A Taste Of Greece With Minos Imported Foods
When my husband Brian and I, back in early February, walked into Minos Imported Foods to purchase our time-honored foods, little did we know we would meet co-owner Bob Denic and make new friends for life.
That cold day as we ventured out, Brian and I were searching for very specific items for my father’s upcoming 3 year Memorial. On our list, Paximadia or Greek biscottis, imported feta cheese and Mavrodaphine red sweet wine were all included. All things not easily found at a regular grocery chain.
My Koumbara Eleni told us to head to Minos in Addison, as they supply everything we would need to support our customs and prepare our service and luncheon with freshness and authenticity. So, we followed Eleni’s advice and took a drive west.
At Minos, while browsing in aisle 2, a man approached and initiated a friendly and welcoming conversation asking us how he could help. Of course, this encounter, classic philoxenia-hospitality to the stranger, warmed our heart.
Next thing you know we are buying items in every aisle and introducing Bob to Kefi Life extra virgin olive oil at the same time. Isn’t this how life works? “One hand washes another!”
So now, please allow me to introduce you to family owned and operated Minos Imported Foods in Addison, Illinois. For the past four decades Bob, and the entire crew provide four suburban communities in Illinois with European specialty foods from over ten different countries.
Walking into Minos, or Brookhaven Markets is a trip down memory lane. One will find and enjoy many home cooked and traditional foods which YiaYia or Grandma used to prepare back home. The smells, the look and the feel of Minos transports one to the little town in Europe from where a family may hail. People from Greece, Serbia, Romania and the Balkans visit Minos to satisfy their tastebuds and their emotional wants.
Surely, this generational place is a regular stomping ground to multitudes, and indeed it is according to Bob.
While Bob is a friend to anyone who walks through the door, he is at the same time a vendor for Kefi Life extra virgin olive oil.
The Kefi Life team is truly honored to be featured and sold at a place with history and quaintness, providing personal satisfaction to each customer. Everyone feels like family at Minos.
Last week, when the team and I went on location to Minos, we wanted to capture the essence of this little goldmine. I personally wanted to give you a close up of some of the speciality items you will find there and no where else. It’s my belief that you will sincerely enjoy Bob and my stroll through the store discovering why customers return week after week, month after month and year after year. Check out this week’s episode 203 of Kefi Life the Podcast for the full interview.
In the meantime, all roads lead to Minos as you keep the traditions, begin new ones and explore/experience the Balkan countries right here in Chicagoland.
Sending you filiakia -kisses,
Ola Kala,
Kiki