ARMENIAN
ASSEMBLY OF AMERICA
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date:

Contact: Danielle
Saroyan

Telephone:
(202) 393-3434

Web: www.aaainc.org

SOLD OUT ARMENIAN-INSPIRED DINNER
EXPERIENCE WITH SPECIAL GUEST CHEF CARRIE NAHABEDIAN RAISES FUNDS FOR ARMENIA
TREE PROJECT 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In advance of this year's Smithsonian
Folklife Festival that features Armenian culture, an Armenian-inspired dinner
experience with special guest Carrie Nahabedian at the popular Mediterranean
restaurant Zaytinya quickly sold out. A portion of ticket proceeds will be
donated to the Armenia Tree Project (ATP), part of the Armenian Assembly of
America (Assembly) family.

ATP was
established in 1994 by Assembly President Carolyn Mugar, and since then, ATP
has made enormous strides in combating desertification in the biologically
diverse but threatened Caucasus region. More than 5.5 million trees have been
planted and restored, and hundreds of jobs have been created for Armenians in
seasonal tree-related programs.

"This
year's Smithsonian Folklife Festival showcases Armenia's culture, and food is a
big part of Armenia's identity. I am delighted to hear how fast Chef Carrie Nahabedian's
dinner collaboration with Zaytinya sold out, which gauges the high interest in
Armenian cuisine. A special thank you to Chef Nahabedian for donating the
proceeds of the dinner to ATP, which will help Armenia become more
sustainable," Mugar said. "For all those who were unable to secure
tickets to this popular fundraiser, there is still another opportunity to
experience Chef Nahabedian's expertise on Wednesday, June 27 during the
Smithsonian Folklife Festival on the National Mall," she added.

On June 27
from 1:00-2:00 PM, Chef Nahabedian will join Zaytinya's Chef Michael Costa to
prepare sou boureg, an Armenian dish made with layers of handmade noodles and
cheese.

After
departing her position as Executive Chef of the Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles
at Beverly Hills, Carrie Nahabedian returned to her native Chicago to open NAHA
in 2000, which garnered her a James Beard Award and seven consecutive Michelin
stars. Carrie opened Brindille in the spring of 2013 along with partner and
cousin Michael; while NAHA highlighted her Armenian roots, Brindille's refined
Parisian fare celebrates hers and Michael's favorite spots in Paris.

In addition
to a culinary collaboration with Chef Nahabedian and Chef Costa, the Festival
will feature cooking demonstrations and an opportunity for guests to
participate in cooking classes and taste regional specialties like ghapama
(stuffed pumpkin) and gata (Armenian cake) in between wine tastings and
cheese-making classes.

The Festival
will take place from June 27 to July 1 and then from July 4 to July 8. For more
information about the schedule of events, click here.

Established
in 1972, the Armenian Assembly of America is the largest Washington-based
nationwide organization promoting public understanding and awareness of
Armenian issues. The Assembly is a non-partisan, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt
membership organization.

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NR#: 2018-029

Available online: 

http://bit.ly/2lAslOA