People enjoyed dining at Spruzzo at an outing in February of the International Dinner Club.
Photo: Rich Schmitt
Like to eat? Join the International Dinner Club, whose members went to Armav, the local Armenian + Mediterranean restaurant in August.
The Club was formed last year by four locals, Wendy Anderson, Jean Sharp, photographer Rich Schmitt and wife Courtney.
The four enjoyed each other’s company and also enjoyed dining out and decided to combine the experience. The club’s first outing was at The Golden Bull.
Other residents, many of whom do not like to dine alone, heard about the club and emailed Anderson about joining at subsequent dinners.
Over the past few months, the group has varied in size from 8 to 20 people.
“It’s been fun, and we’ve had delicious evenings with friends,” Anderson said.
Since the club began, they have enjoyed food at Spruzzo, Pearl Dragon, Casa Nostra (Highlands), Moku Sushi and most recently they went to Armav, located at 970 Monument Street. Visit: https://thearmav.com/
Some items (shared plates) are large enough for everyone to have a taste and include:
The Armav (dips, charcuterie, feta, and grape leaves, pickled vegetables, olives and house bread) $26.
The Armav made a great starter.
Photo: Rich Schmitt
Mediterranean lamb chops with purple Okinawa yams ($24).
Lamb chops done to perfection. Photo: Rich Schmitt
One member selected the Kebab entrée (includes grilled chicken filet mignon, rice pilaf tabbouleh, grilled baby vegetables and tomatoes, pickled onion, hummus and tzatziki) $38, and was easily shared.
Kebab entree was proclaimed “heavenly.” Photo: Rich Schmitt
Wrapped dates with cheese and bacon, which was a special menu item that night, was proclaimed “delicious” by members of the club.
Diners could also try a dessert trio ($12), which included baklava (Burma), custard w/shredded phyllo and rose-infused syrup (Knefa) and almond galette (GF).
The restaurant is open for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Appetizers and wine are available from 3 to 5 p.m. and dinner is from 5 to 10 p.m. Call (424) 322-8589.
“We meet once a month,” Anderson said and added there are no joining fees.
She said that everyone pays for their own food, and occasionally a restaurant will ask that two or four people will be put on the same bill.
It is a group decision about where diners go. “We ask for suggestions, and then the four of us ‘starters’ make a decision.”
At the dinner at Armav, “All of us agreed on El Cholo in Santa Monica for our next monthly international dinner,” Anderson said.
They welcome new people. “We are looking for more couples,” Anderson said. “Sometimes Rich has been the only man, but he doesn’t seem to mind.”
Schmitt, in addition to taking great photos of the food, said, he thinks the club “is important because we are supporting local businesses.”
Courtney added, “It’s a way to dine with family and friends in peace and feeling free.”
If you would like to join this International Dinner Club at El Cholo on Wednesday, September 20, email Anderson at pricelesseaview@gmail.com.