OnMilwaukee.com, Milwaukee
July 21 2007
Armenian Fest: July 28-29
It began in the 1930s, when groups of Armenian families gathered for
a summer picnic featuring traditional Mediterranean dishes made from
treasured family recipes.
Today, the picnic has grown into a full-blown festival and is a
popular stop for people of Armenian heritage and people who want a
break from the brats and burgers monotony of other festivals.
Armenian food takes center stage at this festival, and the offerings
resemble Greek and other Easter Mediterranean cuisines, but with
different spices and seasonings. The menu ill include chicken and beef
kebob, cheese and spinach burek, lamajoun (a pizza-like meat dish
served on thin tortilla dough), humus (a dip made of chick peas),
tabouleh (a green salad without lettuce), choreg (breadsticks),
vegetarian and meat sarma (stuffed grape leaves) and a mouthwatering
array of baklava and other traditional pastries.
Armenian wine will be served, along with beer and soft drinks.
Where: St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church, 7825 W. Layton
Ave.
Hours: Noon to 6 p.m.
Admission: Free
Highlights: In addition to food, Armenian Fest offers a cultural
booth selling books and artifacts relating to Armenia.
New this year: There will be live Armenian music from Chicago’s Hai
Vibes on Saturday and Racine’s MidEast Beat on Sunday.