Opa!

In tribute to Greek Independence Day on 25 March, we catch up with brother-andsister team George and Helen Kutra, founders of the popular Mythos brand, and fervent ambassadors of their ancestral country’s cuisine and culture

- ROBERTA COCI

Greece is a proud nation. Its people are warm, welcoming and full of life; its towns are steeped in history; its borders lapped by the Ionian, Mediterranean and Aegean seas; and its simple, fresh cuisine considered among the finest in the world.

Back here in South Africa, siblings George and Helen Kutra, who are South African-born, are passionate about keeping the Hellenic spirit alive and well. This is why, in 2006, they decided to take a leap and open Mythos restaurant at the Joburgbased Design Quarter in Fourways. Fourteen years on, there are no less than 13 Mythos eateries in the country, and the brand has done wonders to promote Hellenic cuisine and culture in South Africa.

“When we first opened, there were hardly any Greek restaurants in Johannesburg,” remembers George. “Now there’s a new one opening on just about every corner, but I think the reason we have been successful is that we stick to the core of our business. We serve honest and authentic Greek food, and have never deviated from that.”

In a truly Greek anomaly, neither George nor Helen are big cooks, although they are quick to interject that they certainly know what good food tastes like! “That’s why we rely on our mom so much,” says Helen.

Irene, who is in her 80s, is the grand dame and head chef of Mythos. Not only is she responsible for all the menus, but she also trains the staff, making sure all 13 stores meet her exacting standards. “She’s an unbelievable woman,” Helen states with pride. “She’s typically Greek in that she’s very demanding and very passionate. Let’s just say you’ll often hear her in the kitchen shouting in broken English!” she laughs.