Food seems to be on everyone's mind these days. Actually, it's nice to see some additions to the Yerevan grub scene. One thing that bothers me, though, is the over-commercialization of the "Mer Giugh" phenomenon. Every corner of Yerevan now has the "authentic" Armenian/Caucasian Tavern, and it's becoming a bit too much. I suppose it's a syndrome of the emerging capitalist system here.

What Der Hova is referring to in his post is in fact a place owned by an Iranian man from the country's Azerbaijan province. This would be the province where the city of Tabriz is located, and where there is a large Armenian community, including the famed St. Thaddeus Monastery (Tadeyi Vank). The Iranian Azerbaijanis (speaking in a specific dialect of Turkish), although ethnically of Turkic descent--and not Caucasian Albanians, as Azerbaijan would have you believe, are proud Iranians. Of course, there is ethnic kinship and sympathies with their Azeri brethren, but in fact, they do consider themselves Iranians. So, the posters of Iran are not necessarily a cover up. It's like the Kurds in Armenia. A few days ago, there was a major demonstration at Republic Square by the Armenian Kurdish community demanding Abdulla Ocalan's freedom, but they were walking around with Armenian flags. Or like us Armenian Americans, or the Armenian Canadians. It all comes together.

Anyhow, as to the quality of food at this restaurant, Madlene and I have a few things to share, but suffice it to say that it's not the best. But if you are up for some Persian food, Raffi's Kabob (and yes the spelling is correct per the Persian pronunciation) offers better quality and more genteel surroundings. It's adjacent to Kino Nairi's Oscar Cafe.

And, I'm in total agreement with the music issue.