From Greece to the White House: The Culinary Journey of Chef Christos Bisiotis
- tony
- Sep 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 4
When you think about chefs who carry the flavors of their homeland into every dish, Christos Bisiotis immediately comes to mind. In my latest episode of the Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis, I sat down with Christos to trace his journey from Greece to the United States. His story takes him from Christos Steakhouse in New York all the way to the White House kitchen, where he cooked for President Obama, all while staying true to his Greek roots.
A Dream Fulfilled in America
Christos moved to the U.S. in 2007, determined to chase his lifelong dream of becoming a chef on the world stage. His first role at Christos Steakhouse was more than a job. It was a cultural baptism that taught him the rhythms of American dining.
Eataly, Education, and Management
His time at Eataly felt like attending culinary college. There, he learned the nuances of food preparation, teamwork, and management. These lessons proved invaluable when leading large kitchen brigades later in his career.
Cooking for the White House
One of the highlights of Christos’ career was cooking for President Obama and even teaching White House staff how to make pasta from scratch. This milestone cemented his reputation as not only a skilled chef but also an ambassador of Greek culinary tradition.
Adapting During COVID-19
Like many in the industry, Christos faced challenges during COVID-19. Plans for a restaurant opening fell apart, but the period also brought personal growth. He married, started a family, and founded Terpsi Hospitality and Bellita Pasta, ventures that focus on handmade pasta and quality Greek-inspired cuisine.
Food, Family, and Philosophy
At the heart of Christos’ story is his belief that food education begins at home. He emphasizes the importance of family, simplicity, and high-quality ingredients. This philosophy continues to guide his work today.
Embracing Greek Culture
From highlighting traditional Greek dishes and coffee culture to sharing his favorite places in mainland Greece and the islands, Christos’ pride in his heritage shines through. His culinary journey is also a cultural one, connecting diners to the warmth of Greece.
Tune in to Audio Edition
Memorable Quotes by Chef Christos Bisiotis from the Interview
“Food education starts from home.”
“I love my roots.”
“Close your ears. Stay focused.”
Connect with Chef Christos Bisiotis
If you would like to connect with Chef Christos Bisiotis and explore more of his work, you can find him active on social media and through his culinary ventures.
Instagram: @christosbisiotis
Terpsi Hospitality: www.christosbisiotis.com
Bellita Pasta: www.bellitapasta.com
Stay connected to see how Christos continues to honor his Greek heritage through food, family, and hospitality.
About the Greece Chats Podcast and How to Tune In
This conversation with Chef Christos Bisiotis is part of the Greece Chats Podcast with Tony Kariotis, the official podcast of @Greece.
In each episode I sit down with inspiring people connected to Greece to share their stories, experiences, and insights. The show dives into Greek culture, travel, food, and the global Greek community.
If you enjoyed this interview, make sure to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode.
Visit www.getgreece.com/podcast to choose your favorite platform and explore more episodes.
