If the name Samos Grill sounds familiar, it should. Owner Vladimir Demin has been running the Mediterranean concept since 2020 inside a royal blue food truck that used to be an airport shuttle. As of last month, Demin also has a brick and mortar spot in Aurora, perfect for a quick meal and takeout.
When Demin started Samos Grill he brought zero years working in restaurants to the table. Instead, he had a career as an IT recruiter in New York City, where he had grown up since immigrating from Russia over three decades ago with his family. It was the global cuisine access in NYC and his mother’s cooking that solidified his love of eating and dining. So when it was time to change the course of his life, he went for the plate.
“I got tired of working for someone else and living an unfulfilled life where you are just a number and it doesn’t matter how much your boss and team like you, if you don’t perform the numbers, that’s it, you’re out of here,” Demin said. “I always loved food and my business partner was a chef and butler in hospitality.”
The early years of Demin’s life took place in the southmost part of Russia, near the famed Mount Elbrus. Not only is the mountain the highest peak in Europe, but it has a staring role in the torture of Promethesus, the mythological Greek hero who brought fire to humans and was punished for eternity by Zeus. Now, Demin brings his famed gyro to Aurora, and no one will be chastised for it.
The now chef first came to Colorado from NYC to visit a friend and see a concert. Like many people who find themselves here, he loved it, from the weather to the vibe to the lifestyle. Turns out, he was ready to leave Brooklyn and try something new, both in setting and job.
While starting a food business may seem counterintuitive for someone with no experience in hospitality, Demin always had an appreciation for what’s on the plate and how to cook it. That’s why he teamed up with a skilled chef to create Samos Grill. The two parted ways shortly after, but Demin kept the recipes, concept, and name, and doesn’t talk much about who that first chef was.
Over the years as the solo owner, Demin has grown Samos Grill into a popular food truck known for excellent lamb kebabs, fries cooked in beef tallow, and gyros. He also stays dedicated to fresh foods, making everything, save for the pita, from scratch. The prices remain reasonable, with costs running $13 to $19 for generous portions.
One of the best things on the menu is the lamb and beef gyro. Instead of the usual spit roasting seen at many Mediterranean spots, Demin blends the two ground meats with spices to create what looks like a giant burger. He then sears the loaf in beef tallow and slowly roasts it for hours. From there the meat gets shaved into those flavorful, thin slices we know, perfect to soak up the taziki, meat juices, and hot sauce. Next it’s wrapped in a pita with arugula, tomatoes, onions, garlic yogurt, and hot sauce, and you have a gyro that can easily rival similar restaurants in town.
Also try the beef and lamb layered on the Beef Tallow Loaded Fries, a large plate laden with diced onions, fresh tomatoes, chickpeas, feta, garlic yogurt, lemon, and sauce, all over the fries. It’s a true indulgence for sure. Or, you can go the healthier route and get the same meat on top of the Mediterranean salad.
So far the brick and mortar is quiet, serving all its food to go, though there is a high top bar overlooking the street and a few small tables. Overall it’s easy to stop by or order online. And yes, Samos Grill still has the truck and is popping up all over the city this summer.
Samos Grill is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 :30 p.m. Find the food truck schedule online via Instagram @samosgrill_. 11601 Montview Blvd., Aurora, no website
