#urnebes

SERBIA WHERE: Balkan Restaurant (8905 Patterson Ave, Richmond, VA 23229) This quiet and classy little restaurant that serves a mashup of Balkan entrees and appetizers was the first place I went after the pandemic where I completely forgot my mask. I was just so happy to find the place after my GPS died on me that I ran in once I finally made it there. It was about five minutes after it opened and I had the place all to myself for most of my meal though. The owner and waitress were so gracious and welcoming once I finally did get there though, lovely people, great accents. I was going a couple of different places on this trip, so I kept my appetizer course light. I tried the urnebes, which is a traditional spread made with mixture of roasted red peppers and feta cheese. It was very refreshing. It reminded me of a chicken salad with a slightly roasted flair to it. I thought it was going to be spicy with all the red peppers in it, but I guess it's 'European spicy' which was pretty mild-- but so very refreshing. The bread it came with was amazing too. I'm getting to eat so many different great breads lately, from the Samoan panipopo, to the Lebanon real pita bread to whatever this delightful baked masterpiece was called. Light and airy, with that roasted salad spread on top... such a perfect afternoon appetizer. I also tried this white Tamjanika wine, which wiki says, "has characteristic Muscat notes of cinnamon, elder plant, basil, pineapple and strawberry" and the menu said "white peach and tropical fruit" but I just call it yummy. Totally got a little buzz going off that drink. It was such a classy little wine joint. And can I just show you the wine list, every country these wines came from was listed on the menu and it totally brought back memories of drinking in Epcot. Perhaps this is where I'll go the next time I want to train for drinking around the World Showcase (and then head over to Penny Lane in Richmond for beers from all the UK countries). I usually don't like Balkan food, but this was such an elegant cute cafe for a delicious lite appetizer. I'll definitely be back to pretending I'm all high-class and stylish again! PS. Closer look at that wine list below!