Anna Christoforides grew up in Stockton, California amongst an amazing array of ethnic foods. But it wasn't until she met her husband, Lazaros, while a student at University of Minnesota, that she developed a love affair with Greek cuisine. While raising her four children, she created meals daily from the communal garden plot that she tended with her kids. Anna's Vegetarian Mousaka was created at this time. She recalls, "One day I found myself with an abundance of fresh eggplant and tomatoes without any meat, so I concocted this variation. Lazaros, upon tasting it, pronounced, "Anna, if you make this the world will beat a path to your door." These were prophetic words that came to pass.
The Gardens of Salonica, the restaurant Anna and Lazaros opened 14 years ago, continues to define itself by its wholesome, authentic, simple cuisine. The restaurant's hallmarks include unpretentious service, 1980s prices, and uncompromising quality. To achieve this quality, Anna buys much of her ingredients from local producers. For example, she buys lamb from Hill and Vale Farms. Hill and Vale's owners, Joe and Bonnie Austin, have been naturally raising sheep, beef and chickens on their rolling farmland in Wykoff, Minnesota for over 30 years. Joe and Bonnie raise their animals in fresh air, sunshine, and open spaces. Customers at the Gardens of Salonica benefit from the great flavors this environment creates.
