222: Santorini Secrets: Mediterranean Living at MIA’S Kiki goes on location to Greece to experience the Mediterranean Diet — Santorini style. Today's Lexi: Μεζέ – Meze – Appetizers In Today’s Episode: Join Kiki and Sellia, owner of Mia’s Restaurant on the island of Santorini in Greece. Today you will love an authentic and vibrant conversation about the Mediterranean food that is prepared and crafted by an all-woman kitchen spearheaded by chef Ellie. What is fava, and how versatile is it? What is the secret to Mia’s village salad, and how did Sellia get to Santorini in the first place? There's so much more to this conversation, so please tune in. Resources: Mia's Restaurant Cupitol Coffee Cupitol — The Restaurant About Sellia Sellia Georges is a third-generation restaurateur whose family has been part of Chicago’s restaurant industry for more than 40 years. Growing up, she worked in her family’s restaurants — JC Georges (opened in 1982), OPA Estiatorio, Portofino Italian, and Elly’s Brunch Café — and later worked alongside her father on the opening of the Elly’s 24-Hour concept in downtown Chicago in 2010. Sellia considers Cupitol to be the evolution of Elly’s, bringing together an easy-going European atmosphere with an all-day dining experience. She opened the first Cupitol Coffee & Eatery location in Evanston in 2016, followed by a second location in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood in 2017, and a third location featuring an expanded bakery in West Loop in 2021. Her vision was to create a versatile space where guests could enjoy breakfast or coffee with friends, a full meal, work at a communal table or lounge, or simply grab a cold-pressed juice to go. Her Greek heritage is reflected throughout Cupitol, from the relaxed lounge atmosphere to the menu, which features house-made pastries, specialty roasted coffee, and creative cocktails. Sellia’s next concept brought her back to her roots with the opening of MIA'S Restaurant in Oia, Santorini, where her ancestors were born. Conceived during the pandemic, MIA’S has since become one of the most beloved restaurants in Oia, offering comforting yet elevated Greek cuisine through a modern, seasonal lens. Most recently, in December 2024, she launched Cupitol The Restaurant, an expanded evolution of the Cupitol concept and the brand’s fourth location. Her goal was to create an accessible all-day restaurant serving delicious, high-quality food and drinks for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner at approachable prices. In addition to the signature Cupitol offerings, the restaurant features a specially curated dinner menu designed exclusively for this concept. Alongside her extensive hospitality experience, Sellia holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Kingston University and a master’s degree in Psychology from University of Essex. Credits: Music: Spiro Dussias Vocals: Zabrina Hay Graphic Designer: Manos Koumparakis 🫒 Purchase the finest, yummiest extra virgin olive oil from Kalamata, Greece at KefiLife.com!🫒 Please be sure to follow the Kefi L!fe podcast to ensure that you are Ola Kala in mind, body and soul! Insta: @kefilife_ LinkedIn: Kiki Vale KefiLife.com For a natural and uplifting support with your health and wellness, connect with Kiki to discover the beauty of essentials oils: my.doterra.com/kefilife. This episode made possible in part by: The Law Offices of Liston & Tsantilis — Ranked #1 LTLawChicago.com This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. None of the information should be construed as medical advice. Users are encouraged to seek professional medical assistance for any significant health-related matters.
