Finding comfort in food is part of Greek culture and that is certainly the philosophy driving Blu Olive Greek Restaurant at Parkhill Plaza in its response to Covid-19.
Owner Nathan Demellis had to shut the doors to in-house dining in March on government orders, pivoting the business to take away only.
“We were doing take away (prior to Covid-19) but obviously now it is in a different capacity. We don’t have any entry to the restaurant now. We moved the sales system to the front so people only enter the foyer,” Nathan explained.
The Blu Olive menu has also had to change with some favourite dishes temporarily unavailable because Nathan has been unable to import ingredients from Greece.
As Nathan is well known in the Greek community as well as the hospitality industry, he has reached out to his Australian contacts to source quality ingredients until the next import is due.
To compensate, Nathan and his executive chef have added traditional favourites pastitsio and moussaka to the Blu Olive menu.
Customers can also take away lentil or chicken soup, or one of Blu Olive’s legendary platters.
The Blu Olive platter is loaded with lamb and chicken cooked on the spit, pork skewers, keftedes, homemade sausage, pita bread, salad, chips, dips and dolmades.
For dessert there is baklava, while customers can also pick up a house wine or beer to accompany their meal.
Nathan hopes government restrictions will be eased soon so patrons can once again dine in and regain a sense of normality.
“This is definitely the hardest time I have experienced in business. The reality is that everyone has to deal with it the best way they can, stay positive and spread kindness. As a small family business we are doing our bit to spread kindness and help take people’s minds off what they will cook for Thursday and Friday night dinner.”
Blu Olive is open Thursday to Sunday for dinner, 4pm to 8pm. Customers can order via Facebook Messenger, phone 8764 5913 or in person at Shop 19 Parkhill Plaza, Berwick.
