What's kept you here serving for nine years?

It's a family-owned Greek restaurant, so everyone is very close. I don't even feel like I'm working.

Is Yulia a Greek name?

Actually, it's Russian—I'm Russian. My family immigrated here nine years ago and I followed them to Seattle. This was my first job in the United States.

Had you worked in the food industry before?

No, but I've stuck with it, even after college and marriage.

What made you decide to apply for a job at a Greek restaurant, with no experience?

My father decided for me. He pulled up, pushed me out of the car, and said, "You can do it! Go, go! Go get a job!" I walked in and told them that I had no experience but that I learn fast, and the same night I was busing tables.

Are there any Russian foods or dishes you miss?

Not really, because Greek food is very similar to Russian food. We have a lot of the same flavors and foods like dolmades [grape leaves stuffed with rice and meat], souvlaki [meat skewers], and our pirozhkis [Russian meat or dessert pockets] are similar to Greek pastries. It's all the same, so I don't have to cook!