The Greeks had a succinct way of explaining the seasons: It was all the fault of a pomegranate seed ingested by Persephone after she was abducted and taken to the underworld by Hell's top dog, Hades. Her highfalutin' mom, Demeter, goddess of the harvest, mourned so loudly and dangerously that Zeus pleaded until Hades let Persephone go. But the seed bound her to the down-under, so she has to return for six months every year, leaving the earth cold and bleak while she's gone.

By the beard of Zeus! - I, for one, am thankful she's back on the dirt. In celebration, I will throw on some sandals and head to Saturday's Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church's annual Greek Taverna, which is a smaller sibling to its annual fall shindig. A taverna means "small restaurant" in Athens talk. They are the equivalent of a Tully's where folks go to hang out and chat.

St. Nicholas will serve gyros, manestra and keftedes, tsureki bread, salata, spanakopita, baklava, beer, wine and other beverages not as fun. There will also be Greek music and dancers.

You have always yearned for an enormous Greek family to share dinners with. Now is your chance, Hermes breath.

Greek Taverna

Saturday, May 22, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free admission
Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 1523 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma
253.272.0466