Montebello’s Holy Cross Armenian Apostolic Cathedral hosts the second annual Armenian Food Fair & Fest on June 6.

Several Armenian specialties are available, including flame-licked beef, chicken, pork or lamb kebabs, served with rice pilaf, salad and bread. Sides include sarma – grape leaves stuffed with rice and onion and drizzled with olive oil; cheese boreg – phyllo filled with a blend of cheese, herbs and spices; and kufta – cracked wheat and lamb meatballs stuffed with ground meat, onions and spices. If you still have room for dessert, expect options like baklava and buttery cigarettes filled with ground walnuts, sugar and cinnamon.

Every hour, the Fest will host a different free Armenian Cooking Demonstration:

12 PM – Chef Ara Balayan of Herach and Ara Catering showcases Pilaf w/noodles
1 PM – Bulgur w/Noodles & Onions
2 PM – Chef Mike Chakalian demonstrates the recipe for sarma, which also applies to stuffing peppers and tomatoes
3 PM – Fabulous Rice Toppings, including “Jayez” Armenian Wedding Rice
4 PM – How to Stuff and Roll Grape Leaves
5 PM – Sylva Kaloyan demonstrates how to make string cheese
6 PM – Armenian Coffee

You’ll also find Armenian folk dancing, live music from The Hosharian Brothers Band and a Kids Fun Zone with pony rides, a moon bounce and petting zoo. Priests will also lead tours of the Cathedral at 2 PM and 4 PM. The Armenian Food Fair & Fest runs from noon to 10 PM. Admission and parking are free.