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Albert Park stalwart Stavros closing after 37 years

Dani Valent
Dani Valent

When Stavros opened in 1979, haloumi was an almost unknown ingredient in Melbourne.
When Stavros opened in 1979, haloumi was an almost unknown ingredient in Melbourne.Paul Jeffers

After 37 years, Stavros Abougelis, 66, has decided to close his Albert Park taverna. The final service at Stavros will be on July 22. "It's time for me to enjoy my life, see my family and travel," he says.

When Stavros opened in 1979, Greek food in Melbourne meant souvlaki and dips. "It was hard to sell calamari, no one wanted goat, they didn't know haloumi," he says. "Now haloumi is on menus all over town, calamari goes like wildfire and we can't get enough goat."

Asked to name highlights of his four decades on Victoria Avenue, Abougelis points to a long run in The Age Good Food Guide and, more than anything, the people he has met along the way.

Stavros Abougelis at his Albert Park taverna in 2000.
Stavros Abougelis at his Albert Park taverna in 2000.Andrew De La Rue
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"I still enjoy running around the restaurant talking to people – I don't mind a chat."

He's planning an extended party over the next four weeks. "We'll break out all the favourite dishes, some wine we've been storing and the music will be on full blast," he says. "We might even break a couple of plates." The business is for sale.

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Dani ValentDani Valent is a food writer and restaurant reviewer.

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