Kaliopi Alexandrides, also known as Poppi to her friends and family, has led an intriguing, productive and adventurous life.
She grew up on the little picturesque Greek island of Imbros, a small fishing village; today’s population 10,106.
She left in 1968, aged 18, after an earthquake rocked the area and the Turkish government started making life difficult for locals.
Her brother-in-law Theo sponsored her to Australia where he ran a popular local milk Bar at Charing Cross, Waverley, near the local cinema.

She then returned to Greece but came back to Australia after marrying Steve and bringing with her their three sons.
Their daughter Faye was born in Australia.

Poppi initially worked at Reuben F Scarf, clothing retailers, and in an electrics factory, Oliva Electrics.
Steve and Poppi opened a successful delicatessen in Victoria Street Potts Point which served locals for 13 years before purchasing the Elizabeth Bay corner convenience store, on the corner of Elizabeth Bay and Ithaca Roads.
After 21 years they “retired”.

In fact they evolved instead.
Poppi, who turns 73 this week, has now adaptively re-used the former corner store’s storeroom to provide a hole-in-the-wall coffee shop serving favourites such as chicken schnitzel rolls, spanakopita (cheese and spinach in fluffy filo pastry) and freddo coffee (iced coffee but without ice-cream) and numerous cakes to her loyal locals.
There is only room for three inside tables and seating for eight al fresco. It is cute and cosy with a warm, welcoming ambience.
She still works hard with her effervescent daughter, Faye, serving customers alongside her.
Poppi calls Faye “mum” because Poppi claims Faye is so strict with her [!]
One of her sons, Mario, has named his daughter Poppi as an homage to Poppi to continue the family line.

Faye says their customers are “the best ever. The cafe wouldn’t happen without these beautiful people.”

So every day queues persist on the footpath as this little cameo of local knowledge continues on, this week wishing Poppi a happy 73rd birthday.

Poppi’s Place, a Greek Cafe
Corner Elizabeth Bay and Ithaca Roads, Elizabeth Bay
Hours 7:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Saturday
Closed Sunday

By
Andrew Woodhouse
Heritage Solutions