Concept of armenian dinner

Organized & Prepared by Ethno-Botanist Dr.ARMEN MEHRABYAN

Based on Rediscovered Ancient Armenian recipes

Rediscovered Armenian Food Culture and

Armenian Dinner ® Concept Introduction A.Mehrabyan, PhD on Food Technology Creator and Originator of Armenian Dinner

“The concept of Armenian Dinner determines the link of Armenian traditional cooking to the Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and other national cousins and explaining the origin of the well known and rediscovered dishes. Its an very interesting idea to promote elapsed ethnic Armenian cuisine with expectancy to multiply rediscovered ancient recipes instead of “khorovadz” and “kebab” to make possible to enjoy authentic Armenian food as part of World Culinary Culture, as a symbol of cultural and interpersonal communication. My congratulations to Armen and wishes to have success with this concept”

Armen Petrossian , Owner of Ptrossian Caviar and CEO of Petrossian restaurants in Paris, New York and Las Vegas.

“Armenian Dinner it’s a portrait the traditional meaning of ceremonial/eating habits/culture of Armenian people, explaining the underlying gastronomical, energy and healthy-life themes developed by generations. It includes all elements of fin dining: the timing, hygiene, sitting, eating, sequencing, combining/mixing, seasoning, digesting, ergonomics and energetic, culture of kitchen, cooking methods and equipment used, and other considerations”.

Ruth-Anne Adams, Executive Chef of Casablanca restaurant, Cambridge, MA.

“Some recipes inspired by my friend Armen, who lives in Armenia, where he grows and harvests wild herbs that he makes into teas and essential oils, I learned and altered a little and presenting as a unique variation of traditional dish in our menu”.

Ana Sortun, Best Chef on Mediterranean cuisine 2003 and 2006 and owner of Oleana “Best New Restaurant in America” nominated by James

Bread Foundation.

“We had tested real Armenian flavors mastered by Armen. “Armenian bean and walnut pate” with a lively hint of pomegranate syrup, and decorated like something from Japan. It was wonderful test of pleasure.”

Mark Orfaly, Best Chef on Mediterranean cuisine 2005, nominated by James Beard Foundation, Owner of Pigalle restaurant, Boston,MA.

“Ana Sortun said that she had cooked last year with Armen at Oleana and was totally entranced by his knowledge of spices and herbs. “He’s a genius, “she said. “Nobody on the planet knows what he knows about these herbs and these flavors.”

Louise Kasdon, food writher of Phoenix and Boston Globe. « La conclusion revient à un des convives "Cette initiative, c’était comme une pièce de theâtre, d'ou l'on ressort tout simplement heureux. Merci de l'avoir tentée. La magie a suivi ».

Alain Alexanian, Owner & Executive Chef of Alexandrine restaurant, Lion, France

« Cette Soirée qui a ravi les esprits et le palais de la trentaine de convives qui avaient la chance d'être là ce soir est sans aucun doute à reproduire l'année prochaine pour approndir la connaissance de ces produits du terroir arménien utilisés pour préparer des menus originaux et étonnants ».

Karine Arabian, Fashion designer, Paris, France

« La conclusion revient à un des convives "Cette initiative, c’était comme une pièce de theâtre, d'ou l'on ressort tout simplement heureux. Merci de l'avoir tentée. La magie a suivi ».

Mark Begian, food epicurean, Milan, Italy

« Ce personnage hors du commun a bien voulu partager avec nous l'une de ses passions: l'art et l'application pratique de la culture des plantes associées à des ingrédients minutieusement choisis jusqu'à nos assiettes ».

Sasun Sauge, Chairmane of G2A, Paris, France

Preface



Historically, if there is a dip in the general economy, the restaurant industry is usually effected far less that the overall economy. To some degree, this is because of people's perception that food, regardless whether it is from the grocery or restaurants is a fundamental necessity of life and spend accordingly. The history of Armenian Dinner comes from the remarkable house of Audrey in Boston, where I have made an Ethnic Armenian dishes for friends, to enjoy Armenian food. Mark Mooradian, friend of mine, was so excited and passionate from Armenian dinner, so in the next day share his wonder with epicurean friends from New England high restaurants. He brings me to the interesting trip to the restaurants of Mocef Medeb, Ana Sortun, Sari, Marl Orfaly, Ruth-Anne Adams, Viki Lee Boyajian to introduce the fabulous chefs of New England. They were surprised about Armenian Dinner idea as a one person came to me with offer to organize the Armenian Dinner Evening with the readiness to support me with cooking and organization. I fill conscientious and very proud to cooking with professional chefs, when those famous chefs assist me as a Master Chef. This kind of teamwork makes available transform the love and enthusiasm into the fine meal. I fill conscientious and very proud when was appointed as a Master Chef of Event and all world famous chefs assist me with the diner preparation with love and enthusiasm. It was really excited evening where everybody enjoy the foods and passion of nice and creative atmosphere. Some of my Chef friends who learned recipes and preparation of ethnic

Armenian cuisine became the James Beard Award winner as of Best Chef on Mediterranean cuisine. Up to nowadays they are using rediscovered Armenian recipes in their restaurant to serve people and friends. The concept of Armenian Dinner became reality and established. It’s become a kind of visit card for me in the future business trips around the world. During 2000-2007 it was organized in Boston, New York, Paris, Rome, Milan, Moscow, Delhi, Madras, Harlem, Amsterdam, St. Petersburg, Yerevan, and many other places with participation of well-known Chefs on Mediterranean cuisine,

gourmet food lovers and epicurean businessperson. Moreover, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to all my friends for their attitude to Armenian food history, tradition and culture and for their support on promotion of this fine dining culture. Main Objective of Armenian Dinner Concept The main objective of Armenian Dinner is to introduce the tradition of food culture based on rediscovered ancient Armenian recipes as well as social

gathering and ethnic Armenian food preparation. Professional chefs, gourmet and epicureans can enjoy the forgotten part of food-dining history and can appraise importance of healthful diet that was an integral part of the daily lives of the Armenian people in ancient. This well- conceived concept on Armenian food culture accurately describes ancient Armenian cuisine and became valuable aid to promoting interest in it. It’s not just a dinner, it’s kind of intimacy evening where people can share the knowledge and passion comforting with music and peaceful atmosphere. Its kind of introduction show about ancient food culture that are passed from generation to generation to this day; it is an rehabilitation of Armenian tradition of sharing the food with family and friends to induce relaxation and enhance the overall enjoyment of a fine meal.

Armenian Dinner project based on rediscovered food culture and recipes: o introducing the tradition and social gathering of ethnic food culture to the professional cooks and gourmet, o emphasize importance of healthful diet in the ancient Armenian culture as an integral part of the daily lives of the

Armenian people; o underline that Armenian food culture is the part of world food cuisine and not an isolated and emancipated from

others; o accentuate that now is a right time to promote the elapsed ethnic Armenian cuisine with expectancy to multiply

rediscovered ancient recipes instead of “khorovadz” and “kebab” to make a possibility to enjoy real Armenian food as a symbol of cultural and interpersonal communication.

2001 Boston, USA James Beard awarders - chefs, Ana Sortun, Mark Orflay, Vike Lee Boyajian , assist to Armen with preparation of Armenian Bean pate at “My Armenian

Dinner” hosted by Audrey Kalajian



Armenian Dinner is not just a fine meal – it is our history. It’s a rehabilitation of Armenian tradition of sharing the food with family and friends to induce relaxation and enhance the overall enjoyment of a fine meal that is passed from generation to generation into this day.

Good Food Good Mood!!! Sincerely your Armen Mehrabyan

Rediscovered Armenian Food Culture

The history of food culture bring us back to the Neolithic period and sown the development of the food culture in the Fertile Crescent, where agriculture began in 8000 BCE then after we discovering the development of cuisine in ancient Mesopotamia1 where the “test creation” started. As a part of antique civilization Ancient Armenia was one of the centers of culture exchange, where Sumerian,

Acadian, Aramaic and Hettetian split over. This tradition of gathering and cultural exchange passed from generation to generation and reached us trough manuscripts, ethnographical researches and just small part of this food culture Armenian were able to keep is their nowadays ethnic cuisine. That’s why importance of introduction of re-discovered food culture as a part of social gathering and fine dining today is essential as never. Today’s Armenia with 29,000 sq.km area is a small country in compare to the Ancient Armenia Major where 700,000 sq.km covered area from Black Sea to Mediterranean and Caspian seas. The geographical location of modern Armenia with multi-elevation biodiversity and natural conditions of its location and weather, are major contributors to the scrumptious legumes and cereals,

delicious fruits and vegetables and famous grapes and grains found within its borders. Knowledge of the history of Armenian agriculture and horticulture can be gleaned from the archeological record supported by surviving written Armenian, Assyrian, Sumerian and Egyptian documents, temple inscriptions, as well as commentaries from antiquity including those of the Greek historian Herodotus (484-425 BCE), the philosopher Theophrastus (372-288 BCE), and the books of Genesis and Exodus in the Hebrew bible. To explain the unknown the Armenians created a complex and bewildering theology that drew on the sun and the sky, the four elements and man, as well as every form of life, that was included a pantheon of human gods and goddesses in pagan time. Their beliefs greatly influenced the ancient world and have been incorporated into many ancient religions such as Zoraostriszm and Manuizm.

This remarkable experience of the ancient agricultural practices of grandfathers that creating a renaissance in the culture of food in the Land of Noah and passed from generation to generation trough centuries and millennia’s.

1 Mesopotamia” world have Greek origin and means “Land between the rivers” and both have their headwaters in the mountains of Armenia in modern Turkey. (source: McKay, p.13)

2007, Yerevan Armenia

Armenian Dinner at the Rossini Restaurant,

“Armenian Dinner Evening” Presentation of genuine Armenian

cuisine at “The Club” Yerevan, 2005”



Unfortunately this tradition of harmonic agriculture and balance traditional foods and food processing are damaged by modernization of “civilization” and mechanization. Soviet system destroy even memory of harmonic agriculture and after the collapse of Soviet Union in 1991, Armenia was left without an infrastructure.

Industrialized farming almost vanished because of the lack of funding to repair and maintain farm and processing equipment. Packaging and distribution of food products were forced to revert to non-mechanical techniques.

Many people, because of the circumstances, learned farming

practices from their elders who still remembered the methods of the

pre-Soviet era. Today tradition of agriculture is alive because of the ethnic knowledge were passed from generation to generation and rural people return to tradition. With the help from outside interests and Armenians willing to preserve traditions, Armenia agribusiness is finding a balance of ancient and modern techniques to ensure fine food production. It is possible that with the return of a vital economy, the reality of a true agricultural renaissance will be realized. Armenian Dinner Evenings Armenian Dinner Event is the place to enjoy a royal meal of rediscovered ancient Armenian recipes. Armenian Dinner services are all delivered in their extraordinary atmosphere which includes a comprehensive art and culture collection from Ancient Armenian manuscripts. This provides an authentic surrounding that at times seems to distract everyone as they analyze the wealth of artifacts on display. The menu is ethno botanist Armen Mehrabian's pride. It is a culmination of over 3000 years of history of Armenian food and more then 12 years of his scientific research and cooking experience. These favorites are differentiated through the use of the freshest organic ingredients. Most people are not aware of how much better the items taste when they are prepared with the freshest ingredients and made with love. Armen has a wonderful prix-fix menu that makes luxury affordable. He offering on the menu the selected akhorjink and akrajajik (appetizers), like named PATAR – dated back to X century cousin of Kyurikian royal family from Sanahin; aghtsan (salad) named BRNDZAKOL, plan rice made with seasonal herbs, and olive oil dip. Wild Musk Mallow soup, spiced with fresh garlic and elderberry vinegar and made with whole wheat. Traditional Veal file stuffed with roasted walnuts in sweet-and-sour apricot sauce and fresh apricot stuffed with grilled vegetables typify the main course selections. The Paghlava romance with apricot and vanilla ice cream. The famous Pomegranate herbal tea as perfect finish to a Mediterranean meal. Those just an example of more then 62 royal Armenian dishes and more than 250 traditional foods rediscovered during to the lat 12 years of ethno-culinary research. Atmosphere Manly Armenian Dinner concept taken place in the restaurants that overall architecture influenced by the René sans era with modern improvisation. It’s enhanced by flowers at the tables and moderate lighting. Candle lighting, architects, decoration and life music of violin, piano or duduk, making a cool and urbane ambiance, peaceful and warm atmosphere, that comfort us to enjoy fin dining with friends and family. Everything etched in the nice and joyful atmosphere. With Armenian Dinner you’ll find a fine dining establishment that focuses on culinary expertise of ancient-influenced Armenian food an emphasis on test. Usually the facility has spacious with seating for 50 people. It is luxurious and romantic. Table talk is no problem - noise level here is moderate.

In “Armenian Dinner Evening” organized by G2I in Paris, 2006 were invited

more then 45 artists, engineers, businessman and

food epicurean

Paris, 2006 After “Armenian Dinner Evening”,

Prince of Caviar, Mr. Petrossian invites for a lunch in his restaurant to

discuss about future collaboration.



Eating & Drinking Armenian Dinner organized only once a month in one of the Armenian Dinner Club member restaurant in Armenia as well as once a year in on of the selected high-end restaurant Worldwide. The menu of Armenian Dinner is seasonal and rewritten according rediscovered recipes to stay fresh and creative based on availability given by the time of year. The cuisine is influenced by the Armen legacy and heritage of sensual delicacies. Recipes have been considered an exciting rediscovery of flavors with a glamorous perspective. Alcohol is served, and you’ll find that there is a marvelous wine coupage choose by Armen Mehrabyan with vintage options. About Armen Mehrabyan As mentioned earlier, Armen started cooking many years ago as an ethnic food lover. Armen came from a famous family of Armenian herbalist and knights and both parents have a food cooking sense and strong ceremony of trapeze. That’s why his quickly became professional ethnocusinier to cook for the entire family and friends in the holidays. His mother, who had seven generations of traditional recipes, passes the love of smell and taste with trainings on cooking. Armen quickly mastered these and began experimenting with his own dishes rediscovered from ancient Armenian manuscripts and ethno-botanical research. The feedback from his family and friends was always very positive. Armen has had extensive experience in the U.S, Italy, France and Armenia to take Master Class Cooking with world known Chefs.



Armenian Dinner Menu Sample

Armenian Dinner Evening

Menu

Aperitif / Akhorjink

Caranful Sparkling water freshly spiced with Clove and sliced lemon

This recipe of XI century during the reign of Senekerim Artsurni, reached us trough famous medieval Armenian scientist of XVII century Asur Sebastaci

Appetizers/ Akrajajik Ktron

Roasted bread with “adva” sauce The recipe of this traditional appetizer of Verin Basen region of ancient Armenia reached us by thanks of ethnographer Dr.Hakobyan

Salad/ Aghcan Dzkan Sarnapukht Epremakhndzori Bolorakov

Delicious plate of freshly marinated trout served with grilled potato and spiced goat cheese rolled in Armenian flat bread lavash that complemented with “Balasan” Armenian balsamic vinegar spiced olive oil sauce.

Potato was called Epremakhndzor in Armenia to the honor of the Eprem Katolikos (1810-1815) who brought the potato from India to Armenia. (Sources: V.Bdoyan , E.Lalayan, D.Vardumyan). According to the story around 1812, after the Indian trip Eprem Katolicos introduce potato as a food to the honor of his

guests. We combine those two delicious dishes recipes to make excelsior art of freshly made marinated trout and staffed potato.

Soup / Apur Lalva Apur

Black bean soup with fin roasted walnuts and sour cream In Armenia, we had three kinds of beans that Armenian used for making the dishes. Bleack bean is one of them that we call Lalva. This soup is originated from Lori region and it is dated in between 966-991 AC. According to the history, it was lovely soup of the King of Lori, the Gagik the first Kyurike. This soup was made and serves only by his wife Aryusak, the mother of famous David Anhoghin, the King of Armenia. It is made from selected black bean, spiced with fin-roasted walnut, and dipped with “arajan” – country stile of sour cream. The similar, but not the same, kind of soup start to be made by villagers from Lori аas an imitation and were called Lobu Kirkash. The last one is also testy but completely different with texture and test from the SOUP of KING. (Sources: V.Bdoyan , E.Lalayan, D.Vardumyan)

Main dish/ Himnutest Grilled Pork with Aylazan

Marinated with onion and mountain spices and grilled pork served with delicate roasted fresh vegetables and honey-pomegranate vintage sauce. These medieval Armenian recipes of Vaspurakan reached us by thanks of ethnographer Dr.Yervan Lalayan

Desert and Beverages / Anush evEmpelik Pomegranate Infusion serves with “Lole” crispy pastry staffed with honey, dried apricot and roasted walnuts accompany by fresh apple-cinnamon sauce

Education

Concept of armenian dinner