Air Force Veteran Opens Restaurant in Honor of U.S. Military
The proprietor of Mare e Monte Italian Ristorante in San Antonio, Prince Blakaj, has expressed that Kosovo Albanians share the same level of enthusiasm for the Fourth of July as Americans do. The connection between Kosovo and the patriotic holiday lies in the deep gratitude felt towards the United States. Kosovo, a small nation in southeast Europe bordered by Albania, Montenegro, Serbia, and North Macedonia, celebrates July 4th with red, white, and blue decorations adorning the town square. For curious San Antonio residents seeking to understand this connection, a visit to Mare e Monte Italian Ristorante provides an opportunity to converse with Blakaj himself.
Located in a shopping center off Huebner Road near Floyd Curl, Mare e Monte displays its appreciation for the United States through the prominent display of American flags both above the entrance and on the shelves inside the restaurant. On a day when many other establishments may close, Mare e Monte remained open on July 4th to commemorate the holiday. Blakaj, an Albanian native from Kosovo, moved to San Antonio as a gesture of thanks to the U.S. Air Force, which played a crucial role in saving his life during his childhood.
Blakaj recounts the harrowing experiences of war in 1999 when Kosovo was embroiled in conflict with the Serbian Army. The intervention of the U.S. Air Force through Operation Allied Force marked a turning point for Blakaj and his family, who became refugees as a result. The bombs dropped by American aircraft symbolized freedom and liberation for the people of Kosovo. Blakaj fondly recalls the positive impact of American leaders such as Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, who are revered in Kosovo for their contributions to independence.
Following his experiences in Kosovo, Blakaj pursued a career in physical therapy and eventually relocated to the United States with his wife in 2018. Mare e Monte Italian Ristorante, which opened its doors three months ago, serves as a platform for expressing gratitude to America through the culinary arts. The restaurant’s head chef and several servers are also from Kosovo, adding an authentic touch to the flavorful Italian cuisine served to patrons. Blakaj’s interactions with military personnel and his collection of military challenge coins serve as tangible reminders of the profound impact of American intervention in Kosovo.
On the recent Fourth of July holiday, Mare e Monte treated customers to special homemade desserts, further solidifying its reputation as a top-rated restaurant in Texas. Despite the focus on Italian cuisine, Blakaj’s initial love for the culinary art stemmed from his time working in an Italian restaurant in New York. The unique blend of Italian flavors and Albanian hospitality at Mare e Monte continues to captivate diners and honor the enduring bond between Kosovo and the United States.
