Author Talk: Maria Koutsogiannis, Greek Out

We are excited to welcome Maria Koutsogiannis to the shop on Monday, September 14th, for an author talk to celebrate her debut cookbook Greek Out! Maria, CEO and creator of FoodByMaria, draws inspiration from her Greek family’s kitchen to share more than 120 fresh and inviting Mediterranean recipes that turn everyday ingredients into craveable dishes. Join us for an engaging conversation with Maria followed by audience Q&A and an opportunity to get your books signed/personalized! Moderator to be announced.

Reservations are non-refundable and include a signed copy of the $40.00 book. Applicable sales tax and a $2.50 transaction fee are also included. Can't attend but still want a signed book? Order here for shipping or in-store pickup.

About the book: Everything tastes better in Greek! For millions of fans worldwide, Maria Koutsogiannis (@foodbymaria) is the ambassador for everything that is tasty and Greek. In her much anticipated first cookbook, Greek Out, she debuts insanely delicious and nourishing recipes, viral fan favorites, and vivid stories straight from her Greek family and life.

Through more than 120 fresh and inviting Mediterranean dishes, home cooks can tap into that special something that makes Greek food so Greek—whether it’s chicken marinated with loads of oregano and garlic (and roasted upright gyros-style), a pita stuffed to the max with spinach, stringy cheese, and artichokes; or honey drizzled over phyllo, kebabs, donuts, and anything else you can think of.  

Maria’s high-energy and healthful cooking style is rooted in Mediterranean tradition but not bound by it, her recipes often riffing on Greek classics like meatballs served over whipped feta, charred halibut and halloumi skewers with dates and figs, and a towering baklava ice cream cake that is definitely “worth it". Highlighting culinary traditions that have sustained Greeks for generations, Maria draws inspiration from the healthy, fresh staples of her Greek family’s kitchen (greens! beans! olive oil!) and shows how simple, everyday ingredients can create comforting, good-for-you meals that bring you right to the Aegean blue zones of the Mediterranean.

Shot on location in Greece to capture the essence of a sun-and-sea life, the stunning photographs and Maria’s practical meal-prep tips, mix-and-match strategies, and joyous energy are not only fun and inspiriting—they make it easy to cook generously, gather often, and feel empowered to do more with less. It’s time to get your Greek on! 

About the author: Maria Koutsogiannis is CEO and creator of FoodByMaria, a global community of nearly 4 million followers. Maria grew up working in her parent’s Greek diner and traveling to Greece every summer. Her cooking brings the warmth, ease, and abundance of Greek and Mediterranean food to home cooks everywhere. Maria lives in New York City and Calgary, Alberta, with her husband and two dogs.