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Review by Lalita Arogyaswamy

The March 29, 2007 meeting of the Multinational Liaison Club focused on  Greece from the perspective of its celebrated history, culture and present-day
membership in the European Union. Appropriately, the monthly meeting was held at the “Steak and Sundae” Restaurant offering authentic Greek preparations (though the name ‘Steak and Sundae’ certainly belies that impression). The Greek-owned restaurant is located at 1830 Teal Ave. (near Shop City), Syracuse NY 13206.The venue, a large family style restaurant had a fair seating arrangement for the event. The service at the restaurant was also satisfactory.

The meeting began with the President, Mariam Atri, courteously welcoming all the members (old and new) to the event. Meanwhile, the members sampled the deliciously authentic appetizers and beverages served by the owner of the restaurant. Thereafter, President Atri introduced the first speaker of the evening, Mr. Michael Labatos of Alpha Realty. Mr. Labatos was born in Greece and grew up in Athens, Greece.

He received his education in both Greece and the USA. After majoring in International Finance, he served in the U.S. Navy and later was an interpreter and tour guide to Europe. He also managed a family restaurant at the time. Additionally, he became involved in the Kiwanis Service Club, Downtown Market Association and served as Board Member and President of the Massena Chamber of Commerce. Furthermore, he has frequently delivered
lectures on Greek culture and history in schools, at St. Sophia’s Greek Festival and to various other business groups. He also teaches Greek at the Greek School at St.Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church. However, for the last 20 years he has been keenly involved in the Real Estate business. He is Principal Broker/Owner of Alpha Realty of Syracuse for the last sixteen years.
Given his deep knowledge and insight on Greece and the Greeks, Mr. Labatos took the members on a fascinating armchair travelogue to Greece. With the help of slides, he drew a marvelous picture of Greece from the classical period to the present. He brought to life the culture and history of the Hellenes with anecdotes which denote the especial place of Greece on both the face of Europe and also on the history and culture of  the world. The portion on the rise of Alexander the Great and his impact as a world conqueror lead to a spirited question/answer session. Mr. Labatos was both amiable and animated while answering the myriad questions posed by the members. Towards the close of his talk, he played a CD of lively Greek music to the delight of the members. The music from’ Zorba, the Greek’ proving both popular and fitting to the occasion. Incidentally, a number of members joined Mr. Labatos in a spirited attempt to dance ‘Zorba’ style!
Later, while the members were plied with an ample selection of dishes distinctly Greek in character, Ms Atri introduced the second speaker of the evening, the Business Speaker, Mr. Tom Buckley from SCORE. Mr. Buckley spoke on “Ethics in the Modern Business Environment”. This was extremely informative and pertinent to the present-day working environment especially
with regard to the appropriate ethical behavior required in the modern work-place. He vividly described and explained many difficult situations he had personally encountered in the workplace and the importance of ethics in everyday business situations.
The dinner served at the ‘Steak and Sundae’ was good. The menu was extensive, plentiful and authentically Greek. The Spinakopita was excellent as was the leg of lamb. The Souvlaki and the Moussaka were equally good. While the Baklava was relished by all the guests. In fact, there was so much food that the restaurant owner helpfully supplied containers for members to take home the leftovers!
Finally, the meeting was a splendid opportunity for members to appreciate and learn about Greece from the classical period to the present. After all as the father in “In My Fat Greek Wedding” says “Everything and every word are derived from the Greeks! I offer a special vote of thanks to Ms. Mariam Atri and the Board Members who enthusiastically organized this enjoyable event.
Lalita Arogyaswamy

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 March - 2007 - Steak & Sundae
1830 Teall Ave. (near Shop City), Syracuse, NY 13206
Our business speaker was Tom Buckley of SCORE. Our cultural speaker was Michael Labatos of Alpha Realty. [bio] Download the March flyer here.