The death of Vefa Alexiadou brought emotions to the field of television and to the chefs who cooked on the small screen.
Farewell to her colleagues, cooks and chefs with Vefa Alexiadou in an emotional atmosphere with her statements on television programs. From his “competitor”, Ilias Mamalakis and Lefteris Lazarou to Maria Loi, some of the famous names of the Greek TV kitchens, farewell with respect to “our national chef”, as it was established to address, Vefa Alexiadou.
First, Mr Lefteris Lazarou he expressed his sadness at the loss of the TV chef, saying, among others to Ant 1: ”Life has not been very generous to her, it has taken” two children from her. Unlucky in her life, but I want to believe that at least “left” full of glory”.
Talk to Ant Vasilis O’Kellysaying: “Vefa paved the way for all of us chefs who don’t just work in kitchens, she threw the first gold dust over cooking, she put cooking into the media. She will always be a glamorous coquette with all the charm of Greece, she is something like an aunt to us all.”
the Eleni psychoulis after giving a brief account of what Vefa Alexiadou offered, he emphasized: “What can you say about this woman? A woman who is a symbol of gastronomy, that is, I believe she even surpassed Tselemende.”
Vefa Alexiadou died at the age of 91, in the hospital “Papanikolaou” in Thessaloniki, after many health problems she faced.
Vefa Alexiadou: “He invited the culinary world of Athens and no one came” says Ilias Mamalakis
“As big a star as you are, you have to look in the mirror at some point and retire,” said Ilias Mamalakis, who said the Vefa chef needed to rest. “The gentleman who threw a party and invited her, I remember many years ago that he called her home and had a fight with her husband,” he said, about his participation in the last elections.
Along the way, Ilias Mamalakis mentioned a large part of the “Athens culinary world” who recently invited him to an event for the latest book release, but did not honor him with their presence. “The last thing I have to say is that his last book came out months ago. Which was a diary if you will. He invited the entire culinary world of Athens, hardly anyone went. Some because they had a job, some because Vefa was no longer the TV star who would be popular through a photo with her… That’s how people are, all of us, what should we do” said Ilias Mamalakis about Vefa Alexiadou.
Vefa Alexiadou
Vefa Alexiadou established herself in the 1990s, when in addition to the cookery books she published, she also appeared in television shows, cooking for the television audience.
She was born in Volos on March 13, 1933. Her full name was Genovefa. She was the wife of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki professor, Constantinos Alexiadis, with whom she had two daughters, Alexia, who died of a heart attack on October 29, 2014, and Angeliki (Angela), who died on February 10, 2015.
In the European elections of 2024, Vefa Alexiadou was a candidate for European Member on the LAOS ballot, declaring that she was “Businesswoman – Cook – Publisher – Writer”.
NEWS today:
How has Ilias Mamalakis’s career been influenced by Vefa Alexiadou’s legacy?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Culinary Expert Ilias Mamalakis on the Legacy of Vefa Alexiadou
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we explore the extraordinary impact of personalities in various fields. Today, we have the honor of speaking with renowned chef and television personality Ilias Mamalakis. Ilias, thank you for joining us.
Ilias Mamalakis: Thank you for having me. It’s a poignant time as we reflect on the legacy of a true legend in our culinary world, Vefa Alexiadou.
Time.news Editor: Yes, Vefa’s recent passing has left a significant emotional void in the hearts of many. Could you share your personal reflections on her impact?
Ilias Mamalakis: Absolutely. Vefa was more than a chef; she was a trailblazer who brought cooking into the living rooms of ordinary people. Her charisma and love for Greek cuisine set the stage for chefs like myself to enter the media. Her passing is like losing a family member.
Time.news Editor: Many of her colleagues, including famed chefs like Lefteris Lazarou and Eleni Psychoulis, have expressed their grief. Lefteris mentioned that life had not been generous to her. What do you think he meant?
Ilias Mamalakis: Vefa faced her share of challenges, including the loss of two children, which undoubtedly shaped her perspective on life. Despite the hardships, she radiated strength and joy, leaving behind a legacy full of glory. Her resilience is what made her a symbol for many of us in the culinary industry.
Time.news Editor: That’s a powerful sentiment. Eleni Psychoulis described her as a “symbol of gastronomy” and even suggested that she surpassed the likes of Tselemende. How do you interpret this statement?
Ilias Mamalakis: Eleni captures the essence of Vefa perfectly. She didn’t just teach people how to cook; she elevated Greek culinary traditions on a national and even international stage. Her influence went beyond recipes; it was about instilling pride in our culture. She made Greek cuisine accessible to everyone, creating a warmth that transcended the kitchen.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned in your comments that “as big a star as you are, you have to look in the mirror at some point and retire.” Can you elaborate on that perspective regarding Vefa’s career?
Ilias Mamalakis: Certainly. It’s a bittersweet truth in our industry. Stars like Vefa shine brightly, but the limelight can be overwhelming. At some point, one must recognize when to pass the baton. Vefa contributed so much and set the standard for excellence. There’s beauty in knowing when to step away while still being celebrated.
Time.news Editor: Vefa truly paved the way for many chefs who followed her. Do you believe her influence will continue to shape the culinary landscape in Greece and beyond?
Ilias Mamalakis: Without a doubt. Vefa changed the narrative around cooking. She made it glamorous, and in doing so, invited a new generation to appreciate the culinary arts. Her legacy will continue through the chefs she inspired and the love for Greek cuisine she fostered.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Ilias, for sharing your insights and memories of Vefa Alexiadou. Her spirit indeed lives on in the hearts of many, and your reflections honor her remarkable journey.
Ilias Mamalakis: Thank you for having me. It was a pleasure to discuss her legacy. Let’s keep her memory alive through our kitchens and our hearts.