5560 Shelby Oaks

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Jim’s Place East Commemorates Greek Easter April 8, Embraces Tradition

MEMPHIS, TENN. (March 19, 2007)…This year, two religious traditions, often occupying different Sunday observances, will be celebrated on the same day: Greek Easter and Protestant /Catholic Easters. Jim’s Place East, a Greek-owned fine dining restaurant that is normally closed on Sundays, will be open for Easter lunch, April 8, welcoming families following their respective worship services. [Note: Only Jim’s East at 5560 Shelby Oaks Dr. will be open. Jim’s Grille in Collierville will be closed.]

What’s the difference between the two Easters? “The difference in the formula to determine Easter Sunday lies in the fact that the eastern formula takes into consideration the Jewish Passover,” said Fr. Nicholas L. Vieron, pastor-emeritus of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Those of the Greek Orthodox faith believe Easter must be celebrated after the Passover, not before, as often happens in the western churches. “The events commemorated -- the crucifixion and the resurrection - - according to Biblical sources, took place during and after the Passover,” he explained. The word for Sunday in Greek is "Kyriaki" meaning, The Lord's Day. (This year, the two Easters coincide.)

Before it was a restaurant, Jim’s Place was the site for many Taras family Greek Easters. From the 1940s and on through the 1960s, lamb was the dish of choice and the family prepared it on a traditional spit with charcoal while the kids played on the grounds.

In keeping with tradition, Jim’s Easter menu will feature roast leg of lamb, prepared with a special blend of Grecian spices, as well as souflima (a savory pork entrée made from an original recipe), said Jim’s Place co-owner Angelo Liollio. “We also will prepare red Easter eggs, another part of our Greek tradition.”

The red eggs symbolize the blood of Jesus and the joy of His resurrection, according to Fr. Vieron. “The red hardboiled eggs are cracked with each person saying, ‘Xristos Anesti,’ which means Christ is risen. It is a salutation used for 40 days in greeting one other. The cracked egg is symbolic of a new life.”

“We offer the location that holds a rich tradition in Greek Easter celebrations as well as beautiful outdoor patio dining or indoor seating with the warmth of home,” said Liollio. “It’s a wonderful time to celebrate as the azaleas are now blooming to symbolize life begins again.”

Other delectable choices on the Jim’s Place Easter lunch menu include American and southern dishes like Mississippi pecan crusted catfish, Norwegian salmon prepared with lemon oregano sauce, charcoal-grilled rib eye steak, parmesan chicken, batter dipped veal cutlet and ‘extra select’ oysters plus a variety of fresh vegetables and homemade bread. Call 388-7200.