How old are your kids and how long have you lived in Westport? We’ve lived in Westport for 8 years and have raised four children in the area, Tina (28), Zoe (18), Nickolas (16), and Christina (13)
How did you end up where you are now in terms of your job, or whatever passion project it is you might be doing? I’ve been a party planner and hostess since I was a kid. I always loved throwing parties with my family and for my friends; it’s just a part of who I am. After college I worked in television production, food service, and upscale restaurants to learn the business. Then, in 2008, my husband and I opened EOS Greek Cuisine, a gorgeous upscale Greek restaurant in Stamford. In 2014, I opened our second venue, Bank Street Events, a catering venue that hosts all kinds of beautiful parties. Then, in 2016, I took my next big step and become the exclusive food operator for Chelsea Piers, CT. In the years since my company, Nikki Glekas Collective has continued to grow and now includes, ZStrict, Beach Grill at Weed Beach, Stone Hill in Norwalk, and The Sandbar in Westport.
The Sandbar has been so special for our family, combining our Greek heritage, great food, and a fun summer atmosphere all in one place. Involving my family while supporting local vendors and entrepreneurs has made this meaningful for us and the community.
During the pandemic I was anxious for a new project and wanted to share everything I was cooking for my family and the favorite dishes from our restaurants, so I started my YouTube show Nikki’s Modern Mediterranean. Each episode showcases a favorite family recipes and entertaining tips. To date we have over 38,000 subscribers and the channel keeps growing! I have a lot of plans for further growing this lifestyle brand.
What is the best show you have recently (binge) watched? AND what is the last book you read? I love all of Jane Green’s books and have read every single one. I am excited for her next book to come out! I’m pretty sure I have binged all of Netflix, Apple, Hulu, LOL. Many people ask how I have time for TV, but I watch late at night while I’m working on the computer although I haven’t had much time since opening The Sandbar location on May 23rd. The only day off I have had was hosting my daughter’s graduation party last Sunday! If I do get a chance, I watch Dutton Ranch with my husband.
What is one food you could not live without? This is almost impossible to answer, but I’d have to say Feta. In Greece we put it on everything, and I put it on everything in our household, too. There are very few dishes I serve without feta crumbled on top!
What is one product you could not live without? As far as beauty products go, I would say my selection of colorful lipsticks. I love a strong lip; it dresses up any outfit. I have many to choose from and select the color I wear based on my outfit and my level of summer tan! In the kitchen, I could not live without a good knife set and cutting board. I’m always chopping vegetables and there’s nothing as helpful as a good sharp knife for preparing them.
What is your greatest indulgence? Greece! We have a family home there now and it’s our favorite place to be. Every summer we go there for an extended summer trip and live it up with our immediate and extended family. I’m so excited we’ve been able to make this happen.
Which talent would you most like to have? I’d love to be able to be in two places at once! Because of the nature of my job, I’m often coordinating several events at the same time, while restaurants are running in other places. I wish I had the ability to be in all the places at the same time so I could for the sake of efficiency.
If you did not live where you do, where would you like to live? I grew up in the Philadelphia area and now parents live on the Jersey shore. I absolutely love it there and would live closer to them if I had to choose to live somewhere new.
What is your favorite hobby? Decorating! I don’t just do it for my career. Anyone who has driven by my house knows how much I love to decorate for every holiday. My Christmas decorations have been filmed for television shows; that is how seriously I take them! I absolutely love designing rooms and table scapes for every single holiday. I also love traveling with my husband and kids; we are headed to Greece in July for a couple weeks. My other favorite hobby is hosting parties – it’s not just my job, I hosted an incredible graduation party for my daughter’s high school graduation in June.
What is your go-to karaoke song? I am completely tone deaf so you will only catch me doing karaoke if I am drunk with a bunch of friends.
What is your greatest extravagance? Jewelry! I love beautiful jewelry that has a lot of personal meaning. I always find pieces I love wearing and can imagine handing down to my children someday.
When and where were you happiest? Summer in Greece with my family. Or December in Westport with my family at Christmas
QUICK THIS OR THAT:
At a movie: Candy or Popcorn? POPCORN
Cook or order in? COOK
Coffee or tea? COFFEE
Be embarrassed or be afraid? NEITHER!
Camping or glamping? GLAMPING
Broadway Show or TV show? TV SHOW
TikTok or Insta? INSTAGRAM
Text or call? TEXT
Sneakers or dress shoes? HEELS!
Sauna? Or cold plunge? SAUNA
Beach or Mountain? BEACH
Comedy or Drama? COMEDY