I was lucky enough to be invited to brand new Armenian restaurant Lusin Mayfair to try their exquisite autumnal dishes in their soft opening last month. The restaurant is an authentic Armenian restaurant with cuisine influenced by the vibrant cultures of Eastern Europe and the Levant. Created by Mira Foods, Lusin is the first Armenian restaurant in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with outposts in the high-end venue “Centria” in Riyadh, Diyafa Plaza Riyadh, Teatro Jeddah, Al Shaikh Avenue Al Khobar, and now Mayfair London.
The name Lusin means “moon” in Armenian and is a beautiful and delicate symbol in the Armenian Culture. Lusin is an award-winning gastronomic concept born out of inspirational travels to Armenia and Lebanon. Hospitality entrepreneur and founder of Mira Foods, Dr Mazen Amulgbel is a pioneer in the Saudi Arabia restaurant scene, taking upscale dining outside of hotels which was unusual when he began his career.
Dr Mazen experienced Armenian and Lebanese cultures during his travels, finding the top food consultants from Lebanon, Armenia and Aleppo, Syria. The first “Lusin” opened 14th February 2011 in Centria Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The fresh ingredients, delicious unique dishes and fusion concept made it an instant success, bringing about expansion quickly with three other sites.
Lusin’s authentic Armenian dishes were created by Madam Anahid Doniguian, author of the Armenian Cookbook “Yepelou Arveste”. The London menu has been curated by 2 Michelin-star chef Marcel Ravin with innovative dishes such as the Famous Cherry Kebab made from spiced kebab skewers, perfectly charcoaled, and then covered with the signature home-made cherry sauce. Sour Cherries are sourced from Armenia, after picking season around June-July of every year, and cooked adding sweetness to elaborate a distinctive mixture of sweet, sour, and salty flavour.
The Signature Lusin Kibbeh is singular for its Armenian Gastronomy. Prepared with a special recipe of mixed daily-fresh meat, Bulgur & nuts, seasoned with distinctive Armenian spices, and savoured with pomegranate molasses. This distinguished dish is produced by Lusin’s expert chefs in Armenian Cuisine.
The mixed grill was also a true delight to the eyes and tastebuds, arriving sizzling to the table and perfectly tender and flavoursome. The cheese borak (flaky pastry rolls) and the hummus with pine nuts were also divine dishes I still dream of till this very day. And I do not exaggerate when it comes to complementing fine food.
Plates of pillowy soft lavash bread accompanied the delightful starters and mains and reminded me of the freshly baked bread I would have every morning during my visits to Iran (where we have a large Armenian population). I was impressed to discover that Armenia’s lavash bread is UNESCO-listed. Armenian dinner tables are rarely without huge piles of lavash, a tasty flat bread that is the cornerstone of Armenian cuisine. So important is this humble dish that it was placed on UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014.
As a big aubergine fan I was also completely bowled over by the extremely tasty Lusin signature eggplant rolls pleasingly adorned with pomegranate. This aubergine dish was unlike any other I have had the pleasure of trying, yet was so wholesomely familiar to my Middle Eastern palate.
The Lusin Salad is a Lusin creation made with shredded cheese topping a smoky-baked Aubergine, with vegetables and herbs coulis. The main ingredient is the cheese that originates from Armenian Tressed cheese. When this dish was created, fresh vegetables and herbs were added to prepare a delicious fresh starter. Spring vegetables are diced, and the salad is built with the shredded cheese and finished with herbs pesto and fresh leaves.
Cocktails include fresh twists on classics and the drinks menu has been crafted by mixologist Giancarlo Mancino, official beverage and bar consultant for the Rosewood Hotels worldwide. Armenian wines are also available to try, although I was perfectly enamoured with my freshly pressed glass of ruby red pomegranate juice.
We were equally impressed with the chic interiors of this latest Mayfair culinary offering, nestled in one of London’s most exclusive streets.
Lusin Mayfair on Hay Hill Street is a 100-seater restaurant across two floors. The entrance showcases 3 outstanding pillars that have hand-made carvings resembling Armenian Khachkar, symbols and signs from the “Tree of Life” to the “Eternity” symbol. The interior has been designed by Arch. Maram Seddiq. The walls feature Armenian Tuff Stone that is originally sourced from Armenian Mountains, in four colors: Pink, Artic Violet, Black, and Anti-Tobacco.
Lusin’s mission is to evoke a sense of beauty with this cuisine, through an inspired rich atmosphere, taking the guests on a journey celebrating old traditions and introducing new tastes with their special recipes.
Take your best food-loving friends and prepare for a truly unique gastronomic feast to remember.
