Cecile and I and good friends Sarah and Bill enjoyed a savory and delicious dinner at Bevri, a popular Georgian restaurant known for offering authentic dishes from Georgia, a country at the strategic crossroads of Eastern Europe and Western Asia, making it the hub for diverse cultures, trade and conflict. Bevri is celebrated for its use of fresh herbs and spices and hearty flavors. The ambiance is warm and inviting, often reflecting elements of Georgian culture, including its rich culinary traditions and artistry.
Rather than order an entree, we ordered an array of starter plates (tapas-style): Pkhali Sampler Baby spinach and beets pkhali with walnuts and herbs served with eggplant rolls; Artichoke with Baje: fried artichoke, walnuts sauce, tashmijab (cheese melted into mash potatoes), red adjika oil and svaneti oil; Lamb Khinkali Dumplings; Khachapuri Adjaruli: Boat-shaped cheese bread with butter and an egg. It is so good it became their logo. I created a short video of our waiter preparing it for us. Their menu states: No tipping necessary, but we gave our very capable and friendly young waiter a generous cash tip anyway. We walked two blocks to the Penny Ice Creamery for dessert.
Postscript: After we finished our meal, I saw this unusual woolen head covering. The bartender encouraged me to try it on. “It’s called a ‘papakha’ which means ‘hat’ he said. Apparently, it is part of the rich tapestry of Georgian traditional attire that evolved over centuries influences by a complex history and interactions
with neighboring cultures. It is a sign of honor and dignity. Former UFC champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov, brought the papakha to the world stage (see photo). Honoring the traditions of his Dagestani ancestors, he wore the white woolen hat to all his fights and weigh-ins. Many of his wrestler’s fans would also wear the hat to support him.
