224: Greek Roots, Global Flavors: Ted Pappas on Master Chef 16

224: Greek Roots, Global Flavors: Ted Pappas on Master Chef 16 Kiki goes behind the scenes of Master Chef with White Apron contestant Ted Pappas.  Enjoy a little storytelling, culture and the excitement of the competition. Today's Lexi:  Συνταγή – Syntagí – Recipe In Today’s Episode: Chicagoan Ted Pappas has taken his culture and love of cooking in his personal kitchen to a whole new level.  This architect turned Home Cook has passed all the tests to get his white apron and compete on Season 16 of Fox’s Master Chef. Let me share the description of Master Chef 16, officially titled Master Chef: Global Gauntlet. Twenty elite home cooks are featured in a World Cup-Inspired competition.  Contestants represent four global regions based on their heritage- the Americas, Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific- competing for the iconic trophy and a 250,000 grand prize.  Join me today as Greece and her food are spotlighted with Home Cook Ted Pappas competing in Master Chef Season 16.  GO TED!!!!!! Resources: Ted Pappas on Instagram (@teds_everyday_eats) Ted Pappas Competes in Front of Gordon Ramsey  Master Chef 16 Contestants Ted Pappas Competes on Master Chef 16  Gordon Ramsey on Instagram (@gordongram) Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

223: Kiki on Location: Nemea, My Mother’s Homeland Kiki Vale takes Kefi Life on location to Greece where it all began in Nemea.  A stop at Nemea’s oldest restaurant SOFOS is today topic. Today's Lexi:  Αρχαία – Archaia – Ancient In Today’s Episode: “Eu Zyn” is a greeting that was introduced to me last July by host and SOFOS restaurant owner, Eirini Koroka. While rebranding Kefi Life, this phrase carried a powerful meaning—one that is best understood through experience rather than simply reading the words on a page. Like many Greek expressions, its meaning goes beyond a direct translation. The first two letters, Eu (Εὖ), appear at the beginning of Eu Zyn and in many other Greek words, conveying the idea of goodness, wellness, and living well. These two simple letters set the tone for a life of purpose and positivity. With that spirit in mind, let us continue our journey to Nemea, in the region of Corinth, Greece—a land steeped in history and mythology. Known as one of the four great Panhellenic sanctuaries, Nemea is also celebrated for its exceptional wine and as the birthplace of my beloved Manoula (mother), Katina. Hear all about what makes the food of Nemea so delicious, and learn what is the key to preparing a memorable meal. Erini Koroka, owner and chef of SOFOS is full of delightful shares. Resources: SOFOS on Trip Advisor SOFOS on Greek Gastronomy About SOFOS: In Ancient Nemea, SOFOS is the longest-running local dining establishment. Established in the 1950s by Mrs. Athena, the tavern has been passed down through three generations of the family and remains renowned for traditional Greek home-cooking and local Agiorgitiko wines. Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

222: Santorini Secrets: Mediterranean Living at MIA’S Kiki goes on location to Greece to experience the Mediterranean Diet — Santorini style. Today's Lexi:  Μεζέ – Meze – Appetizers In Today’s Episode: Join Kiki and Sellia, owner of Mia’s Restaurant on the island of Santorini in Greece. Today you will love an authentic and vibrant conversation about the Mediterranean food that is prepared and crafted by an all-woman kitchen spearheaded by chef Ellie.  What is fava, and how versatile is it? What is the secret to Mia’s village salad, and how did Sellia get to Santorini in the first place?  There's so much more to this conversation, so please tune in. Resources: Mia's Restaurant Cupitol Coffee Cupitol — The Restaurant About Sellia Sellia Georges is a third-generation restaurateur whose family has been part of Chicago’s restaurant industry for more than 40 years. Growing up, she worked in her family’s restaurants — JC Georges (opened in 1982), OPA Estiatorio, Portofino Italian, and Elly’s Brunch Café — and later worked alongside her father on the opening of the Elly’s 24-Hour concept in downtown Chicago in 2010.   Sellia considers Cupitol to be the evolution of Elly’s, bringing together an easy-going European atmosphere with an all-day dining experience. She opened the first Cupitol Coffee & Eatery location in Evanston in 2016, followed by a second location in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood in 2017, and a third location featuring an expanded bakery in West Loop in 2021. Her vision was to create a versatile space where guests could enjoy breakfast or coffee with friends, a full meal, work at a communal table or lounge, or simply grab a cold-pressed juice to go. Her Greek heritage is reflected throughout Cupitol, from the relaxed lounge atmosphere to the menu, which features house-made pastries, specialty roasted coffee, and creative cocktails.   Sellia’s next concept brought her back to her roots with the opening of MIA'S Restaurant in Oia, Santorini, where her ancestors were born. Conceived during the pandemic, MIA’S has since become one of the most beloved restaurants in Oia, offering comforting yet elevated Greek cuisine through a modern, seasonal lens.   Most recently, in December 2024, she launched Cupitol The Restaurant, an expanded evolution of the Cupitol concept and the brand’s fourth location. Her goal was to create an accessible all-day restaurant serving delicious, high-quality food and drinks for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner at approachable prices. In addition to the signature Cupitol offerings, the restaurant features a specially curated dinner menu designed exclusively for this concept.   Alongside her extensive hospitality experience, Sellia holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kingston University and a master’s degree in Psychology from University of Essex. Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

221: Gut Feeling: The Philosophy of Living Well Greek Food Infleuncer & Chef Theodoros Pastourmatzis sheds light on the philosophy of gut health in today's episode. Today's Lexi:  Πικραμύγδαλο – Pikramýgdalo – Bitter Salty In Today’s Episode: Greek Influencer and Chef Theodoros Pastourmatzis is on Kefi Life enlightening the audience abut how to think about food, eat it, and be aware of how it affects all of our mind and body. Discover the three things that support a healthy mind and body. And why does extra virgin olive oil clean the gut and prepare it for healthy function? All this and more when you listen to Kiki’s interview with Teo. Resources: Theodoros Pastourmatzis on Instagram (@foodscriberofficial) Website: Pastourmatzis.gr Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

220: Kiki meets Kiki: Olive Oil Health Benefits Today’s guest, Dr Kiki Zinoviadou shares why olive oil is more than an ingredient—its a way of living.  Today's Lexi:   Ανεκτός – Anektos – Sustainable In Today’s Episode: From powerful polyphenols to centuries-old traditions, extra virgin olive oil stands at the intersection of science, culture and daily ritual- proving that the healthiest habits are often the most timeless. Friend, you will enjoy our conversation with Dr Kiki Zinoviadou, who is the Dean of the Perrotis College and Chair of New Food Business Development at the American Farm School in Thessaloniki, Greece. Today learn about the health benefits olive oil provides at the cellular, while discovering the strong ancient connection to a beautiful culture in the Mediterreanean.  Resources: YouTube Video: Olive Oil in the Plant-Forward Kitchen Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

219: From Father to Flavor – Vasili’s Table Kiki goes on location to Vasili’s in Naperville to capture the food and flavors of the Mediterranean through Papou’s eyes. Today's Lexi:  Πατριάρχης – Patriarchis – Patriarch In Today’s Episode: Kiki is on location at the popular Vasili’s Mediterranean Restaurant. Here is all about family, flavors of Greece and Papou Vasili’s legacy. You will hear from Vasili’s daughter Patrice, Director of Operations, alongside her husband Woody, the Regional Chef for Scott Harris Hospitality. A lively and fun conversation around the table also nourishes with beautiful cuisine amid authentic Greek ambiance.   Hear about the hearth-inspired Mediterranean dishes that have been handed down generations.  Eat as strangers and leave as cousins.  After all, home is where the hearth is. Welcome to this edition of Kefi Life featuring Vasili’s! Resources: Vasili's Mediterranean Scott Harris Hospitality Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

218: Mediterranean Made Easy at Brookhaven Market As Kefi Life leans in on the Mediterranean Diet and Longevity Series, our team goes on location to a place that specializes in curated and healthy European foods to support a life of wellness. Kiki at Brookhaven Today's Lexi:  Ψάρι – Psári – Fish In Today’s Episode: Kiki is on location at family own Brookhaven Market place in Burr Ridge, IL.  She visits with Director of Operations, JP Bertakis, about the specialty aspect of his four locations in Illinois.  We learn about the foods that support the Mediterranean Diet and where they are found in the market place. Produce is the pride of the store, but so is the deli, cheese department, and café.  Tune in today to learn about clean food, how it nourishes your friends and family, and how to appreciate the table with a great meal surrounded by your best friends. Resources: Brookhaven Marketplace Brookhaven Recipes Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

218: Mediterranean Made Easy at Brookhaven Market As Kefi Life leans in on the Mediterranean Diet and Longevity Series, our team goes on location to a place that specializes in curated and healthy European foods to support a life of wellness. Kiki at Brookhaven Today's Lexi:  Ψάρι – Psári – Fish In Today’s Episode: Kiki is on location at family own Brookhaven Market place in Burr Ridge, IL.  She visits with Director of Operations, JP Bertakis, about the specialty aspect of his four locations in Illinois.  We learn about the foods that support the Mediterranean Diet and where they are found in the market place. Produce is the pride of the store, but so is the deli, cheese department, and café.  Tune in today to learn about clean food, how it nourishes your friends and family, and how to appreciate the table with a great meal surrounded by your best friends. Resources: Brookhaven Marketplace Brookhaven Recipes Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

217: Mediterranean Diet & Longevity: Series Launch Check out today’s episode as we kick off the Mediterranean diet secrets for longevity from a Greek restaurant family, as host Kiki Vale shares how growing up in Tasso’s Greek Restaurant shaped her understanding of the lifestyle.  Christina, Kiki, Stacie, and John Today's Lexi:  Εστιατόριο – Estiatório – Restaurant In Today’s Episode: Today’s Kefi Life episode is a snapshot from of Mediterranean diet secrets for longevity from a Greek restaurant family.  Host Kiki Vale takes us back to her childhood growing up in Tasso’s Greek Restaurant, where the Mediterranean lifestyle wasn’t a trend, it was a simply a way of life. Kiki’s siblings, Stacie, John, and Christina join the conversation to reflect on their upbringing inside Tasso’s, where family meals, community and traditional Mediterranean foods offered a real-life blueprint for living well and longer.  Resources: Tasso’s Greek Restaurant Vasili's Mediterranean Infusewell Concierge Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.

216: Balance Your Gut, Boost Your Life “All disease begins in the gut.”   - Hippocrates The gut can either betray you or nourish you.  Today, let’s make it a source of wellness.  Stella Metsovas Today's Lexi:  Ζάχαρη – Záchari – Sugar In Today’s Episode: Let’s find out how to make the gut healthy and happy to boost life and longevity.  Today Kiki shares information from several sources to get the gut balanced.  One source is food scientist and author, Stella Metsovas of Los Angeles, California. Stella, a clinical nutritionist, has traveled the world with the United Nations to study food in different cultures. Her practice is in Los Angeles, California, and it concentrates on gut health through the Mediterranean diet. We will learn that real food, olive oil, and high fiber plant foods are the foundation of wellness and gut health. Resources: Wild Mediterranean Book Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis   🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.