Gabriel Import Co. is jam-packed with an incredible variety of olives, feta cheese and olive oil -- not to mention family-made hummus, spinach and meat pies, za'atar herb bread and spicy cheese balls.
The family of owner Michael Sandros has run Gabriel since 1945; the original owners were relatives that started the business in 1915. The shop moved to Market St. from its Russell St. location in 2002.
Sandros is effusive about his products. He carries green olives with and without pits as well as varieties stuffed with blue or white cheese, garlic, almonds, anchovies, pimentos and jalapeno. His black olives include kalamata from Greece and alphonso from Chile. He also stocks pickled turnips, mixed vegetables, stuffed eggplant and peperoncini.
Feta choices include domestic and imported versions of Greek as well as French (milder) and Bulgarian (sharper). Olive oil runs the gamut from top-notch extra virgin to lower-grade pomace.
Sandros worries about his shop's future, with the dispersion of his base immigrant customers and the rise of low-sodium diets. But he plans to keep pushing ahead. "With the help of God, we've found a way to survive," he says.
Gabriel also carries an assortment of rice, sauces, spices, canned and jarred goods and pita breads. Hours are Mon. through Fri. 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located at 2434 Market St. next to Farmer's Restaurant. Call 313-567-2890.
Source: Michael Sandros, Gabriel Import Co.
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh
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