I first met Dimitri Komninos many years ago when I was consulting with chefs and restaurants. One of my clients swore by Dimitri’s Olive Oil and as an avid home cook I was, of course, intrigued. I tried it, loved it and started buying it at the farmers market. Besides the excellent quality and varieties to choose from, I also was happy that it was from a local family business and I would see Dimitri at his farmers market stand on many weekends. He’s such a nice guy, is so committed to quality and he impressed me early on as sort of quietly confident. He believes in his products.
My lifelong best friend Lia is Greek, so I’ve always had an affinity to the traditions of Greek life – Greek Easter, delicious lamb dishes and other Greek food specialties, the deep love of family and also the fact that Greeks like to have fun – OPA! If you’ve never tried Dimitri’s olives, olive oils or other products, I suggest you stop by the Waverly Market some Saturday morning. It’s my absolute favorite farmers market because it’s year-round and to me, the size is perfect AND you can get pretty much anything you need.
I also recommend a visit to Dimitri’s website to learn more about the climate the olives are grown in (in Southern Greece along the Mediterranean Sea), the processes they employ – like the fact that their olives are pressed within 24 hours of being harvested – and much more.
Dimitri’s Olive Oil also has a shop in Timonium (near the Habitat ReStore, so that’s a plus) where you can stop in and shop when you’re out running Saturday errands. You can also get an olive oil subscription, so you never run out (I might have to do that) and of course, you can shop online.
Hope you will support Dimitri, not only because he makes such high quality products but also because he’s such a nice person. I always say: nice matters.
Cake or pie? And, what kind?
Apple pie.
Bottles of Dimitri’s Olive Oil sit on shelves.Your most prized possession?
Dimitri Olive Oil!
What’s your favorite thing to order out at restaurants?
All the appetizers and chef specials.
What’s your favorite thing to cook at home?
“Makaronia me kima” (Greek version of pasta bolognese) with my daughters.
What is your morning beverage and how do you take it?
Coffee, black.
Bottles of Dimitri’s Olive Oil sit on a shelf.What’s your personal motto?
Work hard or work harder.
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Greek Easter. The family gets together, church and delicious food.
Best advice you were ever given? And from whom?
Tons of advice from my 94 yr old grandfather. Here are a couple and I’m translating from word for word Greek to English:
“Measure twice and cut once.”
“Be mindful of what comes out of your mouth. The tongue doesn’t have bones but can destroy bones.”
What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
My business.
Bottles of Dimitri’s Olive Oil.The last text you sent?
I wished a Greek friend Happy Nameday. On a specific day, we celebrate St. John and all Greek Orthodox that are baptized with the name John.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Summertime with my wife and kids in Greece.
What do you love most about food?
That you can grow it yourself, cook it with your loved ones and eat it with them, too.
Your favorite place in Baltimore?
Saturday morning at Waverly Farmers market and Sunday morning at JFX Farmers Market.
Read more Baker’s Dozen pieces at Charm City Cook.
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