most rewarding forms of art. It’s a love language,” Diakomichalis explained. “In Australia, we have so many different cultures that come together and live as proud Australians while retaining their identity.”
From YouTube to National TV
The online series, now broadcast on Channel 9, is an extension of Diakomichalis’ YouTube series, re-edited and expanded for a broader audience.
“I’m thrilled that ‘It’s All Greek to Me’ is airing on national television across various states in Australia,” Diakomichalis said. “The process of creating a TV production has been fascinating. We film for hours, edit it down, and combine older YouTube episodes with new sections to create a consistent show.”
Bridging Cultures
For Diakomichalis, “It’s All Greek to Me” aims to help viewers understand and connect with different cultures. The title itself is derived from a Latin phrase used as a metaphor in Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar.”
“The plan is to bring different cultures together,” Diakomichalis said. One episode features Daniel Motlop, an Indigenous Larrakia AFL player, where they cook smoked barramundi in paper bark and discuss the importance of cultural traditions.
Celebrating Multicultural Stories
One of Diakomichalis’ favorite episodes features Lindani Berman, co-director of Cirque Africa. They cook, share recipes, and tell immigration stories while traditional African performers dance around the food preparations, celebrating a rich cultural ritual.
“These stories are too important to lose,” Diakomichalis said. “The sacrifices and successes of those who came before us have shaped our present opportunities.”
Recognized Success
Recognition is not new for Diakomichalis. Through Kalymnos Pastries, which has received numerous awards, he has built a name for himself, his family, and his homeland as a proud member of the Greek Australian community in South Australia.
“I’ve run the shop here for 28 years. Our customers know us and the sweet Greek flavors by name. They know I’m a proud Kalymnos Greek, but also a proud Australian.”
Future Aspirations
One of Diakomichalis’ goals for 2023 is to travel around Australia and participate in a Greek festival in Victoria.
“I’m excited to film ‘It’s All Greek to Me’ in other states and meet people with something to say on a national level. My biggest dream is to cook and do a demonstration at a Greek festival in Melbourne,” he said. “I’m ready to bring all the sweetness of Kalymnos to Melbourne and exchange stories over food!”
You can watch “It’s All Greek to Me” on Channel 9 online here