A Taste of Greece, Reimagined: Inside the Speakeasy Pop-Up That’s Turning Heads in New Jersey
Posted by estiator at 14 May, at 09 : 31 AM Print
When tradition meets innovation, something magical happens—and that’s exactly what chef Sophia Manitakis is bringing to the table with a one-of-a-kind pop-up dinner series in New Jersey. Rooted in Greek heritage but fused with bold global flavors, this intimate dining experience unfolds behind a hidden door, complete with a password-only ticket system, transporting guests into a modern-day koutouki with a twist.
Sophia, who was honored with the 40 Under 40 Entrepreneurship Award by the Orthodox Christian Network and featured on both Chopped and Family Food Showdown, has deep culinary roots. Her father, Tony Manitakis, was the force behind Uncle Nick’s Greek Cuisine, a Hell’s Kitchen institution beloved by New York’s Greek community. Now, Sophia carries that legacy forward—redefining what Greek food can be with her own bold, creative spin.
The menu is a celebration of heritage and imagination: spanakopita reimagined with Chilean sea bass and spinach pie crust, fried grape leaves with Calabrian chili tomato sauce, the “Feta Freak” with grilled fig in phyllo, and even a walking lamb taco with skordalia. Each of the eight courses is a nod to tradition—flipped on its head.
Beyond the bites, it’s the atmosphere that makes the evening unforgettable. Think underground elegance with black-and-white branding, custom cocktails printed with cheeky Greek sayings, and a vibe that blends nostalgia with a sense of discovery.
“I wanted to create something that honors our Greek roots, but also breaks the rules,” Sophia says. “This isn’t your yiayia’s dinner table—but she’d still be proud.”
The next pop-up takes place on June 28th, and tickets are available through her Instagram: @ChefSoph
