{"id":23389,"date":"2026-10-12T03:00:13","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T03:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/12\/new-york-cafe-honours-95-year-old-greek-pappou-george-and-his-love-of-figs-greek-city-times\/"},"modified":"2026-10-12T03:00:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T03:00:13","slug":"new-york-cafe-honours-95-year-old-greek-pappou-george-and-his-love-of-figs-greek-city-times","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/in-greece.com\/index.php\/2026\/10\/12\/new-york-cafe-honours-95-year-old-greek-pappou-george-and-his-love-of-figs-greek-city-times\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Caf\u00e9 Honours 95-Year-Old Greek Pappou George and His Love of Figs \u2013 Greek City Times"},"content":{"rendered":"


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A new caf\u00e9 in the heart of Manhattan is celebrating Greek family heritage in a deeply personal way, with its name and concept inspired by a 95-year-old Greek grandfather whose love of figs has become part of his family\u2019s legacy.<\/h3>\n

Cafe Fig, located at 365 Broome Street in New York\u2019s Nolita and Little Italy neighbourhood, was opened by George Skaliarinis in honour of his grandfather, Pappou George.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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New York Caf\u00e9 Honours 95-Year-Old Greek Pappou George and His Love of Figs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The caf\u00e9\u2019s story was shared by George\u2019s mother, Maria Skaliarinis, who explained that the venture was created as a tribute to the grandfather who has played such an important role in the family\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

The name Cafe Fig carries a special meaning. It references Pappou George\u2019s love of figs, as well as the family name Figetakis, bringing together a favourite family memory and a connection to the generations who came before.<\/p>\n

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For the Skaliarinis family, the caf\u00e9 represents more than a new business. It is a way to celebrate a beloved grandfather and preserve a piece of Greek family tradition in one of the world\u2019s busiest cities.<\/p>\n

From YiaYia\u2019s Backyard to Manhattan<\/h2>\n

The inspiration for Cafe Fig reaches back to family life in New York, including memories of the family home in Greenport and the backyard of George\u2019s YiaYia in Astoria, a neighbourhood long associated with the Greek-American community.<\/p>\n

In a personal message about the venture, George Skaliarinis described how the scent of figs brings those memories flooding back.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe scent of figs have always triggered memory of our family home in Greenport and our YiaYia\u2019s backyard in Astoria,\u201d he wrote.<\/p>\n

He also expressed his wish that his grandparents could be there to see what their family has built, acknowledging the opportunities and love they helped provide.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery day I wish they were here with us,\u201d he wrote, adding that he hoped Papou George would enjoy the fruits of their labour.<\/p>\n

The sentiment will resonate with many Greek families in the diaspora, where memories of grandparents, family homes and traditional foods help maintain a connection to their heritage across generations.<\/p>\n

Greek Frappe Meets Creative Coffee<\/h2>\n

Cafe Fig brings that family inspiration into its menu, combining familiar Greek flavours with inventive caf\u00e9 creations.<\/p>\n

Customers can enjoy a traditional Greek frappe<\/strong>, the iconic frothy iced coffee that has become a staple of Greek caf\u00e9 culture.<\/p>\n

Another standout is the Baklavatte<\/strong>, a distinctive dessert-inspired coffee creation that draws on the flavours of baklava.<\/p>\n

The menu also features a Banana Churro Espresso and a matcha version made with Nekohama matcha, banana milk, maple syrup and a dusting of cinnamon.<\/p>\n

For something savoury, Cafe Fig offers a spanakopita croissant<\/strong>, combining the flavours associated with traditional Greek spinach pie with the flaky texture of a French-style pastry.<\/p>\n

The menu reflects the caf\u00e9\u2019s wider concept: celebrating Greek identity while bringing new ideas to New York\u2019s vibrant coffee scene.<\/p>\n

A Place to Slow Down and Play Backgammon<\/h2>\n

Cafe Fig is also designed as a place to sit back, relax and enjoy time with others.<\/p>\n

Visitors are encouraged to play backgammon, a game deeply familiar to generations of Greeks and often associated with long conversations over coffee.<\/p>\n

That detail helps connect the caf\u00e9 to a broader Greek tradition in which coffee is rarely just about the drink. It is an invitation to spend time together, catch up with friends and enjoy the moment.<\/p>\n

In a neighbourhood known for its restaurants, shops and caf\u00e9s, Cafe Fig offers a distinctly personal story rooted in family, memory and Greek culture.<\/p>\n

A Grandfather\u2019s Legacy Lives On<\/h2>\n

For Maria Skaliarinis and her family, the caf\u00e9 is a tribute to a man who has reached the remarkable age of 95 and continues to inspire the next generation.<\/p>\n

By naming the business Cafe Fig, George Skaliarinis has turned his grandfather\u2019s love of figs into a lasting reminder of the family bonds that helped shape him.<\/p>\n

It is also a celebration of the Greek-American experience, where traditions travel across generations and take on new forms in the communities families call home.<\/p>\n

At 365 Broome Street, customers can enjoy Greek-inspired coffee, creative pastries and a game of backgammon. But behind the menu is a story that reaches beyond Manhattan: a grandson honouring his Pappou, a family celebrating its heritage and a reminder that some of the most meaningful legacies begin at home.<\/p>\n

Cafe Fig is located at 365 Broome Street, in Manhattan\u2019s Nolita and Little Italy neighbourhood.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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