Fun-loving friends gathered for an afternoon of mezze, cocktails, and music in celebration of life at the cozy Feta Mediterranean café one fine afternoon.
Nestled in Rockwell’s posh Proscenium complex, this new dining spot is quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite.
Making their way up the winding wooden staircase, guests turned the corner into Feta’s mezzanine which had been transformed for the ocasión into a cozy private lounge by Ana Amigo.
Hanging Moroccan lamps and tables laden with fresh succulents, lemons, and Turkish evil eye ornaments set the tone.
Early birds Frannie Jacinto, Ane Preysler, and Marit Yuchengco were welcomed with Feta’s refreshing fruit- flavored lassi cooler. They also enjoyed relaxing hand and shoulder massages at the pampering corner, a special treat for that afternoon.
Soon after, mixologist Ryan Larson emerged in an eye-catching Greek inspired outfit bearing a selection of creative cocktails. There was something to please everyone’s palate: Amalfi Spritz, Marrakesh Mojito, Riviera Sangria, Malta Margarita and more!
Before long, the room was a sea of azure blue hues as it filled up with stylish guests decked out in Mediterranean-inspired ensembles. Spotted were Marilu Batchelor in an indigo Ikat halter dress, Hera Geriene in a flowy sky-blue caftan and bejewelled gold bag, Fiona Ottiger looking fresh from the isles in a hand-block summer dress with silverlace-up sandals and Alelee Andanar in a fashionable Zimmerman pantsuit.
Feta’s Chef Beyto, who honed his culinary skills in Istanbul and Dubai for many years, whipped up an indulgent feast of Mediterranean delights.
Beginning with a Mezze buffet bursting with delicious appetizers Baba Ghanoush, Hummus, Dolmadakia and Greek salad; to an array of savory dishes like the tender Beef Doner Gyro, Beyti Kebhab, grilled Lamb Chop and pasta Alfredo. All this was capped off by a trio of traditional sweets: Baklava, Helva and chocolate-covered dates garnished with honey and pistachio shavings.
The vibrant flavors captivated the palates of foodies among the crowd. Food enthusiast Cecile Wieneke and I were already making plans for our next lunch at Feta!
In between the lively chit-chat and sumptuous feasting, besties Odette Pumaren and Techie Hagedorn led the singing and dancing to the beat of the in-house DJ.
It was a joyful afternoon overflowing with great flavors, fun and friendship. To top it all off, guests went home with thoughtful gifts: Turkish coffee sets, an assortment of flavored Mediterranean salts and seasonings, colorful Moroccan style condiment bowls, organic beauty oils by Pili-Ani and most of all, happy memories of a heartwarming celebration.
Nobody said it better than Feta’s amiable owner Michelle Ketenci as she shared her delight “in celebrating the remarkable women who grace our lives, the joy of birthdays, and the magic of life’s precious moments” that one unforgettable afternoon at Feta Mediterranean Café.
All photos courtesy of Excel Panlaque from KLIQ Inc.