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.