Celebrity Chef Maria Loi arrived in Albertson, NY this month to showcase some of her famous Greek cuisine at The Viscardi Center — a nonprofit organization dedicated to educating, employing, and empowering people with disabilities. The Mediterranean food extravaganza benefitted the Center’s culinary skills training program, which prepares adults and adolescents with disabilities for in-demand careers in the food service industry.
The evening at The Viscardi Center catered to an intimate group of 68 attendees and included a sampling of staple dishes from Loi’s Manhattan-based restaurant, Loi Estiatorio, as well as an exclusive tea tasting courtesy of Tuvunu Greek mountain tea. Loi also presented a live cooking demonstration that featured spanakopitakia (mini spinach pies), tyropitakia (cheese-filled pastries), and other traditional mainstays. Following a discussion on the“12 Pillar Foods” from her award-winning cookbook The Greek Diet, Loi concluded the festivities with a meet-and-greet and book signing.
“My mission in life is to change the world, one healthy Greek bite at a time,” she said. “By sharing my knowledge, and creating memorable and educational experiences, I can effect change in the world, and make a positive difference in people’s lives.”
An internationally renowned restaurateur, author, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Loi was unanimously re-elected the Ambassador of Greek Gastronomy by the Chef’s Club of Greece, a global culinary organization, in 2016. Loi generously donated her time to The Viscardi Center because she recognized that she and the organization both share one goal — to bring people in the community together.
“What The Viscardi Center does, providing a lifespan of programs and services that educate, employ, and empower children and adults with disabilities, speaks to my heart and soul — this is why I do what I do, to give back to the community,” Loi said. “Anything I can do to help elevate people’s lives and personal experiences, I want to do.”
The Viscardi Center was founded by Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr., who served as disability advisor to eight U.S. Presidents and became one of the world’s leading advocates, The Viscardi Center educates, employs and empowers people with disabilities. It provides Kindergarten through High School education (up to age 21); school-to-work youth transition services, vocational training, career counseling and employment placement, assistive technology, and adapted driver education to children, adolescents and adults with a wide variety of disabilities. The Center also assists businesses in diversifying their workforces, as well as developing and advancing disability inclusive cultures in their workplaces.
To learn more about The Viscardi Center, please visit their website.
