Meet Albert

It was on my mind that the restaurant in Gyumri, Pozav Monach, was a special place. What made it special? It was not just a fancy restaurant with great local dishes. 

It was the restaurant where Anthony Bordaine had eaten and mentioned in either his show or book. I honestly never liked Anthony Bordaine until I started to watch his show a bit more and I realized he did have a special travel quality about himself. 

Unfortunately, the horrible news of him taking his own life was absolutely tragic and haunting for myself. I feel connected to human beings who are so incredibly extroverted like us, but they are suffering inside.  I wanted to visit this restaurant in his memory. 

There was not a soul inside as it was mid afternoon on a Wednesday. Just a few guys standing behind the bar and there comes Albert. The one person who speaks English and the kindest person. I know I say this all the time, but the heart of people is literally what melts mine. It is always when I am blessed enough to travel abroad and see the beauty in people.

He kindly apologized for his English and I said like usual, “Don’t worry you can practice with me.” I told him about Anthony Bordaine and he said that the restaurant had been newly renovated and he does not know this Chef or man.  I estimated he came about 10 or more years ago and I told Albert he was a great American food critic and traveler.

He asked me many questions about my travels and what countries I liked. As a good local would, he recommended places to visit in Armenia i.e. a region for skiing and the Tartev region south of Gyumri. He showed me photos and said it is one of his favorite places to visit. He loves the mountains and he enjoys living in a small city. He is 28 years old living with his mother and grandmother. He is studying at a university to work in IT and he has plans outside of being a server. 

He said, “I want more than just a restaurant. I have dreams.”
He just likes to live a simple life and he wants to finish school so he can have a nice job.  He said that Yerevan offers a lot of opportunity, but he prefers to live in a smaller city.  

Many locals work in restaurants and cafes and there is economic hardship, but people are surviving and they have a strong community. Everyone knows everyone and people are proud of their city. It was hard to understand how these restaurants stay open with such little business.  What could a server like Albert be making with only a few customers at the restaurant. He was grateful for our conversation and so was I-have to remember to add him to my prayer list😊

What did I order? 

Albert brought me a sparkling water with lemon and a soup with hot, fresh bread. 

Great hospitality gives food its authentic flavor

 

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