Spice level warning — Harissa is not what I expected

I underestimated Harissa. The warmly herbal description didn't prepare me for the reality. dried apricots zardalu brings a heat or pungency that builds steadily rather than hitting upfront. By halfway through I was sweating but couldn't stop eating.

Armenia claims the world's oldest winery dating to 4100 BC and has a deep wine-making heritage. The an Armenian diaspora community event setting means locals eat this with ease while visitors like me reach for water. Armenian cognac cut through it better than water would have. Don't order the mild version out of caution — the full version is the point. I'd go back. Three stars only because I wasn't warned.