Yerevan Armenian Cafe Opens for Coffee and Baklava in Adams Morgan | Eater DC

"Near the end of August a lower-level, gallery-like cafe and market opened at 2204 18th Street NW in Adams Morgan to give D.C.’s Armenian community a place to gather over layered honey cake, diamonds of baklava, and cups of unfiltered Armenian coffee served with a piece of imported dried apricot. Owners Stella Grigoryan and Arman Avedisian—running their first restaurant while keeping full-time day jobs—stock big windows and shelves almost entirely with Armenian imports (tea, coffee, honey, fruit rolls, baby rattles, mountain teas and cheeses like chanakh, chechil and lori) and work with caterers who supply fresh pastries and dishes daily after connecting via a popular Instagram. Pastries range from French-style Napoleons to Mediterranean baklava, with a round gata—semisweet filled cake—described as the “most authentic” item; savory offerings include lahmajun (an “Armenian pizza”) and kufta (a stuffed meatball similar to kibbeh). A rose-hip juice has drawn attention, and the owners plan to add Armenian beer, wine, cognac and charcuterie boards once their alcohol license is approved." - Adele Chapin