My big fat greek pregnancy

Remembering it now seems almost embarrassing. When I was pregnant with my first child, I was introduced to this unassuming Greek restaurant, sort of like fast food Greek, outside of Columbus, Ohio. After the initial introductions, I found myself driving there every day for lunch. I fondly call that time, the year of the gyro. Yum. So with great exuberance I find myself salivating at the sighting of any Greek fest here in New England. This weekend, Aug. 15-17, is Pawtucket, R.I.'s Grecian Festival.

Much much much traditional dancing and music, as well as, much much much homemade traditional foods such as baklava, roast lamb, souvlaki, and GYROS will fill the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church's parking lot. There will be hands-on demos like phyllo baking and making spanikopita. But maybe the most enticing [well, beyond the gyros] is a fabulous raffle boasting a trip to Skiathos. Each year, a lucky festival-goer wins a trip to Greece. The trip includes airfare from Boston, lodging at the Nostos Luxury Hotel and Resort and meals [I'm thinking more gyros]. And if you don't win, you can still eat all the gyros you want at the festival - a very close second. Call 401-725-3127 for more info.