HACKENSACK, N.J. — “As many Armenians will tell you, the first time they smelled the amazing aromas coming from their family kitchen was as a young child. I knew at that time that cooking was going to be one of my major callings in life. As though it was a competition, my Grandma Lucy, Aunt Takouhi, Aunt Lucia, Aunt Alice and my mother, Arax, were a formidable force of culinary talent and expertise in our kitchen in those days. It was no wonder that my dad, George Berberian, ultimately opened an Armenian restaurant in New York City. And what a fantastic restaurant it was. In the heyday of Armenian restaurants in New York City, the 1950s and 1960s, my dad’s Golden Horn was the place to enjoy outstanding Armenian food. Located in Rockefeller Center on West 49th Street, it was the hub of fantastic decor, billowing tents, beautiful mosaic walls, and music. Their media dolma and ekmek kadayif were unforgettable, which is why I began collecting our family recipes and will soon introduce a cookbook for everyone to enjoy,” says Sandie Chobani an, the operations manager for Oriental Rug Specialists in Montvale, NJ.
“George Berberian with his partners created a breathtaking atmosphere, where they often invited Armenian and Middle Eastern musicians to showcase their talents on bustling Friday and Saturday nights, where customers formed lines outside waiting for a table. On Sundays after attending St. Thomas Church, our mother Arax, would drive us into New York so we could have Sunday dinner and see our dad, too. And of course, we would often take home our favorite mouthwatering Armenian foods and desserts. Famous dignitaries, and celebrities enjoyed the restaurant, too, and signed their photos to display. The Rockefeller family who owned the building at that time sold it, so eventually the restaurant was closed.” Courtesy https://thearmeniankitchen.com/years-ago-big-apple-tasted-armenian/
“One recipe our family often made was eetch. I believe I have perfected that recipe for everyone to make today. I am often asked to make it, so my family created a “How To Video” on YouTube for everyone to watch. It’s called, “Sandie’s Mediterranean Cooking Show.” This video will show you, step by step, how to make this dish.”
“This recipe is heart-healthy, and part of the Mediterranean Diet because it is nutritious and vegan. It’s the perfect side dish or mezze. Check out the ways you can serve this dish, for example, my son puts hummus on pita bread and often spreads the eetch on it, sometimes adding fresh sliced chicken or beef kebob. This dish is very versatile, and everyone loves it…”
“My husband, Haig, who is deceased, and my father were oriental rug specialists in the New York area. Haig was from the Chicago and Racine areas growing up, so it was a wonderful experience to know so much about oriental rugs. I do oriental rug appraisals now (www.orientalrugspecialists.com), and meet many interesting people. Having 10 grandchildren, life is never boring. The best advice I can give families is to include your children and grandchildren in your culinary activities, teach them the importance of keeping these family traditions and recipes alive and thriving. We all benefit from the togetherness, love, and talent we bring to the table.”
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