Metropulos

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It was a long train ride back to Santa Barbara and Ann Addis had plenty of time to think. September 11 had proved to be a less-than-fortunate time to take a business trip to New York City. It was a major turning point that helped her transition out of a travel-heavy job managing language schools around the world. She had already been dreaming for years of opening her own business and now the time was ripe.

Addis’s global travels, particularly in Europe, fueled her passion for eclectic gourmet delicacies. The bountiful markets and imaginatively stocked corner stores catered to her love of fresh cooking. Tired of being let down upon returning home, she decided to take matters into her own hands. Ann and her husband, Craig, serendipitously spotted a blip in the paper mentioning a new Yanonali Street development that planned to include a corner store.

They called the developer, asked to buy the store, and just like that, Metropulos (Ann’s maiden name) was born. The couple has clearly had fun bringing their vision to life. The charming shop is filled with a wide array of specialty products rarely seen anywhere else. Highlights include the vast selection of olive oils available for sampling, tinned fish, olives (check out the “Obregon”), and more than 100 cheeses. The small yet cleverly stocked wine alcove is bound to offer a nice complement for any purchase.

Led by the ever-cheerful Addis couple, the Metropulos staff seems like a family. Artisanal sandwiches reflect their fun, creative approach and are always made with fresh bread from D’Angelo’s. They recently started serving breakfast, too. From their rotating selection of prepared foods and salads, the recipe below is a simple but sumptuous springtime side dish anyone would love.

Broccoli Salad (Serves 4) ¼c. white vinegar ¼ c. sugar ¼ c. mayonnaise 1 bunch broccoli crowns, chopped ¼ c. toasted pine nuts ¼ c. diced red onion ¼ c. crispy crumbled bacon Whisk together vinegar, sugar, and mayonnaise. Mix in remaining ingredients.

4·1·1 Metropulos Fine Foods Merchant 216 E. Yanonali St. metrofinefoods.com. 899-2300

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