Shopping at Titan

Family & Generations
Memory & Nostalgia
Joy & Humor
Grandma Stella reminisces about her visit to Titan, her favorite Greek supermarket in Astoria, and the fond memories she shared with Peter at Opa Opa.
Author

Stella Tawfik-Cooperman

Published

March 1, 2018

Last night Kelly was kind enough to take me to my favorite Greek supermarket in Astoria, Titan. I bought two different kinds of feta cheese, one to eat and one to bake with, along with taramosalata that I breakfasted on this morning. I purchased a year’s supply of my favorite olive oil soap bars, knowing I may not be able to return soon.

Speaking to a young couple who were thrilled to have found the store, I mentioned that I had been coming here for about thirty years. I reminisced about Peter, who used to accompany me, and our tradition of visiting Opa Opa afterward for delicious Greek dishes like leg of lamb with lemon potatoes and perfectly baked lamb shanks.

Since the owner, Patti, retired and moved to Chicago, the store lost its welcoming ambiance. Eventually, we stopped going, especially after Peter’s passing. However, Kelly did not fully grasp the significance of our visit last night. Wandering around the store, I fought the urge to purchase everything, realizing we already have an abundance of food at home.

The store’s selection of filo dough caught my eye, prompting me to consider making baklava for Kelly. Despite his refusal, I continued to marvel at the array of olives and cheeses, particularly the Kasseri cheese, which the staff graciously allowed me to sample and choose without any rush or impatience.

As I sit down for breakfast on this serene Sunday morning, I express my gratitude to Kelly for the delightful outing. His gesture has truly warmed my heart, and I wish him a pleasant weekend breakfast with his friends, acknowledging his kindness as a son.