SVL Souvlaki Bar: Touch the tradition and evolve it!
Posted by estiator at 11 June, at 10 : 20 AM Print
BY MARIANNA STEPHANOU
In 2015 the concept of SVL Souvlaki Bar was brought to life, after years of planning, to fill the vacancy in the market for a high-quality and authentic Greek “yeero” (a term from the phonetic spelling of the word “gyro”), a main dish in Greece and an ever-present symbol of Greek culture internationally. SVL Souvlaki Bar was conceived by Astoria based founder peter Katsiaris. Today, SVL Souvlaki Bar is thriving, with additional expansion plans underway. Peter is the “wise man” of Greek flavors. His dishes are the portrait of Greece. His food smells of homeland. Peter no longer needs recommendations.in the interview i had the honor to have with him, apart from the greatness of his cuisine, the greatness of his soul also emerged. Self-made, approachable, and with true feelings for gastronomy, Peter cooks because he needs it. He needs to express himself through the culinary arts, just like artist. In the very open conversation we had, we talked about modern Greek cuisine and the promotion of Greek gastronomic culture in New York, specifically in the Astoria area. We envisioned the post Covid era and re-called the table without masks.
During the interview, i had mixed feelings. i was proud of the gastronomic heritage of my country. I was proud of this wonderful young man whom i met in his beginnings; i was sure he would succeed. With a lot of work he now sees his dream taking on flesh and blood, opening the second restaurant recently.
I remember the first order i made with my son Spyros. That was it! Since then SVL for us, as well as acquaintances and friends, and it is now our hangout.
“For me, modern Greek cuisine is to touch the tradition and evolve it by taking cooking and turning it into art. I cook be-cause I need to express myself through the art of cooking. Because that’s the only way I express myself. Like the musician, the artist, the painter… you visit the culinary art at SVL Bar with some expectations. Through your satisfaction, i am also re-warded. I’m happy. But in order to achieve that, you have to help me, too. if you do not share with me this pleasure, i cannot feel it…”
Peter, a self-made restaurateur who has worked in the restaurant industry from a young age, was born in Astoria. He has spent many summers of his life in Greece—a formative experience that fostered his affinity for Greek cuisine and his desire to bring people together over a good meal. Peter used his free time planning the Greek modern fast-casual concept, watching his dream come to fruition. Driven by his sense of wander-lust, he takes annual trips back to the motherland to explore his roots and the food culture that inspired SVL Souvlaki Bar. “I love hospitality, and I appreciate the chance to share my story with you,” he says. “I started SVL Souvlaki Bar so that everyone could taste the flavors of Greece in a modern, energetic atmosphere. I wanted to source the best possible ingredients and, staying solely in the Greek flavor profile, cook the best possible food i could. For me, this has been a journey of discovery, friend-ship, and flavor. I hope you enjoy.”
ASTORIA BLVD 30-18B ASTORIA BLVD ASTORIA, NY 11102 (718) 406-9141
STEINWAY STREET 34-01 STEINWAY ST ASTORIA, NY 11106 (718) 717-2440
WWW.SVLBAR.COM
