Kosmos means “world” in Greek, and the Petropulos brothers, Angelos and Stavros, have created their own Greek world through their restaurant in Walpole, MA. Kosmos is a family-owned establishment inspired by Greek hospitality and the brothers’ shared passion for bringing authentic Greek cuisine to the US.
Angelos Petropulos (Executive Chef and Co-Owner) and Stavros Petropulos (General Manager and Co-Owner) were born in the greater Boston area and raised in Greece. In 2013 they returned to the US, and after working in hospitality for many years, they established Kosmos in 2022. Beyondish had the opportunity to chat with them.
What inspired you to open Kosmos in Walpole, a suburb of Boston?
We were inspired by our heritage and a passion for sharing authentic Greek cuisine. Walpole, with its welcoming community, seemed like the perfect place to bring our vision to life. The local community has responded warmly. We’ve received tremendous support and positive feedback, which motivates us to continue offering high-quality food and exceptional service, creating a home away from home for our guests.
Can you tell us about the key elements that make your menu unique?
Our menu stands out by blending traditional Greek recipes with modern culinary techniques, using fresh, local ingredients. We take pride in our dishes like Saragli with olive oil ice cream, a decadent rolled baklava dessert. Our Poikilia Kreaton (mixed grill) offers a variety of perfectly seasoned meats. Our Giouvetsi Thalassinon features seafood baked with orzo in a rich tomato sauce, and our Oktapodi (grilled octopus) is tender and flavorful, marinated in herbs and olive oil. These dishes highlight our commitment to authenticity while offering a contemporary twist.
I understand you go the extra mile to source your ingredients?
We prioritize sourcing our ingredients from local farms and trusted suppliers in Greece. This ensures the freshest and highest quality produce, meats and spices and involves careful selection of traditional Greek herbs and spices and adhering to time-honored cooking methods. Regularly visiting suppliers and maintaining strong relationships with them helps us guarantee the consistent quality of our dishes.
How do you create a memorable dining experience while bringing Greek culture into the mix?
Our philosophy centers on providing a warm, inviting atmosphere where guests feel like family. We incorporate Greek culture through our menu, which features traditional and innovative dishes, and our décor reflects Greek aesthetics. Our hospitality is rooted in Greek traditions of warmth and generosity. We aim to make each visit a celebration, with our staff embodying the spirit of Greek hospitality.
How about the challenges for Kosmos along the way, and what are your goals for the future?
Opening in 2022, we faced supply chain issues. A key milestone was receiving rave reviews from local critics, which boosted our visibility and community presence. Moving forward, we aim to introduce seasonal menus, host Greek wine-tasting events, enhance our online presence, and deepen our engagement with the community through culinary workshops and cultural celebrations, ensuring an authentic and memorable Greek dining experience for our guests.
AUTHOR
I am Theodora Tsevas, a Greek-American writer and photographer with a deep appreciation for Mediterranean culture and more. My work revolves around exploring new destinations, savoring local cuisine, and conveying these experiences through my writing and photography.
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