Nikos Spiliopoulo and Alexis Saloutos have filled a former frame shop on 15th Ave E from stem to stern with delights of the northern Mediterranean. Part market and deli, part wine bar, Shop Agora Capitol Hill doles out everything from luxury pantry goods from Greece, Italy and France to a $3.25 slab of baklava.
“In Phinney, we’re known for our olives, our olive oil and our feta which we make ourselves,” Spiliopoulo directs when CHS asks for a recommendation. Update: Spiliopoulo informs that we must have misheard what he said about the feta — it’s not made in house but, instead, imported from Greece. It’s still yummy.
Spiliopoulo plans for his Capitol Hill space to be known as a place for a glass of wine, small plate snacking and wine dinners. He said you’ll find a big table set up in the middle of the shop for special dinners and events.
CHS first reported on Shop Agora’s plans for 15th Ave E last fall when Spiliopoulo and Saloutos had plans for a December opening. It’s been a long haul to opening the new shop. But with wines by the glass and what he hopes is a more active area for nighttime business, Spiliopoulo has the new Agora he wanted.
“We want to be part of this street,” Spiliopoulo says of the Hill’s 15th Ave where Agora will do business every day — and night — from 10 to 10. The new Shop Agora is located at 346 15th Ave E. More info on their 15th Ave Facebook page.
Be nice if you included an address or cross street for this business. 15th Ave E is a looooooong street.
There’s a map.
We add maps to the posts so sometimes neglect to add text version of the address. Given different formats in which people experience the content (via Facebook, etc) good reminder to add in the post too. Updated above.
I do, however, wish I hadn’t looked at the gorgeous slideshow on an empty stomach.
Given how much has changed on the Hill, I always wish posts mentioned what shop used to be there (which this post does). It’s the quickest way for me to reference where exactly it is – even better than the map!
I’m looking forward to trying this one out, but I haven’t eaten lunch yet so will resist looking at the photos.
A picture framing shop used to be there.
Sounds great! We’ll be there soon to stuff our faces, welcome to the hill!
To the neighborhood!
As a Capitol Hill resident who is quite the foodie, I’m so thrilled that The Shop Agora has opened on the hill. Nikos has such an expertise on Greek wine that makes me want to delve in further into the wine producing country. Apparently the St. George, a wine they served on opening night, that Ashley was sold out by the time I got there; I can’t wait to try it.
Alexis sat down and talked with me about how thrilled they are to opening on Capitol Hill. Alexis is getting her Masters in Nutrition and has a strong influence on the menu including the Prosciutto-wrapped figs and the artichoke hearts.
I love the feel of the place. It has such a strong Mediterranean/Greek atmosphere without the cheesiness of other Greek places I’ve been to. But perhaps what I like most about The Shop Agora is the unique combination of boutique retail food store with a warm and welcoming sense of hospitality that the Capitol Hill community is sure to embrace.
I was so excited about discovering The Shop Agora, I wrote a blog entry on it myself. If you want to learn more about the Shop Agora, please check out my article I wrote about them here.
http://www.francisfoodie.com/2011/08/shop-agora-brings-north