“The Bachelorette” Comes to the Atlanta Area

Throngs of fans gathered at Giorgio’s Italian Restaurant and Pizza Monday night to watch an episode of ABC's "The Bachelorette featuring Cumming's own Constantine (Dino) Tzortzis.

The episode featured a previous visit between the show's star, Ashley Herbert, and Tzortzis, one of the three remaining candidates who may win her heart. Sources at WSB-TV (ABC affiliate) estimate that the actual visit was roughly six months ago. 

During the ‘Hometown Visit’ episode, Tzortzis invited her home to Cumming where she met his family and visited Lake Lanier. The episode is designed to give family members an opportunity to meet the young woman whose decision could result in marrying into their family. Parents and siblings are afforded the chance to share their views of perspective fiancés with one another. 

It is also the first time contestants are reunited with families since leaving for Los Angeles to film episodes. 

During filming of the 'Hometown Visit' episode, Nina Buick, Constantine’s aunt, described the moment as “the best night. It was a normal night except there were 25 cameras. It was wonderful.”

Elleni Tzortzis mother of the contestant, shared that he’s "truthful and honest."

As for hosting the film crew in her home, she was quick to reply, “they were nice. I’ve invited them back any time they’re in Atlanta.”

Family friend Jim Krebs added that he’s known Dino “since he was this big” and the show has been a “neat experience for him.” 

Opinions didn’t vary much when it came to Ashley. 

“She is a very sweet girl,” said Mrs. Tzortzis whose sentiments were echoed by daughter Maria, 27, who described Ashley as “very nice.”

When asked if silly, embarrassing stories would be shared during the visit at the expense of her brother, Maria replied, “He’s open. There are no secrets. We’re a real family.” She added that, "her brother has “always been polite."

At Monday's event visitors arrived at the restaurant as early as 7 p.m. in an effort to enjoy the night’s main attraction: Dino.

As wait staff managed to take orders and serve food, Dino graciously posed for photos and signed autographs for patrons. Family members attended the event, with Dino’s parents, Elleni and Dimitris, owners of the popular eatery; who hosted the event and posed for fan photos.

The family-owned restaurant has been part of the Cumming landscape for 20 years, and a special menu was designed for the event, featuring ‘Constantine’s Favorite’ (choice of grilled chicken breast or two skewers of port or chicken souvlaki). 

While the food and service was given high praises, Dino, himself, was foremost on the minds of attendees. “Dino spottings” were the topic of conversation at virtually every table, including comparisons of ‘television’ Dino to Dino 'live.'

“That show doesn’t do him justice,” said Hannah Machemehl, 20, after meeting and posing for photos. Machemehl attended with friends Carolyn and Penny Anne Burns, who orchestrated a shot of Dino with the two young women on Giorgio’s deck.

Austan Ketcher, 12, hoping to one day become a contestant himself, asked Dino for some advice. 

“No tips. I got nothing,” replied Dino.

Audience member and long-time patron of Giorgio’s Joanne Davis recalls, “Dino used to wait tables years ago.” Davis and friends were one of the many who posed for a group shot with Cumming’s newest celebrity.

“This is awesome for all of us. It’s put Cumming on the map,” said Mrs. Tzortzis adding that the Web site of the restaurant has been getting visitors from all over the world.

A hush came over the restaurant when the show began. Technical issues arose outside with volume and Dino was quick to jump in and tackle the problem. Audience participation was evident: cheers went up as shots of Cumming City Hall and Lake Lanier appeared, and during scenes of kisses between Ashley and Dino. The audience returned to photographs and lively conversation as the episode highlighted visits of the other bachelors.

Beth Ruiz cheerfully accepted her raffle prize from Dino, a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc by Ben F, another hopeful from the show. According to his mom, Dino and Ben have become great friends. The raffle raised $540 for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, a charity chosen by the family because of the work they do for children.

The family remained tight-lipped about the show and remaining episodes, leaving guests to wonder if the souvenir Greek wedding cookies are a sign of things to come.

The Bachelorette airs Monday nights at 9 p.m.