Don’t Forget the Baklava: One roadtrip’s best-kept secret

[slideshow id=28]By Christina McCarthy

Photos by Patty Dirienzo

An hour from Yakima, tucked away under the trees just outside of Goldendale, is a land of milk and honey … and cinnamon and jam, and sweet Greek coffee. The St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery owns and operates this treasure, known to most as simply “the Greek Bakery.”

For the past seven years, the Greek Bakery has been a favorite stop for those who appreciate genuine Greek pastries and gyros. I’ve stopped there myself, but more out of curiosity rather than love of all things Greek and edible. However, my most recent visit — taken with the purpose of learning enough about the bakery to write a little article — has turned me into a fan of their sweet delights. I will be back.

The selection of goods available at the bakery has grown considerably over the past few years. What used to be just baklava and a few other treats has grown into a selection of gourmet candies, honeys and jams, a full menu of cookies and biscuits, and a freezer full of entrees and uncooked pastries. The store also carries natural soaps and lotions, candles, gift baskets and prayer ropes, all handmade by the nuns who live in the adjacent monastery.

I was fortunate to visit with Sister Ephraimia, a delightful young woman who has been at the monastery for 14 years. She explained that the store now sustains the monastery, which is home to 20 sisters and novices, several cats and a small herd of Nubian goats. The goats produce milk that the sisters make into fresh feta cheese.

“They’re really good producers,” Sister Ephraimia explained. “We have an abundance of milk, and are in the process of getting licensed to be able to offer that, and the feta, at the bakery too.”

I — for one — can’t wait.

When You Go

The Greek Bakery is 58 miles south of downtown Yakima on U.S. Highway 97. Hours are 9 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The sisters in the store are cheerful and helpful, and willing to explain what each bakery item is, because they’re labeled with the Greek names. My new favorites include Melomakarona (a dense spice cookie soaked in honey), cinnamon Koulourakia (a slightly sweet cookie, perfect with a cup of coffee) and, of course, baklava (the best I’ve ever had!).

stjohnmonastery.org