On the heels of My Deli’s two-year anniversary, the Vatikiotises are celebrating with Greek wines and Greek ice cream.

When you see the sign out front of Purcellville’s My Deli and Café for “soft-serve ice cream,” you might think it’s just like any other place that’s serving up cones during the summer. But that’s when you need to step inside and try it yourself. It’s the same ice cream owners George and Vana Vatikiotis served their customers 25 years ago in Athens, Greece. It was a huge hit.

“We used to sell three to four tons of this ice cream every summer in Athens,” George Vatikiotis said. “It’s called ‘malako pagoto’ which means ‘soft ice cream’ in Greek.”

Many Purcellville residents know the Vatikiotises for their authentic Greek gyros, pastries and grocery items. In eastern Loudoun County, they are still remembered for the yet-to-be-matched Mediterranean pizza they served up 20 years ago at Prima Pizzeria. I have to admit, I’ve had a few slices of George Vatikiotis’ Greek-style white pizza, with caramelized onions and smoked gouda, and I was in a pizza coma for days.

The ice cream may be just as powerful on a hot summer day. Servings are generous -- “It doesn’t make a difference how much you have if you enjoy yourself,” Vatikiotis said.

One disclaimer: If you are given four ice cream cones to try, you might want to work your hardest not to finish them all off, because it would be very easy to follow Vatikiotis’ advice.

Along with a selection of Greek wines, pastries and fresh breads, you will also find a great lunch stop at My Deli. New items include the Reuben panini and shrimp salad on toasted pita. The chicken souvlaki and gyros are over-stuffed pita sandwiches that are I-need-seconds flavorful. As a matter of fact, it seems that everything is served generously at My Deli, including the friendly smiles and community feel when you walk in the door.

Catering and carry-out are available. Salads and subs range from $6 to $8. Gift cards are available to share this family-style deli with others.

My Deli and Cafe is in the Old Theatre Centre at 860 E. Main St. in Purcellville. Hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, noon-8 p.m. For carry-out, call 540-751-2077.

Rebekah Pizana is a gourmet chef and food writer. She can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or follow her at http://www.Twitter.com/iwritegourmet .