From Greece to Alaska: Ms. Zoi’s Culinary Journey of Healing and Love

Her dedication to healthy ingredients helps patients at Chris Kyle

Her dedication to healthy ingredients helps patients at Chris Kyle

“This is my love,” says Zoi Loukaki, Lead Dietician at Chris Kyle Patriots Hospital. “I love to make people happy with my food and know that I am helping them become healthy.”

With a long family history of passion for food and hospitality, it is no surprise that Zoi Loukaki, Lead Dietician at Chris Kyle Patriots Hospital, in Anchorage, Alaska, is famous for her delicious food and kind heart.

Loukaki, known as Ms. Zoi, learned not only how to cook but how good food can make people happy at her family restaurant, Taverna tou Manoli, in Greece, where she was born and raised.

Before running her family’s restaurant, she served in the U.S. Army & Air Force Exchange Service for more than five years. She aided in warehouse merchandise, retail operations and sales. At the time, word got around about her family’s restaurant and Loukaki’s father impressed Lieutenant General E.G. “Buck” Shuler Jr., USAF, and his staff with fresh lobster and traditional Greek cuisine.

Taverna tou Manoli gained notoriety and in 2002 earned recognition in the Athens News, which wrote, “This tavern is very small, but has fresh fish and turkey or chicken fillets. Zoi normally cooks home-style food on the spot.”

Later, Loukaki’s family emigrated to Alaska to give their daughter, a nurse, a better opportunity for success. Her daughter, Christina Whitaker, RN, began working at North Star Behavioral Health, in Anchorage, and helped bring her mother’s fabulous cooking there.

Loukaki helped to improve food for patients staying at North Star. “When I first arrived, the people were not satisfied,” she says. “I followed the menu, but I paid extra attention to add spices and fresh ingredients.” As patients lauded Ms. Zoi’s cooking, her own recipes were incorporated into the menus.

After two years at North Star Behavioral Health, she joined the team at Chris Kyle Patriots Hospital. Her popularity grew and soon she was leading cooking classes where patients learned to make bread and pastries from scratch. “This is my love,” she says. “I love to make people happy with my food and know that I am helping them become healthy. I studied a lot to learn what spices and veggies are good for patients, what would help them for certain problems.” For example, she recommends boiling oregano, honey and cinnamon together when you have a cough.

Her attention to detail and knowledge is well recognized by patients and family members who enjoy her food. Her office has a bulletin board dedicated to thank-you cards full of gratitude and love. “Everyone has different taste – no bread, no meat, no sweets. I accommodate them to help make them as healthy as possible,” she says, “I decrease carbs and fats and substitute fresh vegetables and more vitamins. Vitamin E is especially important for the population in Alaska.”

She encourages the community to prioritize a healthy diet. “A good diet is an indicator to good health. A balanced diet of meats, fish and good ingredients makes a difference on your mental health, too. Don’t say no to chocolate! Certain foods can make you feel happier!”

Thanks to valued members of the Chris Kyle team like Ms. Zoi, we can provide patients with quality, individualized care and a sprinkle of personal touch.

Chris Kyle Patriots Hospital focuses on serving the psychiatric and substance abuse treatment needs of the brave men and women who serve our country. Our facility serves first responders, military service members and veterans who have experienced trauma in the line of duty or struggle with substance use disorder.

Holistic in nature, we care for the whole self, mind, body and spirit. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, our facility offers kindness, empathy and compassion while working with each patient. We’re deeply committed to helping individuals cope with the trauma and other issues brought on them during active duty. Some of our services include our inpatient program, which offers trauma-focused care, detoxification and rehabilitation.

To schedule a level of care assessment or for more information, please call 907-264-3506.