Racha restaurant- Jerusalem

Meet Gruzini (Georgian) cuisine at Racha restaurant on Havatzelet street in the heart of Jerusalem, The restaurant is housed in a British Mandate period building. The decor and the ambiance reflects the old world elegance and the Georgian tradition.

Racha is the name of the area in the former Soviet Georgia where the owners were born and raised. The restaurant is a testament to this part of the Balkans, from the decor to the authentic Georgian menu. The chefs themselves are from Racha, and all of the foods are Georgian recipes.

The Georgian kitchen is rich in colors and flavors. Some may be new to you but you will delight in the unexpected mix of ingredients. All of the foods at Racha are authentic Georgian, so come to this restaurant for an ethnic culinary experience.

"In a Georgian home," says the menu, "It is customary to start the meal with a variety of salads and Georgian pastries." And what a variety it is!
Appetizers have unpronounceable names but enticing descriptions. Take for example the Ishpenakhis, which is described as a spinach tapenade with walnuts in wine and vinegar. The appetizer Badrijani is described as layers of eggplant in a nut and herb mixture. Sounds good to me. The restaurant recommends that a half table - whatever that is - share 7 appetizers (118 NIS) and a full table go for 14 dishes at 224 NIS.

There is a short list of delicious sounding Georgian pastries served with tujemali sauce - green plums. Most of these are meat-filled, though there is one vegetarian pastry. There is Georgian bread and several soups, all with challenging names, and great descriptions.

Then there is a list of main courses. The recommended main course is the chanhi which is lamb strips with potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes and rice. Tolma is described as cabbage stuffed with beef and lamb served with salad. Other Main courses include various Georgian styled beefs, lamb chops, baby chickens and steaks. The very non-adventuresome diners can choose from the restaurant's grill menu, including the standard entrecote steak, lamb kebab, and lamb chops, as well as two grilled fish dishes.

End your meal with a cup of tea and a selection of traditional Georgian cookies. .
hazel nuts and wine.

Racha has two bars that are well stocked with wine, liquor and beer. One of them is a smoking bar with Georgian tapas where you can enjoy the free atmosphere of the bar.

Events:
* Every Wednesday evening enjoy an authentic Balkan evening with live Georgian music.
* Friday afternoon from 12 noon enjoy a traditional Georgian Kabbalat Shabbat.