Saardé Social Presents: THESSALONIKI.

A book signing event with Meni Valle.

Join us for an intimate evening with Meni Valle, one of Australia’s most respected Mediterranean chefs, as we celebrate the release of her latest book, Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki unveils the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Northern Greece, featuring over 70 authentic recipes and evocative photography that capture the spirit, flavours, and traditions of the region.

In this special event curated for the Saardé community, Meni will share the inspiration behind her book — the stories, lessons, and experiences that shaped it. She’ll also reveal her favourite recipes for both novice and experienced cooks, and treat guests to a taste of one of her signature dishes.

The evening will feature:

Meet & Greet + Q&A — A warm conversation with Meni Valle about her book Thessaloniki and the rich culinary traditions of Northern Greece.
Live Demo & Tasting — Watch Meni bring one of her favourite recipes to life, enjoy a tasting, and discover simple, elegant table styling ideas using Saardé pieces.
Drinks & Refreshments — Sip on wine or non-alcoholic drinks served in our signature Kairos Glasses as you connect with the author and each other.
Signed Copies — Purchase your own copy of Thessaloniki, personally signed by the author.

**Saardé x Thessaloniki Giveaway:**

To mark this special occasion, guests will have the chance to win a signed copy of Thessaloniki alongside a handcrafted piece from our new Ceramics Collection. The winner will be announced at the end of the evening.

When & where:

Saardé Flagship Store
Thursday, 20 November; 6:00 pm arrivals for 6:30 pm start
Tickets are strictly limited, $10 per person ( + GST and Humanitix fee ), redeemable on the night towards the Thessaloniki book or any Saardé product purchase.

About the Author and the Book

Meni Valle is an Australian–Greek food writer and cookbook author whose deep connection to her heritage and love of travel have made her one of Australia’s most respected voices in Mediterranean cuisine.

Drawing inspiration from her Greek roots, Meni celebrates the traditions, stories, and generosity of the table through her writing. When she’s not creating cookbooks, she shares her passion for Greek food through cooking classes and culinary tours to Greece — connecting with locals, gathering recipes, and continuing her lifelong exploration of authentic Mediterranean flavours.

Following the success of her acclaimed cookbook Ikaria, Meni now invites readers to explore the rich and diverse culinary heritage of Thessaloniki and Northern Greece. This vibrant new book celebrates both traditional and modern dishes, illuminating a region renowned for its unique food culture.

Thessaloniki — Greece’s second-largest city and a UNESCO-recognised epicentre of traditional culinary practices — lies at the heart of this exploration. The area’s abundant natural resources, from fertile plains to mountainous enclaves, inspire a diverse array of ingredients: from the famed Greek elephant beans to sun-ripened stone fruits.

Blending her research with collaborations from local experts, Meni weaves together a tapestry of flavours and stories shaped by Sephardic Jewish, Ottoman, and Greek influences. Through evocative photography and over 70 authentic recipes, Thessaloniki captures the warmth, generosity, and slow food philosophy that define the region — offering readers an intimate taste of Northern Greece’s culinary legacy.