NEW YORK – Following the New York Greek Independence Parade on April 14, the festive atmosphere continued at Ousia on Manhattan’s West Side. The Greek Night event, hosted by the restaurant and the Hellenic American Chamber of Commerce (HACC) Young Professionals featured great food and live music and dancing.

Among those present were celebrity chef Diane Kochilas, HACC Vice President George Zapantis, Head of Economic & Commercial Affairs at the Consulate General of Greece in New York Georgios Michaelides, Anthoula Katsimatides, Artemis Kohas, Effie Streida, Mario Nicolaou, Tiffany Apostolou, Konstantine Ouranitsasa, and well-known guitarist Spiros Exaras.

Also present, Nick Livanos who oversees the business of all the Livanos Group restaurants, sharing duties with his siblings, Bill and Corina, while sons Johnny and Enrico joined the family business as managers at Ousia.

Chef de Cuisine Vasiliki Vourliotaki offered a variety of healthy and authentic Lenten dishes for those fasting alongside the regular a la carte dinner menu. Live Greek music by singer Yianni Papastefanou and Orchestra featuring Helena Panayi and Roula Vassos entertained all those present as food and drink specials were available throughout the night. A unique cocktail menu, sponsored by favorite native spirit brand Skinos Mastiha, was also available.

Many in attendance noted that this year’s parade was one of the most well-attended in recent memory and the cloudy weather had no effect on the crowd’s enthusiasm.