FOOD 8 | BOROMAG.COM | DECEMBER 2013 One mother’s love One of the greatest joys of the holiday season is the rich tradition of sharing recipes from throughout the years, passing along favorites from mother to daughter. Christine Chellos, one of the owners at The Thirsty Koala in Astoria, recently had the opportunity to bring her mother from Sydney, Australia to visit, share recipes, and travel a little bit. So I sat down with Christine to discuss the visit, and share some of the stories that have made their relationship so very special. Her mother, Christina Chellos, is from Sydney, though originally born in Pavlia—a small village in the South of Greece. Though she retired at sixty –four, she now does charity work throughout Australia. Sydney has been her home for over 54 years, though her Greek heritage is still very much alive. “She came to Australia when she was 17,” explains Christine, “finished straight out of design school in Greece She only did 18 months and then came to Australia to be with two of her brothers. She was introduced to my father after 5 weeks they were married and stayed married for 33 years.” “Originally she studied to be a fashion designer, and worked in this industry up to when she was 30 years old. She ended up in working with my fathers family in restaurants because of the flexibility it gave her at the time to look after the kids.” “My mum had me at 18 years old, and then my brother at 27 years old. At the age of 34 my mum ended up with another 3 children (for a total of 5 children) ages 4, 3 & 18 months old who were my biological 1st cousins.” “Originally she was helping my father’s brother in raising them because their mother passed away at the age of 27. My uncle left Australia and got remarried a few years after, and left the kids with my parents. My mother changed her career at that point, and started to work in restaurants for my father’s family as it gave her more flexible hours. She worked full time raising 5 kids as well.” “When my mum turned 46 she lost my father— who at the time was 47 years old—however she still ended up raising 5 children. She took over my father’s business and continued to work at this point managing a large restaurant and fast food store in Sydney. My mum became mother, guardian, and father to these kids. He and mum ended up making sure that they all had weddings, graduations—life’s important moments.” In five words, Christine would describe her mom as exceptional, giving, strong, smart and supportive. And just like her, Christine considers herself a people’s person with strong interpersonal skills. When asked what about her mother she wishes she could better embody, Christine replies, “her overall strength in handling life’s ups and downs.” For a taste of the recipes her mother shared during her visit, swing by The Thirsty Koala, which has been running some of them as specials this entire past month. From meatballs to spinach pies, it’s Greek... from Australia. And it’s all simply delicious. THE THIRSTY KOALA 35-12 Ditmars Blvd | Astoria, NY 11105 (718) 626-5430 | thethirstykoala.com Story BRADLEY HAWKS Miniature spanakopita Chef Katherine Fuchs, Christina Chellos, and Christine Chellos
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