“People often think that Greek cuisine is essentially gyros with a bit of tzatziki with a side of grilled potatoes, but there’s way more to it than that,” says Fouli Tastoumas, the businesswoman behind Ilios Traiteur. “I wanted to build a meeting place between Montrealers and authentic Greek culinary traditions — no transatlantic flight required,” she adds. “Mediterranean food showcases a lot of ingredients and flavours that people here have never experienced: I want to be the one to make them discover these traditions.”
To that end, Fouli and her team at Ilios Traiteur prepare a large variety of authentically Greek takeout dishes and homemade frozen meals. A private and corporate catering service rounds out the offer.
“We use seasonal ingredients and eschew artificial flavourings. People who have travelled to Greece and try our products are immediately taken back,” says Fouli. “Our cuisine might not be as represented in Montreal as Italian or Indian food, for example, but I want to give locals an idea of what a real plate of Greek food tastes like.”
Must-trys at Ilios Traiteur include the iconic moussaka, offered in four mouth-watering variations: beef, lamb or lentils, along with a gluten-free option.
This caterer/takeout joint/specialty grocery store offers a restaurant section where you can enjoy all the best that Greek cuisine has to offer. Indulge with homemade moussaka, lemon potato keftes, ratatouille, or eggplant stuffed with chickpeas and tomatoes. Then visit the shop next store to stock up on oils, balsamic cream made with figs, thyme honey, candied fruits, jams and olive oil soaps.