Dorothea – Fine Greek: Albuquerque, New Mexico
“What you are is God’s gift to you, what you become is your gift to God.” ~Hans Urs von Balthasar, Prayer The appellation Dorothea literally means “gift of God.” It’s a name derived from the words dōron (gift) and theos (god). While the name itself is ancient Greek, there is surprisingly (especially considering the easily titillated denizens of Mount Olympus) no figure in pagan Greek mythology with the name Dorothea. Instead, Dorothea is the name of a prominent Christian saint, one christened the patron saint of florists, gardeners, and brides. She is often depicted with a basket of roses and fruit. The name Dorothea has variants in many different languages, including Dorothée, Dorotea, Dorota, Dorrit, Doretta and more. It has also inspired lots of cute nicknames, including Dora, Thea, Dot, Dottie, Doree and Dodie. Closer to home, Dorothea is an upscale Greek restaurant which first opened its doors in August, 2024. The restaurant’s website explains that Dorothea is “named in honor of Dorothea, the mother of renowned Greek restaurant mogul Nick Kapnison, our establishment celebrates her legacy of love, elegance, and culinary excellence.” Nick Kapnison is probably the closest Albuquerque has seen to a Greek god…maybe the deity of dining or demiurge of…
