nick's helps me get my falafel and hummus on

Sometimes I come across a store that so well-embodies what a neighborhood store should be, that it makes me wish I lived in that store’s neighborhood just to be a part of that vibe. Nick’s International Foods is such a store. It’s called international but it’s mostly Greek, which is exactly what I go there for, and it’s a small place, with just the right amount of goods and goodwill. They’ve got a corner that sells prepared foods, and another corner that offers a small bit of produce, but most of what is glorious about the place is the authentic Greek products. I usually go in there if I’m hankering after a high quality olive oil, and I have not been disappointed yet. Along with the olive oil, olives, cheese, and canned tomatoes, they’ve also got a friendly bunch of folk that are more than happy to help you with your shopping, or just chat it up.







Today I made a trip there during my lunch break (because alas, their hours don’t allow me to stop there after work) to pick up some ingredients for falafel and hummus-making at home. I found reasonably priced tahini (cheaper than Kroger’s), some tzatiki sauce, a small bit of olive oil, lemon, chickpeas and carrots. I also looked through their wine selection, which was all Greek wines (not something you find usually at a regular grocery store) and Nick recommended me a reasonably priced dry red wine that I never got to drink. I dropped the bottle on the kitchen floor when I got home and it shattered. It was the first time I had broken a wine bottle like that and it was so so sad.

I love Greek food. I love that Mediterranean flavor and I am all about a cuisine encompasses copious amounts of vegetables, spices and herbs for meats that are both fragrant and complex, great olive oil, and fresh yogurt and creamy sauces that clean the palate. Both falafels and hummus are relatively easy to make, and still make for a substantive meal. I like that both things offer a solid amount of protein and fiber (yay chickpeas) and that you can accompany them with fresh vegetables.

homemade hummus

falafel in pita with cucumber, tomato and tzatziki

p.s. crime scene = this is what wine looks like when it explodes :(