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Health benefits of Mediterranean diet are served with taste in ‘Greek Revival’ cookbook
October 14, 2010
USC First Lady Patricia
Moore-Pastides will sign copies
of her cookbook from
10 – 11:30 a.m. in the Rotunda
of the Public Health Research
Center on Assembly Street.
First Lady of the University of South Carolina. Wedding planner: Mother of the Groom in May 2010, Mother of the Bride in January 2011. Accomplished cook. Lovely hostess. Public health professional.
Patricia Moore-Pastides, who earned a master’s degree in public health from Yale University, wears many hats – some fashionable, some serviceable.
But one of the most interesting of late is “Celebrated Author.” Her book tour schedule for Greek Revival: Cooking for Life has bookings into 2011, when she also will teach a class at the McCutchen House for students in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.
The Arnold School will host Moore-Pastides for a book signing from 10 – 11:30 a.m. Thursday, October 21, in the Rotunda of the Public Health Research Center at 921 Assembly St.
The book signing comes during the week celebrating the 35th anniversary of the Arnold School of Public Health, which named Dr. Harris Pastides its dean in 1998.
Published by USC Press, Greek Revival promotes the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, recognized internationally as more than simply food, but also a way of life.
On an October morning between events, Moore-Pastides talked about the book and her life as an author.
Q: How is it to be recognized as the author of a new cookbook?
A: I started this project a long time ago, and there were times when I thought it would never come to fruition. Now that it has, I am really pleased with the book and the opportunities that I have to talk to people about food, nutrition and health.
Q: What led you to study public health?
A: I considered a career as an alcoholism services counselor. A college adviser suggested that I think about a career as a health services administrator. Then I could work for a city or county health department, hospital or neighborhood health center. The degree would give me more options. I went to Yale University for a master’s degree in health services administration, (and met Harris on my first day there).
Beyond that, I have found that public health attracts people who have a strong desire for social justice and believe that everyone has a right to healthcare. People in public health are good people with big hearts, and I am especially drawn to the people I know who work in public health. They have a deep commitment to others.
Q: How was your book developed?
A: I had a concept for the book right from the beginning. I wanted it to have recipes and photos, of course, but I also wanted to present the results of research that has been condutcted to evaluate the benefits of the Mediterranean diet over the past 50 years. From our travels in Greece, I wanted to share the experiences of the Mediterranean lifestyle that has health benefits, too – the importance of meal time, of sharing meals with family and friends. It’s much more than just the food itself.
Q: How did you bring all of this into your book?
A: When I started I was writing it like a memoir. Then, I found that I had more stories than I could include! I met an agent at the S.C. Book Festival who suggested that I look for a regional publisher. I put together a book proposal and sent it to several regional publishers, including USC Press. I was delighted when I learned that it would be published. The profits from the book will come back to the University to support the University of South Carolina’s Health and Sustainability Fund.
Q: Many people have watched the vegetable garden grow at the President’s House. Was that your idea?
A: Actually, Fred Drafts, the University’s beloved horticulturalist and landscaper, noticed that I was picking herbs for cooking. He asked me if I would like to start a vegetable garden. I jumped at the chance! We use vegetables from the garden for events at the President’s House.
Q: And you have included heirloom vegetables, too?
A: Yes, we have enjoyed heirloom tomatoes, okra and beans. They tend to be so flavorful, though not as pretty as the ones we buy in stores. They taste more like the vegetables we remember eating as children.
Q: What’s next?
A: I hope that we can share some of our excitement with other schools in the state, particularly elementary and middle schools. I know how thrilling it is to watch plants grow and how satisfying it is to produce foods from seeds. Children are often so removed from nature. It would be great to have more school-based gardens in South Carolina.
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In November, Moore-Pastides will give a presentation on her book and the Mediterranean diet at the Greek Embassy in Washington, D.C. That event will be followed by an appearance at the National Press Club Book Fair and Author Night, a fundraising event featured on C-SPAN’s Book TV.
The 240-page Greek Revival features healthy recipes, accompanied by 108 color illustrations. It also helpful preparation techniques and tips for making the most of familiar ingredients, from colorful fresh fruits and vegetables, to whole grains, beans and seafood.
The cost of the cookbook is $34.95. To learn more, visit www.greekrevivalcookbook.com.
