What was once exotic has become familiar. Decades ago, when Milwaukee’s annual Armenian picnic opened to the general public, hummus required explanation and pita bread brought replies of “Peter bread?” But, yes, shish-kabob rang a bell for most comers. Nowadays, most of the food served at Armenian Fest is familiar to most people, yet few venues serve delicious homemade versions at such reasonable prices.
Armenian cuisine belongs to the Eastern Mediterranean family of cooking. Such favorites as chicken and beef shish-kabob, stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh and hummus are prepared with regional variations and the unique twists that have entered the genealogy of old family recipes. There are also some dishes that can’t be found at local Middle Eastern restaurants, including the pizza-like lahmajun.
Along with food, this year’s Armenian Fest will feature live traditional music by Racine’s Mid-East Beat.
Armenian Fest takes place 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, July 19 at St. John the Baptist Armenian Orthodox Church, 7825 W. Layton Ave. Parking and admission are free.
