A column in the ABQ Alibi entitled
"Turkish Delight, the Decadence of Baklava" jumped out at me --
especially the paragraph touting Yiayia Maria's Baklava as "Best in town,
hands down." Had to have it and find out more about Yiayia Maria!
So yesterday we drove to Yiayia Maria's Kitchen in an
Albuquerque industrial neighborhood where the baklava and other all-natural Greek pastries are made, sold and shipped. Kevin Mallory greeted us and told us about his grandmother from Metsovo -- coming to America circa 1935, and returning for a visit got stuck in Greece during WW II -- and her remarkable, resilient life with
affection and pride. At one point, she was the head of the American Red Cross in Washington, DC...The motivating factor for a bakery was to keep Maria Nikopoulos' memory alive by perpetuating her recipes. She loved to bake
and give her Greek cookies to family, friends and neighbors...and "who
doesn't love cookies," Kevin said.
When I mentioned my love for my own Yiayia's melomakarona (finikia), Kevin immediately offered me a box of Yiayia Maria's
"Decadent Finikia." Kevin enjoys sharing family stories and
cookies, just like his Yiayia did.
You can try Yiayia Maria's Greek pastries
yourself by ordering online, or by going in person to 740 Rankin
Road in ABQ (8 am - 3 pm). And don't forget the totally addictive finikia, which melt
in your mouth -- and are still my all-time favorite Yiayia treat (with or without syrup).
Bon appetite...or, as they say in the Old Country, Kali Orexi!
NOTE: The baklava at Anatolia Turkish & Mediterranean Grill at 313 Central Ave. NW was pretty good, too...I actually ate there on my birthday -- it's all Greek to me!
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