“ At times like these , we had to dig into a reservoir of determination , patience , hope and creativity ,” recalls Fragkos . “ We found strength in the love we have for each other as a family , and the belief in Anthos .”
They quickly pivoted their business from a café to an online supplier . Fortunately , the online business worked beautifully ! It launched in May 2020 , and soon had orders from families and businesses throughout the U . S .
Now , after two years , they finally opened their café in mid- April , and welcomed their first guests . You may have noticed their lovely storefront near the corner of Willow Avenue and Castle Shannon Boulevard .
“ Our families are proud and very excited for us ! It ’ s hard being far away from our family and friends in Greece , but their love and support means the world to us ,” says Fragkos .
Besides many classics of Greek cuisine , such as baklava , galaktoboureko ( sweet vanilla custard baked in filo ) and loukoumades ( sweet , bite-sized honey balls ), you can also experience a light spice cake called fanouropita ( the cake of “ lost things ”), portokalopita ( orange syrup cake ) and karydopita ( walnut syrup cake ).
To balance the sweet , there are plenty of savory dishes such as souvlaki , which is grilled meat kebabs with freshly made pitas , and a bit of tzatziki ( yogurt and cucumber dip with wonderful spices and flavorings ). The café will also offer spanakopita ( spinach and feta cheese baked into filo ) and kagianas , a dish made with eggs , tomatoes and feta .
These are just a few of the menu items , but with all the dishes , you will taste the traditional recipes the owners ’ families have used for generations , with ingredients imported from Greece .
Fragkos adds , “ You may be surprised at how good they will taste made with these ingredients .”
It helps to have an artisan baker with over 20 years of experience in the family , and Atchley has developed a technique to produce perfect results consistently . One of his best friends ,
Phileos of Sparta single harvest EVOO PGI Laconia — from certified olive groves and specific olive varieties that yield a consistently top-quality EVOO .
Corey Preston , has also joined the quartet of culinary artisans . Preston has worked with Michelin-starred chefs in New York , including Cesare Cassella .
Together the team will be offering breakfast on weekdays from 7-11 a . m ., followed by salads , sandwiches , meze plates , and traditional
Fresh fruit salad , topped with a creamy Greek yogurt and drizzled with a delicious and highly nutritious Cretan honey .
Greek and Mediterranean fare , and on weekends there will be a special brunch menu . Customers can also purchase the imported Greek honey , olive oil , preserves and other ingredients used in the dishes .
“ We want our customers to enjoy the kind of food they would have on a family table in Greece — authentic dishes prepared with love and simple , fresh ingredients ,” says Fragkos .
It ’ s been a long and sometimes difficult road , but hard work , determination and family have kept the dream alive . Now after a long wait , the café is finally a reality . Greek culture is all about sharing food with family and friends . To experience Anthos will be to experience just a little bit of Greece .
For more information , visit anthosbakery . com . n
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