The FIFA World Cup kicks off today, and tomorrow marks a historic day for both Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The two teams will be facing each other at the BMO Field in Toronto on June 12, marking Bosnia and Herzegovina’s second time ever being in the World Cup.
This is also the first time Canada is hosting the World Cup making this an extra special time for Bosnian brothers Amir and Adis Mrakovic.
The Brandon Gonez Show took a visit to Mrakovic Fine Foods in Etobicoke to learn more about Bosnian culture, try traditional Balkan cuisine and get a look at the preparation for tomorrow’s game.
Mrakovic Fine Foods is a Balkan deli and meat shop located in Etobicoke. They will be hosting a watch party for the Canada versus Bosnia and Herzegovina game on June 12.
Amir and Adis Mrakovic run Mrakovic Fine Foods, and they’re anticipating a very busy run during the World Cup, starting with their game day watch party on June 12.
“It’s crazy, especially today. There’s a lot of people coming from outside of the country, outside the city, from everywhere. Yesterday, we had people from Germany, from [the] Netherlands, U.S., so everybody’s pouring into here,” Adis tells The Brandon Gonez Show.
Excited for tomorrow’s game, Adis shares what it means to have their home country, Bosnia and Herzegovina playing in Canada, their home for over 30 years now.
“A lot of emotion, a lot of pride, a lot of happiness. Especially because we’re home, like everybody’s coming here. Canada’s in it, Bosnia’s in it,” says Adis.
For the upcoming match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada, BMO Field is expected to draw thousands of attendees, with many fans travelling from abroad to Toronto to witness the game.
“We’re showing Bosnians coming to Canada what Canada is, and we’re showing Canadians here what Bosnia is,” he adds.
Bosnia and Herzegovina fans at Mrakovic Fine Foods.
That is truly the case when it comes to a Bosnian family from New York that travelled to Toronto to watch tomorrow’s game.
They shared that they searched up Bosnian food spots upon arrival and Mrakovic Fine Foods was top of the list, and surely did not disappoint.
“We found this place, first time, absolutely awesome. Everywhere, anywhere you go, when you’re travelling, the first thing you do as a Bosnian, is find where you have some good Bosnian food in that town or in that city,” Evin Lemes tells The Brandon Gonez Show.
The Bulkan meat and deli shop opened in Etobicoke in 2003 and was actually started by Adis Mrakovic’s father in the 90’s when he arrived to Canada. He opened a business selling smoked beef goods from the family’s apartment.
They have since grown a lot as a company, opening a second location in Oakville five years ago, as well as having their products sold in Walmart, Costco, Starsky Fine Foods and other retail stores.
Adis shared some fascinating information on the Bosnian community and the culture for those who may not be familiar.
He also told The Brandon Gonez Show that Mrakovic Fine Foods is the place to bring a friend to introduce them to Bosnain food and customs, for a sense of community and is also the place where people come to “catch up on their gossip”.
“Bosnian is a very special nation. We’re very hospitable people, happy,” shared Adis. “We tell a lot of jokes, a lot of music, a lot of, we call it ‘chafe’, which is chilling. We have a special word where people chill. They love to drink their coffee for hours, sit and socialise. So, Bosnia is all about people, family, culture, values and just being happy,” he said.
