For The Millerton NewsHouse of Stefas opens in Millbrook with bold style and Greek cuisine
“There’s a side of us that’s artsy, a side that’s straight business, and a side that’s really fun. We wanted that to come through — so people could experience different parts of our heritage and our lives, broken up into pieces.”
MILLBROOK — John and Paul Stefanopoulos are scheduled to open the doors to their latest culinary venture on Wednesday, June 4, in downtown Millbrook. House of Stefas, a Greek-inspired restaurant, blends secret family recipes with bold interior design layered with nods to their heritage and culture.
But don’t call it a restaurant. “It’s more of a sanctuary for what we call philoxenia,” says John, referencing the ancient Greek value of hospitality and generosity toward strangers. “Everyone here is loved and taken care of in the ancient Greek way.”
The brothers say the spirit of the business was born during college, when they hosted dinner parties under the name 97 Garden, where as many as 50 people — often from vastly different social circles — would gather for the now-storied meals.
“The food was good, but it was more about the community,” says John. “Before we had the name and concept, we knew we wanted to build something that lifts people up, that makes people feel better, that makes them feel like aristocrats and gods.”