The Fall of the Roman Empire

We came across this historically intriguing film we wanted to share with our Armenian community. This epic film, produced in 1964, depicts a weakening Roman Empire struggling to maintain its power and defend against a growing number of enemies on all fronts. To do so, Caesar decides to unite Rome and powerful ally Armenia through the marriage of his daughter with Armenia’s king. An all-star cast, including Alec Guiness, Christopher Plummer, Sophia Loren and Omar Sharif, playing the King of Armenia, bring this memorable story to life.

In this short clip, which we found amusing and endearing, Rome’s allies arrive to show their allegiance to Caesar. However, Caesar is somewhat indifferent to most of his allies except when Armenia’s king presents himself.

Watch the full-length film here:

The Fall of the Roman Empire

Armenian Food Flourishes in Los Angeles

Renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson explores the variety of Armenian food in Little Armenia and the greater Los Angeles area.

This fantastic video gives you a glimpse of how the Armenian Diaspora, spread around the world in dozens of different countries, has come together not only to preserve traditional Armenian food but to also influence modern Armenian cuisine.

Armenian Food Flourishes in Los Angeles (This episode of No Passport Required was originally aired in 2019.)

Dave’s Hot Chicken

If you haven’t tried Dave’s Hot Chicken, you don’t know what you’re missing.

Stack of Dave's Hot Chicken sliders
Photo credit: Dave’s Hot Chicken website

It all started in a small parking lot in the heart of East Hollywood’s Little Armenia. Four smart, hard-working guys set-out with just an idea to share their passion for Nashville hot chicken.

Dave's Hot Chicken pop-up in Little Armenia, East Hollywood
Photo credit: Dave’s Hot Chicken website

Seemingly overnight, their idea turned into a popular eatery which has now become a nationwide sensation. With the help of seasoned industry executives and famous investors (including Drake, Samuel L. Jackson, and Maria Shriver), Dave’s Hot Chicken is one of the fastest growing restaurant chains in the world with franchise locations throughout the United States, Canada, UAE, and Qatar.

Large tray of Dave's Hot Chicken with coleslaw and sliders
Photo credit: Dave’s Hot Chicken website

Watch this great interview with two of the founders (Dave and Arman) detailing their fascinating success story.
(WARNING: strong language; also, fast forward through the ads)

The Cigar Aficionados

The relationship between Mr. Edward Sahakian and his charming son Eddie is a beautiful sight to behold. For decades, the dapper duo have shared a passion for high-quality cigars and exceptional customer service.

Edward Sahakian and Eddie Sahakian

This lovely conversation between the two highlights a wise (and proud) father sharing valuable lessons with his son about living life fully, developing relationships, doing business in retail, and much more. Pay close attention at the 5:15 mark to see if you can catch what Eddie says to his father.

The Sahakians own and operate Davidoff of London, one of the most popular cigar shops in London, England. In honor of Edward’s legacy of excellence in the retail cigar world for over 40 years, they recently opened the Edward Sahakian Cigar Shop & Lounge. To learn more about their new world-class cigar lounge, watch Eddie’s interview with Kirby Allison below.


Did you know that Avo Uvezian created one of the most popular cigar brands in the world? Read about the impressive life of Avo Uvezian.