Selling an American dream: Australia's Greek café

Leonard Janiszewski, Effy Alexakis

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

    Abstract

    The essay argues that Greek cafes (milk bars, soda/sundae "parlors") were a "Trojan Horse" for the Americanisation of Australia's eating and socio-cultural habits from the very start of the twentieth century. They initially introduced American food-catering ideas, technology and products and later influenced the development of cinema and popular music. The Greek cafe helped transformed Australian popular culture. The essay builds on earlier published research by providing greater detail and expansion into previously untouched areas and themes.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationShop till you drop
    Subtitle of host publicationessays on consuming and dying in Australia
    EditorsStephen Gregory
    Place of PublicationNormanhurst, N.S.W.
    PublisherSouthern Highlands Publishers
    Pages36-57
    Number of pages22
    ISBN (Print)9780646487519
    Publication statusPublished - 2008

    Keywords

    • Greek cafes
    • milk bars
    • popular music
    • architecture
    • art deco
    • racisim
    • greek cusine
    • jukeboxes
    • take-aways
    • soda fountains
    • soda "palors"
    • sundae "palors"
    • food catering
    • milkshakes
    • Australian popular culture
    • American cultural influences
    • cinema

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