Today's Business: Euro Deli - Lakomka

Euro Deli Lakomka
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Euro Deli - Lakomka, 20011 Aurora Ave. North in Shoreline -  (NW corner of 200th and Aurora)

By Marc Weinberg

I know many people who emigrated to the United States. For those who were at least teenagers at that time they left their country,  one thing they all seem to have in common is that they miss certain foods and beverages. I often hear  comments about the bread in the US isn't as good as....,  or I can't find the cheese we used to have with....., or why don't we have the smoked fish or beer I remember having with my family and friends. And so it goes like that.

Flavors from another culture at the Euro Deli
Photo by Marc Weinberg

Here's the perfect chance for some enterprising people to fill the void for not only emigrants from other countries, but to promote the interest in flavors for another culture to long time residents of the US.

And that's exactly what Maria and Gino have created with Euro Deli - Lakomka (translation = gourmet). Euro Deli Lakomka is on Aurora Ave N. just north of 200th St near the NW corner, 20011 Aurora Ave N, 206-629-5478. Hours Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, Sunday 12-6pm.

You'll be surprised by the variety of meats and cheeses
Photo by Marc Weinberg

For a small store you'll be surprised by the variety of meats, cheeses and other flavors in the cold cases. Then there are shelves of everyday and specialty foods, candies and drinks. My particular favorites are the breads and rolls imported from Germany.

I don't know how they do it, but Gino has me hooked on one bread. Now I don't even have to go in to find out if he has a fresh one for me. I just call and ask for him to pop one in the oven and I stop by around 4pm and there it is - still warm and waiting for me. I love it. Yes, I mean the bread, but also the special friendship and chat I have with Maria and Gino. One day I happened to tell Gino I was remodeling my garage and for a few weeks after he never failed to ask 'how is the garage project going?'  In our hurried world and big crowded stores, even though you may go to them often, it isn't the same as going to 'your deli' and having a chat with the folks behind the counter.

Give Euro Deli Lakomka a try. Experiment with some of the foods if you're not familiar with them.  You may even be eating something like it now and don't know where it originated.  Learn something new about foreign flavors and tell your friends. I'm sure you will like it. And please, be sure to say 'hi' to Gino and Maria and tell them you heard about them from me.