Melbourne’s Greek culinary heart got a flavourful boost ahead of Panathinaikos’ historic clash with KK Partizan. Greek basketball stars spice up Melbourne ahead of Panathinaikos‒Partizan showdown as the club’s stars mingled with food and heritage in a lead-up event that celebrated culture, community and basketball.
The event, held at the iconic Stalactites restaurant, drew Panathinaikos BC players Kendrick Nunn, Jerian Grant, T.J. Shorts, Richaun Holmes, Marius Grigonis, Yiannis Kouzeloglou, Nikos Rogkavopoulos, coaching staff and club administration, including Fragkiskos Alvertis, the club’s European Ambassador.
As part of the celebration, the restaurant unveiled a new limited-edition dish dubbed “PAO Souvlaki”, an homage to Panathinaikos’ signature green, featuring classic Greek flavours and a vibrant twist in tzatziki. Proceeds from the dish will support Helping Hoops, a local grassroots initiative delivering basketball programs for underprivileged children in Melbourne.
Stalactites itself carries a rich history. Established in 1978 by Konstantinos Tsoutouras — known affectionately as “Barba Kostas” — the family-run restaurant on Lonsdale Street has become a stalwart of Melbourne’s Greek Quarter. Over the decades it’s earned a reputation as a “home away from home” for Greeks in Melbourne, remaining open 24/7 in its earliest days, famous for its souvlaki, hospitality, and strong connection to community.
For Panathinaikos, this was more than just a pre-game event—it was part of a larger symbolic entrance into Australian soil. The Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament marks the first time the club and tournament bearing that name are being held outside Greece, celebrating not only sport but also the deep bonds between Greece and the Australian Greek diaspora.
With the “PAO Souvlaki” now on the Stalactites menu for a limited time, fans have a chance to savour this moment of sport, tradition and cross-cultural exchange—before the lights go on at John Cain Arena.
