07/20/2026
To everyone who joined us for the opening of Fotini, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Over the past three months, as I worked alongside the previous owner and became part of this restaurant's daily life, I came to realize something very special: this place is much more than a restaurant. It is a home for the Green Lake community.
For more than 25 years, people have gathered here to celebrate milestones, enjoy a glass of w**e with friends, share an onion tart, savor what many consider the best risotto in the Northwest, or simply enjoy a comforting plate of liver and onions. While the name on the door has changed, the heart of this place remains the sameāand seeing so many familiar faces and new friends join us on opening night reaffirmed that.
I would also like to recognize the incredible people who make Fotini possible. Thank you to Skye Gauzza, whose warmth and hospitality make every guest feel like family. Thank you to Chef Mark Chaney, whose talent and dedication have helped define this restaurant for the past 15 years and whose partnership will help guide its next chapter.
Most importantly, thank you to my beautiful fiancĆ©e, Fotini. The restaurant is named after her. In Greek, Fotini means āthe light,ā and she has truly been the guiding light behind this journey. Her love, encouragement, and belief in this dream made all of this possible. This restaurant is dedicated to her and to the values she represents: warmth, hospitality, family, and gathering around the table.
To everyone who celebrated with us, thank you for welcoming us into this remarkable community and for making our opening night so memorable. We are honored to continue the legacy of this restaurant while creating new memories with all of you.
The future is bright!
ā Ethan Ding and the entire team at Fotini
