by Louise Manoogian Simone
"A friend and I had the idea of opening a take-out dolma (stuffed cabbage) store but after a while we thought, how much dolma can people eat?" Instead, Artur Moughnetzian, an opera singer by profession, opened "Dzorakugh" restaurant on Baronian Street two years ago. Designed to resemble an old Armenian house, the restaurant attracts foreign visitors and locals alike with its high quality service and good food.
Armenian music upstairs, quiet dining downstairs, the restaurant is a rarity with its open inviting rooms. Unlike most eating places in Armenia built around private rooms or small outside structures for individual groups (trysts and secret meetings, no doubt) one can see and be seen! Waiters are trained in service and given one hour of English instruction daily. As Artur says "You should feel welcome when you come here. 'Good Evening' goes a long way." Very particular about atmosphere, the dishes are elegantly prepared, tablecloths spotless and a handful of carnations for every lady are de rigueur. Any unruliness is smoothly handled by a waiter telling the host he has a telephone call. A quick warning by Artur takes care of undesirable or overimbibing guests. Shish Kebab, Lula Kebab, Lamb chops and Ishkhan fish are the specialties. Dinner for four is 2000 rubles (without cognac and vodka).
Determined to upgrade services in Armenia, Mr. Moughnetzian is in the process of opening a private, membership only, health club with swimming pool and constructing a small exclusive hotel. "It will be your home away from home" he says with a smile "When will it be ready", I ask. "Six months" he answers. Want to bet! But then if anyone can do it, Artur can.
