TELAVI THE HEART OF KAKHETI
GUDAURI IS THE BEST SKI RESORT IN GEORGIA
GEORGIAN AIRPORTS SERVE OVER 2M PASSENGERS IN 2016
RESTAURANTS & BARS GUIDE
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More than 150 brands Lebowski Bowl Club Kakheti Highway, 2 Al.Tvalchrelidze Str.Tbilisi,Georgia 4 GeorgianDay Magazine
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Family Entertainment Center “Focus Mokus” First-ever IMAX movie theater in region
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Content
Telavi 10 must see places
History of Valentine’s Day Gudauri is the best ski resort in Georgia
Telavi The Heart of Kakheti
Georgian airports serve over 2m passengers in 2016 Bakuriani resort
CHAKHOKHBILI CHICKEN WITH EGGS & HERBS “Tamar Jgarkava” Successful woman in the restaurant industry Special Thanks to: > GEORGIAN NATIONAL TOURISM ADMINISTRATION > GEORGIAN NATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION > DEPARTMENT OF TOURISM AND RESORTS OF AJARA A. R. > AGENDA.GE
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Hatsvali and Tetnuldi two modern white resorts in Georgia
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TELAVI
THE HEART OF KAKHETI Telavi, the capital of the Eastern province of Kakheti, is home to several of the region’s world-famous wineries, art museums, castles and a theater highlighting folk singing and dancing. Telavi is located at the crossroad of the region and is an ideal place to stop for lunch or an excellent jumping-off point for two or three-day excursions. Telavi was the capital of the kingdom of Kakheti in the 10-11th century and later in 17-18th centuries. Now it’s a small and cozy town, which goes to sleep at 9pm. Located only an hour and a half from Tbilisi, it is small enough to be walked around in one day. It’s foundations trace back to the early years of the Common Era.
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How to get there You can take private taxi at Isani metro station (8-10 lari per person) or “marshutka” at Ortachala bus station.(7 lari).
In both cases, the route goes through the Gombori Pass, and the famous Shuamta forest, which makes it one of the most beautiful roads of Georgia. If you are lucky enough, you can witness “the sea of clouds”. If you ask nicely, taxi driver will stop for you to take breathtaking pictures to share with friends later. (Source: Georgia.travel)
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WHAT TO SEE IN TELAVI?
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If you don’t have your trip planned in advance, you can visit the tourist information center, which is located in “Tsentri” – the main square of the town. You either can take a taxi, which usually costs 2 lari, or use local “marshutkas”, but as their schedule can be really unpredictable. The best place to start your tour is Nadikvari Park, which is wonderful place for leisure. Here you will find walking trails, beautiful nature, playgrounds, open-air theater/concert arena, panoramic views on Alazani valley and Caucasus mountains. You can take a walk from Nadikvari towards the main square and visit the Batonis-tsikhe fortress. Before entering the fortress, don’t forget to take a close look at the statue of King Erekle II in front of the entrance to fortress. In Batonis-Tsikhe there is a museum and royal apartments, which were damaged by fire and restored later. Also, there is a small church and
some ancient ruins inside the fortress wall. Telavi is full of small souvenir shops and cafes. Walking in these fair streets which were restored several years ago, is a pure pleasure. In the old part of the city there are some small houses with wooden balconies. Here and there you can see the bicycle roads. One thing you most definitely must see is almost 900 years old giant maple tree, which is one of the oldest attractions of the city. It’s near the fortress, next to the Vakhvakhishvili Castle, which also was renewed several years ago. What to eat? You will see many small and charming cafes while wandering in the streets. Prices are not very high, food is delicious. Qotnis lobio (beans in the pot), khachapuri and mtsvadi (meat grilled in local manner) are strongly recommended. (Source: Georgia.travel)
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TELAVI
10 MUST SEE PLACES Telavi, the capital of the Eastern province of Kakheti, is home to several of the region’s world-famous wineries, art museums, castles and a theater highlighting folk singing and dancing. Telavi is located at the crossroad of the region and is an ideal place to stop for lunch or an excellent jumping-off point for two or three-day excursions.
1. GIORGI CHUBINASHVILI TELAVI STATE HISTORY
Founded in 1927, the Museum resides in several halls of King Erekle II’s former Palace. The Museum houses King Erekle’s belongings and numerous archeological, ethnographic, numismatic and textile artifacts. Address: 1 Erekle II Avenue, Telavi
2. CHOLOKASHVILI STREET
Cholokashvili Street is one of the most beautiful streets in the city, and has been recently renovated. The homes on this residential street are adorned with colorful gates and intricately carved balconies. GeorgianDay Magazine 23
TELAVI
10 MUST SEE PLACES 3. BATONIS TSIKHE CASTLE
Batonis Tsikhe castle served as the residence of Kakhetian Kings between 17th and 18th century. The castle encloses two churches, the ruins of a royal bathhouse, and the Persian style Palace of King Erekle II. Address: 1 Erekle II Avenue, Telavi
5. GIANT PLANE TREE
The almost 900 year old Giant Plane tree is one of the oldest and most unusual attractions of the city.
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4. NADIKVARI PARK
Nadikvari Park is a wonderful place for leisure; you will find walking trails, beautiful nature, playgrounds, an open-air theater/concert arena and plenty of other attractions.
6. OLD SHUAMTA
Old Shuamta, located 7 kilometers from Telavi, is one of the oldest preserved Orthodox churches in Georgia, dating back to the 5th century. The complex also incorporates two dome churches constructed in the 7th century.
Telavi is located at the crossroad of the region and is an ideal place to stop for lunch or an excellent jumping-off point for two or three-day excursions. 7. NEW SHUAMTA
New Shuamta Temple is located 6 kilometers from Telavi and dates back to the middle ages. The damaged temple was restored by King Erekle II during his reign. New Shuamta is an excellent example of the architectural style used in Kakheti during the middle ages.
9. ALEXANDRE CHAVCHAVADZE MUSEUM
During the 19th century, the Tsinandali complex belonged to renowned Georgian poet and public figure Alexandre Chavchavadze. The complex consists of a beautiful garden with over 1,000 varieties of trees and plants from all over the world. Furthermore, within the premise there are wine cellars with unique collections of wines.
8. IKALTO
Ikalto Monastery complex is located 8 km to the north of Telavi. The complex incorporates three churches dating back to the 6th, 9th and 12th centuries.
10. MONASTERY OF ALAVERDI
The earliest structures of the Alaverdi Monastery date back to the 6th century, although the present day cathedral is a part the 11th century Georgian Orthodox monastery. Alaverdi is located 18 kilometers from Telavi and is one of the tallest religious buildings in Georgia. The surrounding courtyard is home to vineyards from which local monks make their own wine. Location: village of Alaverdi GeorgianDay Magazine 25
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History of
Valentine’s Day Every February 14, across the United States and in other places around the world, candy, flowers and gifts are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of St. Valentine. But who is this mysterious saint, and where did these traditions come from? Find out about the history of this centuries-old holiday, from ancient Roman rituals to the customs of Victorian England. The Legend of St. Valentine The history of Valentine’s Day–and the story of its patron saint–is shrouded in mystery. We do know that February has long been celebrated as a month of romance, and that St. Valentine’s Day, as we know it today, contains vestiges of both Christian and ancient Roman tradition. 28 GeorgianDay Magazine
But who was Saint Valentine, and how did he become associated with this ancient rite?
The Catholic Church recognizes at least three different saints named Valentine or Valentinus, all of whom were martyred. One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome. When Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made better soldiers than those with wives and families, he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine, realizing the injustice of the decree, defied Claudius and continued to perform marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine’s actions were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death.
Other stories suggest that Valentine may have been killed for attempting to help Christians escape harsh Roman prisons, where they were often beaten and tortured. According to one legend, an imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting himself after he fell in love with a young girl–possibly his jailor’s daughter–who visited him during his confinement. Before his death, it is alleged that he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression that is still in use today. Although the truth behind the Valentine legends is murky, the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic and–most importantly–romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, perhaps thanks to this reputation, Valentine would become one of the most popular saints in England and France. Origins of Valentine’s Day: A Pagan Festival in February While some believe that Valentine’s Day is celebrated in the middle of February to commemorate the anniversary of Valentine’s death or burial–which probably occurred around A.D. 270–others claim that the Christian church may have decided to place St. Valentine’s feast day in the middle of February in an effort to “Christianize” the pagan celebration of Lupercalia. Celebrated at the ides of February, or February 15, Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as to the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. To begin the festival, members of the Luperci, an order of Roman priests, would gather at a sacred cave where the infants Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome, were believed to have been cared for by a she-wolf or lupa. The priests would sacrifice a goat, for fertility, and a dog, for purification. They would then strip the goat’s hide into strips, dip them into the sacrificial blood and take to the streets, gently slapping both women and crop fields with the goat hide. Far from being fearful, Roman women welcomed the touch of the hides because it was believed to make them more fertile in the coming year. Later in the day, according to legend, all the young women in the city would place their names in a big urn. The city’s bachelors would each choose a name and become paired for the year with his chosen
woman. These matches often ended in marriage. Valentine’s Day: A Day of Romance Lupercalia survived the initial rise of Christianity and but was outlawed—as it was deemed “un-Christian”–at the end of the 5th century, when Pope Gelasius declared February 14 St. Valentine’s Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds’ mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of Valentine’s Day should be a day for romance. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine’s didn’t begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois. Source: History.com
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GEORGIA T I S I V O T WAY T THE BES We bring new European standards to the travel industry in the Caucasus region. World Sightseeing Tour makes holidays affordable for everybody. Our prices are not a little bit cheaper - most of our packages are half of the market price Are you looking for a truly unique tour, something absolutely new and at the same time as old as ancient Greece? Then WST & CitySightseeing Tbilisi has all what you are looking for – a isit to and incredible land of Georgia and the outh Caucasus. The country of Golden Fleece, a birthplace of wine, fascinating dance and polyphonic songs, a place where there are no hosts and no guests, where all can travel to discover something special, without which life would be incomplete. You can visit, see and feel, fulfill your dreams, make your trip a magnificent adventure, meet people connecting old culture and traditions with ultramodern life, locals with great soul and a great instinct of ancient hospitality. Do you want active or relaxing vacancy in absolutely new surrounding in multi climate Caucasus Region? Reach Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijani icy peaks or stay in relaxing comfortable hotels on a seaside. Choose any tour with our travel agency and use your opportunity to make your
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dreams come true. WST & CitySightseeing Tbilisi , the leading tour operator in South Caucasus, will always take care of your holiday. Let us be your traveler’s key to the Caucasus region to make sure you enjoy your travel and take unforgettable memories with you. You will be able to cover the wide range of the region’s beautiful landscapes, unique nature and great variety of its climate zones. Feel Georgia’s truly pleasant climate through the year from summer tours for nature lovers and trekkers, until winter tours for skiers and mountain climbers. And in between the autumn beauty of vintage and traditional harvesting. If you happen to be on a business trip, you can still combine your work with great leisure time. From the sea to the top of the mountains, WST & CitySightseeing Tbilisi tour operator, Georgia and South Caucasus are waiting for you. You will travel to the real Paradise. With best wishes, WST & City Sightseeing Tbilisi
DAY TRIPS ANANURI - KAZBEGI MOUNTAINS
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BOOK YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE!
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Ananuri, Zhinvali Lake, Kazbegi mountains
Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 10:00-19:00
WE VISIT
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The Monastery of St. Nino in Bodbe Sighnaghi – the city of Love Tsinandali – wine cellars, wine-tasting
VARDZIA - RABATI - BORJOMI
KUTAISI - PROMETE CAVE
BOOK YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE!
BOOK YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE!
Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 09:00-21:00
WE VISIT
ADULT /CHILD
90 GEL
Borjomi mineral springs and park,Vardzia cave town Akhaltsikhe, Rabati fortress
Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 09:00-21:00
WE VISIT
ADULT /CHILD
85 GEL
Bagrati Cathedral, Gelaty Monastic Complex Motsameta Monastery Prometheus cave
GORI-UPLISTSIKHE OLD TOWNS
DAVID GAREJI MONASTERY COMLEX
BOOK YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE!
BOOK YOUR TRIP IN ADVANCE!
Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 10:00-16:00
WE VISIT Gori Uflistsikhe
ADULT /CHILD
55 GEL
Meeting Point: Citysightseeing Tbilisi Office Duration of tour: 10:00-16:00
WE VISIT
ADULT /CHILD
70 GEL
David Gareji, Georgian-Azerbaijani border, The ancient village Martkopi, Martkopi Generic tower, Martkopi monastery to the tomb of st. Anthony
Contact: +995 514 21 77 22 +995 322 43 88 08 info@citysightseeing.com.ge Str. Kote Apkhzi 44 (Meidan Sq.)
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FIVE-STAR RADISSON BLU GUDAURI HOTEL TO OPEN IN 2018 One of the largest and most dynamic hotel groups worldwide, Carlson Rezidor, is expanding its hotel presence in Georgia by opening the first five-star hotel in the country’s winter resort of Gudauri. In partnership with local Real Estate Development Company (Red-Co), Carlson Rezidor will open the Radisson Blu Gudauri hotel in 2018, simultaneously developing the winter resort and making it more attractive for potential tourists. Red-Co and Carlson Rezidor signed a cooperation agreement in February of 2016, which called for a $15 million investment from Red-Co to open a 105-room hotel featuring a restaurant, spa and swimming pools. This week Vice President of Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group David Jenkins arrived in Georgia’s capital of Tbilisi to observe the Radisson Blu Gudauri development process.
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While in Tbilisi Jenkins met Georgia’s deputy Economy Minister Ketevan Bochorishvili and discussed further investment potential in Georgia’s mountainous areas. After the meeting officials travelled to Gudauri, where Jenkins visited the construction site of the Radisson Blu Gudauri hotel. The hotel is located at the base of the Gudauri ski gondola. Gudauri is 120km north of Tbilisi or a 2 two hour car-ride away. The winter resort offers slopes for both beginner and expert skiers snowboarders. The slopes of Gudauri are completely above the treeline, favourable for free-riders and are generally considered to be avalanche-safe. Extreme sports fans can also enjoy heli-skiing in Gudauri. The ski season lasts from December to April. (Source: Agenda.ge)
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GULF AIR TO LAUNCH BAHRAIN-GEORGIA FLIGHTS IN JUNE 2017
The new flight will be launched from June, with three weekly services to and from Tbilisi International Airport. Gulf Air, the principal flag carrier of Bahrain, will open a new route to Georgia with direct flights to the Georgian capital of Tbilisi this summer. Triweekly flights will begin in June from Tbilisi International Airport, the airline said in a statement. “We are pleased to respond to passenger demand by opening this newest destination. Launching in June, our new route to Tbilisi, Georgia will cater to summer movement and leisure travellers from the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] region”, said Gulf Air CEO Maher Salman Al Musallam.
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“The addition of Georgia to our network map follows extensive discussions and negotiations with the Georgian aviation authorities and we thank them for their support to date and their contribution to our efforts going forward in ensuring the success of our newest route”, he added. Georgian Foreign Minister Mikhail Janelidze welcomed the initiative and re-tweeted the post of the Permanent Representative of Georgia to the United Nations Kaha Imnadze, assessing the opening of the new route as “great news” and adding that this will boost business ties and cooperation between Georgia and Bahrain. (Source: Agenda.ge)
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GEORGIAN AIRPORTS SERVE OVER 2M PASSENGERS IN 2016, UP 25% FROM PREVIOUS YEAR Passenger numbers at Georgia’s three international airports are on the rise, show latest statistics from the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency.
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Last year 2,840,455 passengers took regular or charter flights from Georgia’s three main airports; Tbilisi Shota Rustaveli International Airport, Batumi International Airport and Kutaisi International Airport.
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In 2016 the number of passengers using airports in Georgia increased by 25.63 percent year-on-year (y/y), announced the Georgian Civil Aviation Agency today. Tbilisi International Airport alone served 2,252,535 passengers last year, which was a 21.95 percent increase y/y. Batumi International Airport served 312,343 passengers last year – a 37.91 percent increase, while Kutaisi International Airport served 271,363 passengers on regular or charter flights, which was a 48.32 percent increase y/y. Meanwhile, in the first nine months of 2016 the number of passengers increased significantly for the following routes: • The United Arab Emirates and Georgia – 190,889 passengers (94 percent increase)
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Israel and Georgia – 145,997 passengers (62 percent increase) Russia and Georgia – 389,341 passengers – (47 percent increase) Ukraine and Georgia – 210,496 passengers (30 percent increase) Iran and Georgia – 86, 013 passengers (2,582 percent increase) Greece and Georgia – 38,642 passengers (130 percent increase)
Thanks to extensive renovation and extensions in recent months, Georgia’s three main airports now meet the needs of increased passengers numbers. Tbilisi International Airport’s main runway, put into operation in July 2016, now meets international standards with the addition of navigation lights. The airport will also have a new arrival terminal building that is capable of serving 3.25 million passengers per year. Improving airport infrastructure in Georgia is part of the Spatial Arrangement Plan, that will modernise infrastructural development in Georgia and transform the country from a struggling nation into a modern, 21st Century prosperous nation.. (Source: Agenda.ge)
Tbilisi International Airport served 2,252,535 passengers in 2016.
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GEORGIAN COMPANY TO EXPORT 5 MILLION BOTTLES OF WINE TO CHINA
Shilda wine company signed a three-year contract with the Chinese wine importer company.
Georgian wine company Shilda is preparing to export five million bottles of traditional wine to China over the next three years. The large export is possible thanks to a contract signed between Shilda and a Chinese import company earlier this week. In recent months Georgia has focused on expanding its wine exports to China. Already more than a dozen wine houses promoting Georgian wine have been opened in Beijing and in the Chinese provinces of Jiangxi and
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Zhejiang, amongst others. Thanks to these and other efforts, China has gone from a minor to a major importer of Georgian wine. China now follows Russia and Ukraine in third place for the import of Georgian wine. Last year 5,299,149 bottles of Georgian wine were exported to China, showed the latest figures from the Georgian National Wine Agency. This was a 98 percent increase than the same time in 2015. . (Source: Agenda.ge)
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GUDAURI IS THE BEST SKI RESORT IN GEORGIA
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Gudauri is the best ski resort in Georgia with well-developed infrastructure, the greatest difference in altitude, and unlimited possibilities for freeride and back country (ski touring). The resort is the highest settlement on the Georgian Military Road (the old name “Heavenly Gorge�) at the altitude of 2000 m. The season in Gudauri begins in late December and lasts till the end of April. From Tbilisi Gudauri can be reached in approximately 2 hours. Ski rental are located in several places: in the village of Lower Gudauri, and in the Upper Gudauri, near the station. 5 chair lifts (Doppelmayr, Austria) and one line of gondolas (POMA, France) makes available skiing and snowboarding along the southern slopes (57 km certified trails of various difficulty levels) at the altitude from 3250 m to 2000 m, with altitude difference of 1275 meters. Freeride is possible both along the trails near the ski lifts and in the neighboring area along the western and eastern slopes of the mountains Chrdili, Bidara and the northern slopes of Mt. Sadzele (Kobi Gorge). Adrenaline seekers also have the chance to try paragliding, speedriding (an extreme mix of skiing and paragliding) and heli-skiing. In Gudauri you can stay in cottages and hotels of different categories. Besides skiing and snowboarding enjoy spa treatment, take a steam bath, play billiard and bowling, try a wide range of Georgian wines. For travelers with children there are children’s corners, playgrounds, ski school. Also there are nannies and instructors services available on spot. For those who are interested in not just a ski holiday, but also cultural exploration and nightlife, we have something interesting here. Useful links: Ski school for adults and children: www.skigudauri.ge Heli-skiing: www.heliski.travel Speedride school: www.speedride-school.com Freeride school: www.wildguru.com/tour/freeride_school Skitour school: www.wildguru.com/tour/skitour_school Paragliding: www.flycaucasus.com Snowbiking, tours at snowmobiles for adults and children: http://west-east-travel.com/en (Source: Georgia.Travel) GeorgianDay Magazine 45
BAKURIANI RESORT LOCATED AT 1,700 M IN THE BORJOMI REGION OF GEORGIA Located at 1,700 m in the Borjomi region of Georgia, Bakuriani is nestled in the shadows of the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains, only a three-hour drive from Tbilisi. Home to dozens of alpine slopes and cross-country trails, it offers some of the most spectacular skiing and snowboarding in Europe. Originally developed as an Olympic training facility, unsurprisingly, Bakuriani is Georgia’s most popular winter sports and recreation destination. Enjoy the downhill ski runs, cross-country trails, horseback tours, sledding or simply take long walks through beautiful snowy forests. There are several main trails in Bakuriani: Kokhta 2 (2,255 m high) is known as Tatra. Twenty-five is an area of easy skiing located on the Circular, near the old 25 meter ski-jump which gives the area its name. Here beginners and children can learn to ski in a safe and pleasant environment, surrounded by the might Caucasus mountains. You can also toboggan and sledge here, or take a horse drawn sleigh- ride through the ancient forests. Didveli has one on the most amazing trails. From here you can catch a gondola to the slopes of Mt. Sakvelo, and ski a range of blue and red routes. The longest piste is around 4 km long. Advanced skiers can continue further up the mountain by catching a chairlift at the top of the gondola to almost the very top of Mt. Sakvelo itself. Here, you can enjoy stretching your ski-legs on very steep and difficult red and black runs.
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Other activities: Bakuriani’s cross-country trails attract experts as well as beginners. Two of the most challenging runs begin on Mt. Kokhta (2,155 m) and Mt. Didveli. If skating is your winter pastime, Bakuriani offers plenty of opportunities, among them at Bakuriani Park and the rink at the Hotel Edem. The hills and valleys around Bakuriani are ideal for snowmobiling, but if you prefer to get around the old-fashioned way, horse- drawn sleighs are the traditional mode of winter transportation in Bakuriani, so for a romantic treat, take a romantic sleigh-ride around the picturesque village.
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HATSVALI AND TETNULDI TWO MODERN WHITE RESORTS IN GEORGIA
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Surrounded by mighty 5000 m peaks, Svaneti is one of Georgia’s most historic and unique areas and a real skiers’ dream. Until recently, Svaneti was best known for its superb house-towers, most of them dating back to the 12-13th centuries, which line the valleys and served as look-out posts against the threat of invasion. Those towers belong to UNESCO World Heritage List. In Svaneti, there are two modern white resorts: Hatsvali and Tetnuldi. The first one started operating several years ago. It is located in 8 km from the central village of Svaneti, Mestia. The upper cable car station is located
on Mount Zuruldi (2347 m). The difference in altitude is 482 m. Currently, there are three runs: red (1900 m), blue (2600 m) and the trail for beginners (300 m). Basically, skiers of every level can enjoy one of the world’s most picturesque resorts. Freeride and ski tour lovers will also find good slopes and new challenges for themselves. As the resort grows and develops, it is also possible to find tailor-made ski-tours, one or two-day trips to take you to places never skied before. (Source: Georgia.Travel) GeorgianDay Magazine 51
GODERDZI
NEW SKI RESORTA IN THE MOUNTAINOUS AJARA 52 GeorgianDay Magazine
In December 2015 a new ski resort Goderdzi has been opened in the mountainous Ajara. First of all it is attractive to those, who want to combine a trip to the sea and skiing in the winter vacation.
Directly at the resort you can stay in the hotel or in cottages – but as we said, as the resort is still developing, they are not a lot, so better take care of your accommodation in advance.
If you drive or ride a bus from Batumi, the central town of Ajara region, you reach Goderdzi in 2 hours. The resort is not big yet. Two gondola lifts are operating there. The highest point is 2390 m above the sea level, the altitude difference is around 690 m. The whole day ski pass will cost you 25 lari (approximately 12 USD).
Equipment rental is available on spot. Goderdzi is good as for skiing and boarding at the prepared pistes, as well as for freeride. Winters are usually snowy there, so you won’t have problems with finding fresh powder at the slopes. (Source: Georgia.Travel) GeorgianDay Magazine 53
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2016 AT A GLANCE FROM
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TAMAR JGARKAVA SUCCESSFUL BUSINESS WOMAN IN THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY Looking for special place to enjoy delicious meals? 1, Gorgasali St.-this is the address where culinary magic happens. Chefs of the Georgian-Azerbaijani restaurant Seidabadi read your taste. Tamar Jgarkava, the owner of the restaurant, tells Georgian Day the full story. Seidabadi, located in old Tbilisi, is one of the most popular restaurants of the city. How did you start this business and what motivated you in the first place? - I’m a restaurateur and a businesswoman. Currently, I own several restaurant chains. All that started by complete accident, around 17 years ago. I was motivated by my Chinese partner. They were the ones who convinced me to start restaurant business. If not them, I might had chosen law practice instead as this was my primary interest by then. I was completely unexperienced in restaurant field and did not have any touch with it. In the end, as you see, it all turned out well and today Seidabadi, the restaurant we’re having a conversation now, is doing just great. Why did you name your restaurant “Seidabadi”? - The location where this restaurant was constructed is referred to as “Meidani”, however in the past it was called the “Shaitan Market”, and a large group of caravans would travel through this area. In the 16th century, the Persian Tribe – “Seids” settled in this region, and built exquisite gardens filled with “Shiraz Roses”, a flower which was not permitted to be moved outside of Shiraz. These gardens were called “Seidabadi”, which can be translated to “Seid Gardens” - What are the major challenges that you managed to overcome and how challenging is the current environment? - Managing a restaurant business is generally quite
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difficult. We are often met with impediments. Hardships are to be expected when one is working in a service field, when we first established this business our waitresses did not have any formal training, and we were required to handle everything on our own. Speaking about restaurant business in general, I wish the market was more stable so that we restaurant owners felt more secure to run our businesses. It should also be noted that incentives are very important for private sector. I hope that our politicians will lessen the taxes, I understand the fact that such changes do not come without effort, and I am aware that this is the way our country requires it to be, but regardless, it would be quite pleasing if we had more financial resources to work with. Why do your customers select you over your competitors? - Our restaurant chain has existed for a long period of time, we have a high-standard customer support, the food we serve is consistently exceptional in quality. Furthermore, our prices are fair and stable. What do you recommend to your customers and GeorgianDay readers to try in your restaurants? - My personal favorite is Saji, it has stewed veal and roasted vegetables, potato, eggplant, bell pepper, apples and quince. It is a very delicious meal, loved by both Georgians and foreigners.
Taste Best of Eastern and Caucasian Cuisines at Seidabadi Restaurant GeorgianDay Magazine 59
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SPINACH AJARIAN KHACHAPURI GEORGIAN CHEESE AND EGG BREAD (ACHARULI KHACHAPURI) WITH SPINACH Ingredients
Directions
For the dough: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 teaspoon salt 1 egg 3 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 cup seltzer Melted butter 4 ounces Armenian string cheese or mozzarella
For the dough: In the bowl of a standing mixer fitted with a paddle, mix the flour and the salt. Add the egg, oil, and seltzer, and mix to form a soft dough. Turn out the dough and knead, by hand, for 1 minute, until the dough is elastic. Divide the dough into 4 pieces, form into balls, cover in plastic, and let rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. When chilled, roll the ball into a square. Trim the edges, and brush with melted butter. Fold the dough in half, and brush with butter. Fold the dough in half again, to make a square. Place 1/2 cup SpinachCheese Filling in the center. Sprinkle with some string cheese. Fold up the corners like a half open envelope. Repeat with remaining ingredients. Bake for 25 minutes.
Spinach-Cheese Filling: 4 ounces cream cheese 1/4 cup minced roasted hazelnuts 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander Pinch cayenne 1/2 teaspoon fenugreek Salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 cup cooked spinach 4 ounces feta cheese
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Spinach-Cheese Filling: For the Spinach-Cheese Filling: Mix together the cream cheese, hazelnuts, garlic, cilantro, coriander, cayenne, fenugreek, salt, and black pepper. Thoroughly drain the spinach and chop. Mix into the mixture, then fold in the feta. Set aside until ready to use.
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CHAKHOKHBILI
CHICKEN WITH EGGS & HERBS In this recipe we will show how to make a traditional Georgian dish called Chakhokhbili (Georgian: ჩახოხბილი). The name comes from the Georgian word “khokhobi” which means “pheasant,” but nowadays it is most usually made with chicken. Chakhokhbili is usually made using a whole chicken, cut into pieces with the skin left on but we made ours with chicken breasts. Ingredients: Half a kilo of marinaded chicken breast, 250 grams of onions, 2 large tomatoes, 2 cloves of garlic, 3 eggs, 3 bay leaves, 1 sweet red pepper (optional), half tsp of dried Blue Fenugreek, half tsp of dried coriander, 20 grams of fresh green coriander or parsley, 1 tsp dried hot chili pepper, salt (according to taste), 70 grams of butter and 50 ml of oil. Directions: Marinade the chicken breasts and leave covered in a refrigerator for at least 12 hours. A recipe for a typical marinade can be found here. When ready to cook, add the chili pepper and bay leaves to the marinaded chicken. Chop the onions, tomatoes, red pepper and fresh coriander. Crush or finely chop the garlic. Add oil to a pan and when hot add the chicken and cook on a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. After 15 minutes add the chopped onions and butter and cook on a medium heat for 10 more minutes, stirring
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Add the chopped tomatoes, cook for a further 5 minutes then add the chopped red pepper, garlic, Blue Fenugreek and dried coriander. frequently. After 5 minutes, add the eggs and stir to mix all ingredients. Cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Serving: Remove bay leaves and serve hot, garnished with chopped coriander or parsley.
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INDIAN MUTTON BIRYANI LAYERS OF MUTTON AND SAFFRON-MILK INFUSED RICE COOKED DUM STYLE Ingredients: • 1.5 kg mutton, cut into medium pieces • 750 gms basmati rice, soaked for half an hour • 1 cup oil/ghee • 4 onions, finely sliced • 2 green chili, slit • 2 tbsp ginger garlic paste • 5-6 ripe tomatoes, finely chopped • 1 Bay leaf • 4 cloves
• • • • • • • • • •
Directions: Mix the red chili powder, coriander powder, salt, tomato, yogurt and ginger garlic paste to the mutton pieces and set aside for atleast an hour. Heat oil/ghee in a large pan and add the bay leaf, cloves, cinnamon sticks, cardamom, shahi jeera and green chili and fry for 30 secs Add onions and fry till golden brown. Add the marinated mutton to the onions and cook till mutton is done and the oil start leaving the sides of the pan. Mix in the lemon juice, coriander leaves/cilantro and mint leaves. Switch off the flame and set aside this yakhni while you get the rice ready. Boil sufficient water in a large vessel to cook the rice. Add
salt and a tbsp of oil to the water. The oil helps to keep the rice seperate. Add rice to the boiling water. Cook rice to 70% (This step is absolute crucial. Do not leave the kitchen at this point. If you don’t know how to identify the cooking of the rice. See notes below). Add rice to the yakhni. Do not mix. Spread a tbsp of ghee on top of the rice. Cover with foil and close the lid. The foil do not let the steam escape. Place on a tawa on cook on low heat for 15 minutes. If you do not have a tawa, cook on low flame for 10 minutes. (see Notes) Mix the rice and gravy gently before serving. Serve hot with Raita or bagare baingan
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2 one inch cinnamon sticks 4 cardamom 1/2 tsp shahi jeera 2 tsp red chili powder 2 tsp coriander powder 2 cup yogurt salt to taste 2 tbsp lemon juice bunch of coriander leaves/cilantro, finely chopped bunch of mint leaves/pudina, finely chopped
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Seidabadi Restaurant Eastern Restaurant (HALAL) 1 Gorgasali St. (Meidan) Tbilisi. Tel: +995 599 41 58 15 72 GeorgianDay Magazine
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Vinotel Restaurant Georgian cuisine. #4 Elene Akhvediani Ascent. Tbilisi. Tel: (+995) 032 2555 888
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Mepetubani Restaurant Georgian Restaurant 3 Erekle II square. Tbilisi. Tel: +995 598 77 09 68
Siang-gan Restaurant Chinese Restaurant 41 Gamsaxurdia Ave. (Gagarini sq.) Tel: +995 32 237 96 88 GeorgianDay Magazine 73
The Kitchen Italian, French Restaurant 14 Merab Kostava St, 0108, Tbilisi
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