Anyuta's Profile
Big Mama's and Papa's (Khachapouri)
Khachapuri is actually a Georgian cheese pie, widely adopted in Armenia, but not so much in Russia. It's reminiscent of cheese boreq except comes in smaller sizes. I've heard that Mamas and Papas make Adjarian khachapuri too (Adjaria being a mountaneous region in Georgia). It's a totally different beast altogether: it's like eggs on boat-shaped freshly baked bread topped with mozarella type cheese and sprinkled with chile flakes. Delicious!
There is a small Armenian cafe in downtown, close to the immigration court on Olive street, but buried amongst jewelry stores. The cook there makes some of the most authentic Transcaucasian dishes (Armenia/Georgia), yet they are rarely found in the restaurants here. If you live in downtown you may want to check it out.
What is Russian, open Sunday, and tasty? Please help!
How about Traktir on Santa Monica boulevard? It's sharing the same parking lot with Russian Gourmet Deli (Santa Monica and Crescent Heights in WeHo). The food is inexpensive and home-made. They have great potato vareniki and terrace seating is quite nice too. By the way, they also have great tea and home-made preserves - try apricot and almonds - it's heavently
Big Mama's and Papa's (Khachapouri)
I grew up with khachapouris, so I just wanted to set the record straight. Khachapuri is neither Russian comfort food nor Armenian. It is common for the formerly Soviet Armenians to make khachapuri, satzivi, harissa, all of which are staples of Georgian cuisine. It is so common that khachapuris became an every day snack grabbed from the Armenian bakeries. However, the kind of khachapuri you are referring too is Adjarian khachapuri that comes from Adjarian khachapuri which is filled with cheese and topped with a raw egg. And yes, it's delicious. Spitak bakery next to Espresso Mi Cultura used to make it. But they're gone already. There is a small Armenian cafe downtown I believe on Olive street. He makes a killer Adjarian khachapuri. I have to say I have never met the meat encrusted version of Adjarian khachapuri. It's an American transmutation. Try the authentic one - it won't disappoint.
Eating cheap and Sahag's Basturma and Arax Bakery
Could you please tell me where is Simon Cafe? It sounds interesting. I am Armenian but haven't heard of this place. Has anyone tried Carousel for Armenian/Lebanese food? Their cheese boreks are transcendent. For no-frills baked goods and bread I also recommend Father and Son bakery directly across from Safari Sam on Sunset. I am wondering if anyone tried Taron Bakery (not sure if I have the name right). It's on Sunset blvd, past the Children Hospital.
Need Sour Cherry in LA area ASAP..
you can find sour cherries (fresh) priced at $7.00 per box at Narek Armenian grocery store in Hollywood (and Wilton) and at $9.00 at Shalom (Russian supermarket) on Sunset and Poinsettia (across from Ralph's).
El Pollo Inka - Lawndale
I wonder why no one mentions Los Balcones de Peru on Vine and Fountain? They have supposedly the best pollo saltado. At least my son and nephew cannot get enough of it. I myself don't eat poultry but like their ceviches. I've noticed a new Peruvian restaurant that just opened next to Lou's. Has anyone been there?
