George Giannaris Holds Book Signing At Hellenic Saturday for 'Ferry Tales II'

EAST MARION, NY Longtime customers and devoted readers lined up Saturday for a chance to have the owner of the Hellenic Snack Bar & Restaurant in East Marion sign a copy of his new book, "Ferry Tales II: When Hellenic Freezes Over."

The book, a sequel to "Ferry Tales," was written by author George Giannaris and offers readers a sumptuous and rich glimpse into life behind the scenes at the restaurant.

A born story teller, Giannaris infuses each page with rich recollections of Hellenic's 40-year history; the restaurant is celebrating the anniversary with a series of 40 events this year.

Giannaris has a gift for capturing the essence of the customers who've crossed his path; guests at Hellenic become lifetime friends, treated with respect and caring. And his memories of the men and women who've made Hellenic a part of their lives for decades is long and rich with humorous and loving detail.

"Ferry Tales II" is a book not only peppered with mouthwatering recipes and color photographs, but sprinkled with life lessons on faith, spirituality, common sense and morality; it's a book that celebrates the things and people that give life meaning — deep family ties, lifelong friendships, a deeply ingrained value system that's reflected in every meal and every moment spent laughing and talking at Hellenic.

It's at times heartachingly moving and also, hilariously funny, as Giannaris' wit and heart shine through on each page and with each story.

Giannaris spoke candidly with Patch about what it meant to him to publish the sequel to his popular first "Ferry Tales".

"Publishing means just as much to me as writing. I love the reaction I get from people who read my books and enjoy engaging in conversations with them about the stories, which would not be possible without publishing. I view publishing as a tool that helps me connect with people in a tremendously satisfying way," he said.

His books are rich with details, descriptions and carefully crafted scenarios that portray the moments that have made 40 years at Hellenic memorable. "If the reader gets a vivid understanding of my life, because of the way it was presented it to them in my writing, then I have achieved all that I have hoped for," Giannaris said.

Giannaris described what motivated him to first begin capturing his thoughts for the books and sharing an emotional journey with readers.

"It all started out about 10 years ago as a memoir. I wanted to give my children my penned memories. The restaurant and my heritage is their legacy, whether I ever published or not. I am blessed with a tightly-woven family that builds its legacy each day. The book just formalizes it."

His books sends a straight-from-the-heart message to all who read each meaningful chapter: "That life is complex. There is joy in everything, even in suffering. That all things are worthwhile when you pour your heart and self into them. A life with purpose is worth pursuing and that a good one-minute laugh is more rejuvenating than a seven day vacation," Giannaris said.

A man known for his delectable recipes said writing a book is much like creating the quintessential culinary experience. "They are one and the same. You start out with a bulky, tasteless, core ingredient and then you, refine the dish and add to the dish. Sometimes, in both instances, you have to start over," he said.

And what a reader takes away from the book is much life what a satisfied diner experiences after a rich and satisfying meal — a feeling of contentment, with lessons about living a full and happy life mixed in to each soul-nourishing recipe.

Each recipe is intertwined with the people and moments that have made Giannaris' life so rich with joy and meaning.

"Ferry Tales II" offers recipes, complete with vivid color photographs. "I like the recipes in the book, because most of them are rooted into a story or recollection that is endearing. I think this time around, 'Ferry Tales' made me aware of how significant the people are in my life, from inner-circle to patrons. It is shocking how affected we are by those who surround us. Writing about the people in my life has given me enough pause to revel in how much I have been blessed by them," he said.

Down the line, Giannaris is not sure if he is will write "Ferry Tales III." Instead, he is considering writing a TV series screenplay of "Ferry Tales," which might ultimately lead to Ferry Tales IV to VII, he said.

Also, the prolific author has finished another novel, completely unrelated to "Ferry Tales", which as a way to go before he considers offering it up for publication.

Giannaris is a deeply humble man, grateful for his wife and children, for his parents and grandparents, staff at Hellenic and the generations of clientele who have made the eatery so much more than just a restaurant, and instead, the heartbeat of the North Fork community, with stories and laughter, joy and tears, heart-swelling moments and friendship — and always, so much love.

In his book, Giannaris writes, "There is no greater gift that you can give to someone than the gift of sincere thanks."

The book, and his years of dedicated service to the community that has embraced Hellenic, is a thank you to the many who have made Hellenic not just a restaurant, but a home.

"Ferry Tales II" is available on Amazon and at the Hellenic. Three versions are available on Amazon — black and white, color and Kindle.