Gabriel Importing

The woman who runs this place is a pleasure to know. Quick to talk about the breads they make fresh each day, which is what I like to hear.
Check out the free sample spread on Market days, it is universally delicious.
I can’t say I have ever had something that I didn’t wholeheartedly enjoy, but the goat’s milk feta is the most amazing thing I have ever eaten, and the red pepper or beet hummus is a close second.
Seriously, pop in here if you visit Eastern Market, the lady in the back is so sweet!

I used to go here on a regular basis but it’s been a while. The guy who usually mans the place was there (Gabriel, perhaps?) and a lovely woman. They actually had a table of prepared food out to taste. WOW, it was amazing. I bought some falafel, butter beans in tomato sauce and spinach pies. I had a feeling that the owners were Chaldean and it was confirmed when I chatted with the woman. She told me she was Iraqi and that made me very happy since I love Chaldean food. In addition to the prepared food we picked up a tub of olives and a spice covered cheese ball.
I forgot how much I actually like this place. I promise I won’t forsake you again Gabriel. They also have a location out on Dequnidre near 19 mile (if you live in the boonies).

I’m not an olives fan, but if I were I’m sure this place would warrant the full 5 star review. But in my personal opinion it’s A-​OK. But admittedly even though all of Eastern Market is a true gem, Gabriel’s is a little bit of a sparkle among these.
It’s a small corner-​store esque space, there’s nothing spectacular about it. it’s nestled between the Hydroponics Store and the newly opened (2013) Adam’s Meats.
As you walk in the husband is sitting behind a big office chair, and the wife is bustling around doing this and that. She home makes most things herself and is happy to tell you more about any of the products there. The husband, who is half Greek and half… something I forget, talks passionately about olive oil.
Credit card for purchases over $ 10.

I’ve been shopping at Gabriel’s since I first began shopping at Eastern Market, over 40 years ago. The shop once inhabited a huge, dark space just south of Rocky Peanut on Russel Street, where I hung out and learned from Michael’s mother how to prepare Middle Eastern foods. Then, the «dark cloud» of threatened rent raises by the building owner led to the «silver lining» of a smaller, newer, more manageable space on Market St., between Farmers’ Restaurant and the antique shop. Michael’s mother and sister are, sadly, no longer able to help run the business, but Michael is a joy to talk with, and the fresh tabouli, grape leaves, feta, hummus, baba ganoush, halva, spanikopeta, olives, and cheese balls are well worth the visit. Yes, prices are often cheaper in more distant shops, but each store, I find, has its own unique qualities, and I keep returning here for bulk rice and beans as well as for the fresh foods, smiles, information, histories, and stories! You can sample the foods at the counter, and Michael will explain how to make the cheese balls into an exquisite salad. And – $ 5 for a homemade unique cheese ball? This week, most natural and artisanal cheeses at Hirt’s, Westborn, and Trader Joe’s are selling at $ 6 – 15 a pound. And haven’t you noticed that one glass of wine or one glass of beer at a local pub is $ 4 – 9?

I really don’t like it when retailers sell at different prices to different customers. At all.
I hadn’t been in Gabriel in years, but decided to stop in after reading Barbie’s review about the $ 1 cheese balls. Those cheese balls are nice enough, and do contain cheese (SOME goat cheese, but also lots of cream cheese, tastes like), cayenne and zaatar as described. The price, however, is $ 5 each and not $ 1. Yikes!
Gabriel also sells olives, but all at some relatively high price like $ 6/​lb if I recall correctly. Both Super Greenland and Arabian Village sell comparable olives for prices starting at $ 1.99. Both also beat Gabriel in their selection of types and prices of bulk feta.
Gabriel sells boxes of couscous, but the prices weren’t marked and I didn’t ask. Of course can get couscous at Super Greenland, Arabian Village and many other stores as well.
Gabriel did offer some pretty, tasty cheese pastries, but at $ 3.50 for three of them, pre-​bagged, they’re no better a deal than the very nice 85 cent turnovers at Dearborn Bakery.
If you’re in the Eastern Market area and need something Gabriel sells, and need it right then, then Gabriel’s probably okay. Just plan on paying for the convenience– and watch what you’re charged.

Go here if you have a thing for olives!
I certainly do and this dude can whip up some brine like no other!
Now this is no swanky import store. This is about as inner city market as it gets and it’s the most amazing place ever!
I have found so many treasures in this store!
There is a super sweet fella who works in there year round that is always good for a smile!
OH OH and before I forget ask him for a cheese ball. This cheese ball concoction is so beyond great! Apparently his sister makes these!
Its a small baseball size ball of goat cheese with a band of crushed red pepper flakes (spicy) running through it then it’s rolled in herbs like basil and oregano! Eat this with some light water crackers and you will go back there and get one every week. Did i mention this said ball of deliciousness is ONLY $ 1!!!

Great selection of olives and different kinds of feta cheese. Very good prices on pita bread. I like the guys who work here who have a good gruff humor that reminds me always that Detroit is a great, complex, cosmopolitan city.
A reliable small grocery in Eastern Market.