This past week saw me celebrating the release of my first cookbook, Everything Mediterranean. The first event was here in Toronto where family, friends and those who lent support were present at the Burroughes Building, who were kind enough to donate the space for my event.

Guests were treated to appetizers made from recipes in the cookbook and Thalia wine from Crete flowed through the night. A big thank you goes to Steve Kriaris of Kolonaki Group for supplying wine, Greek still and sparkling water and Ivi soft drinks.

The launch parties were also interactive as I showed those present how I open hand-made phyllo and then some even got to try it themselves. A second demo ensued with an interactive instruction on assembling dolmades.

The next day, off to Montreal where Cristina Mucciardi of Cook and Date organized another book launch at Cucina Sopra, near Jean Talon Market. Montreal is a city near and dear to me as I used to have an uncle who lived there and I was made to feel like I was back at home.

My old school mate Lance and his wife were kind enough to lend us their Flip Key apartment for the stay and Paula of Dragon’s Kitchen and I enjoyed all the comforts of home.

Spyros Bourboulis of Kallikori Olive Oil joined us, Helen Filandrianos of Edo Montreal TV show also came to interview me and my thanks goes out to both of them.

Lots of books were sold and autographed, made some new friends and cemented old friendships. I would like to thank Paula Costa for her relentless support, John Douldouras of Neo Image Candelight and Mary Luz Meija of Sizzling Communications for helping to pull everything together.

Finally, a warm thank you to all who attended, including media and bloggers who were kind enough to attend, photograph, tweet and share their experience with their respective audiences.

Everything Mediterranean Cookbook is available here in Canada at Chapters/Indigo, at Barnes and Noble in the US and online at Amazon and most independent book stores.

Enjoy the slide show below and I hope to see you at one of my upcoming events. OPA!