2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Jonathan Phelps)
THE IDEA TO open The Greek Pantry in Manchester came out of a family trip to Greece this past summer — and the timing couldn’t have better to fill some of the void with two cities losing traditional Greek corner markets. Bakolas Market closed in December after nearly 100 years in Manchester. Another Greek shop in Concord, South Street Market , was sold to different owners.
The concept at The Greek Pantry is different and more focused on artisan products. Many customers are happy they don’t need to drive to Lowell, Mass., to pick up their favorite Malamatina retsina wine and baklava.
Can’t forget pastitsio, a Greek baked pasta dish, and cheese koulouri in the grab-and-go section. The idea for the shop came out of casual conversation with family and friends and not some longtime dream, said Theohare Kapellakis, who opened the shop with her husband, Stathis, and brother, Yianni Tsihlis. The families previously owned Kapellis Pizzeria in Boscawen and Dimitri’s Pizza in Contoocook.
“I think it was one of those things where we were sitting in Greece during the summer and we were, like, verbalizing it,” Kapellakis said. The storefront at Livingston Park Plaza on Hooksett Road is deceiving as it opens up into a larger space with an angled wall. The Mediterranean-feel features olive branches and other floral decor.
Toward the back is a bakery section and a commercial kitchen for prep. Barrels of olives are lined up for customers to select what they want, including kalamata, tsakistes and green. Another section is devoted to Greek cheeses from all regions.
A large section is devoted to olive oils. The business makes house-made pastries and sources from local places like Auntie B’s Greek Pastries in Bedford and Fournos bakery in Manchester. Greek Superherbs teas is based in Boston.
Some of the prepared foods includes spanakopita, turopita pastichio and moussaka, “each crafted with authentic flavors that transport you straight to Greece,” according to its website. More lunch options will be coming in the future. As for items on the shelves, Papadopoulos cream-filled cookies and Jumbo oregano chips are big sellers.
One of Kapellakis’s favorite products is marmalade. “In Chios, they have a lot of orange orchards and tangerines, so they make this amazing marmalade,” she said. “This reminds me of home.
” President Donald Trump’s tariff threats haven’t impacted the business with its imported goods, yet. Let’s hope they don’t. Lost Cowboy Brewing Co.
, which opened in Nashua last spring, is branching out with a tap room at sister restaurant Buckley’s Great Steaks in Merrimack. The sign was recently installed on the barn, which was previously the Barn in Bloom gift shop. The seasonal tasting room will offer Lost Cowboy drafts and a limited menu from Buckley’s.
Some offerings include meatball toast ($15) and bacon-wrapped shrimp ($17). The space will be closed in inclement weather, according to its website. “First come, first serve to kick back and watch a game, listen to some country music or gather with your crew,” a Facebook post reads.
A Derry restaurant is expanding to Hampton with a second location. Destination India opened at 320 Lafayette Road in Hampton last month. The space was previously home to other restaurants, including Fast Eddie’s and The Bench .
“Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our mouthwatering menu!” the restaurant posted on Facebook. “We’ve got everything from crispy appetizers like Samosas and Pakoras to flavorful Tandoori dishes grilled to perfection. And don’t forget our aromatic Biryani, a delightful mix of basmati rice and spices cooked with your choice of chicken, lamb, or veggies.
” A grand opening ceremony will take place at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26.
Heads-up, the restaurant is closed on Tuesday. Main Street Grill at Angus Lea Golf Course in Hillsborough is no more. A new restaurant, Leo’s Grill and Bar opened earlier this month, according to Facebook post.
The golf course and restaurant are now separate businesses. “Under new ownership and management, Leo’s will bring a fresh new energy, a full, exciting menu, and a renewed focus on quality food and service. Be sure to follow along — we’ll be sharing photos of the transformation as it happens,” the post reads.
The cafe inside the Currier Museum of Art is now known as Tidewater Cafe at the Currier and operated by Tidewater Catering Group . “We have had a long standing relationship with the Currier Museum of Art and are honored to strengthen our partnership by also being the exclusive caterer,” a Facebook post reads. “It’s a beautiful backdrop for a glass of wine, a delicious meal, a latte or .
.. an event!” Tidewater also operates Riverside Room , Unity Cafe and Waterworks Cafe in Manchester.
.
