Konstantinos Georgoulias, or as he was best known throughout Goole as Costa, passed away last Thursday morning after a fight with cancer.

Costa, born in Artemida in Greece, is best known for opening what was possibly the first Greek, or indeed, Mediterranean restaurant in the area.

Most local folk will remember Olympia Grill Rooms in Goole, Restaurant Attica in Newport and Costa's Taverna of Prince's Avenue in Hull.

His daughter Maria Jessney, who ran The Old George pub in Goole, said: "Costa came to Goole in 1972 where he opened the Olympia Grill Rooms and insisted on introducing the local population to something different from fish and chips, Sunday roast, steak and chips or a fry up.

"His first venture into this was his Greek version of spaghetti bolognese which was always Monday's special.

Anything that wasn't sold by Monday afternoon was regularly served up to the children of Hook as Monday tea.

"Ask any child brought up in Hook in the '70's and they will, no doubt, have experienced 'Auntie Maria's Tea' every Monday.

"So when you are tucking in to your next pasta dish, Greek dips - humous, tzatziki etc or moussaka, spare a thought for Costa who brought this to your lives at a very early stage.

"His other house speciality was, of all things, his liver and onions - not very Greek you may say but the delicious onion sauce in which it was served was a family secret - and still is to this day!"

She added: "Costa and his family eventually moved on to other ventures and opened Restaurant Attica in Newport where they held regular Greek Nights and really brought the Greek menu to the fore."

Costa lost his dear wife Eleni in 2001 and retired from the restaurant business shortly afterwards. Even after retiring, his menu was still in such demand that he regularly made up meals for several restaurants and pubs in the area as "Costa's Greek Menu".

This was available until very recently at The Old George in Goole where it was regularly sold out within a few days.

Maria said: "So ends an era with Costa's passing.

"Many will remember their first Greek meal at his restaurant, the exotic Greek music and dances and the friendly welcome extended to everyone by Costa and his family.

"We will miss you Costa! Gia sou Costas kai kalo taxidi."

Costa's funeral took place yesterday. He leaves behind daughters Maria and Anna, in laws, grandchildren Sally, Dianne and Andrew and great grandchildren.