In this scene, we take a walk through the warm memories on Sunset Boulevard, in search of Nabokov and discover "Russian Pelmeni" with near-sighted eyes.
The subject of an Oscar-winning film noir, Sunset Boulevard, is like some majestic river originating in the Downtown Los Angeles, carving a 35 kilometer ribbon through the metropolis, as it flows into the Pacific Ocean. From its banks arise such great civilizations as Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Pacific Palisades.
If you are, like many, whose aunts and uncles have come to visit sunny LA from the frosty Midwest, contemplating the best way to show off LA landmarks, an excursion down the famous street, a landmark in and of itself, will not only warm their bones, but their hearts as well. In fact there is enough there to feast ones’ eyes for ten Milwaukees.
The Benjamin Eye Institute has dispatched its local correspondent and paparazzo on yet another exploratory mission down Sunset Boulevard. One such rediscovered jewel was long ago inscribed into the annals of the Sunset Boulevard with golden letters, and it speaks Russian. It’s a bookstore named “Kovcheg”.
Most of us, who long ago have upgraded to the ubiquitous e-readers in the quest to save the planet and its forests, will be surprised to discover a plethora of paper produce both bought and sold. Everywhere we look there is a potpourri of paper souvenirs, reminding us of high culture of yesteryear. Much like Noah’s Ark served as the last refuge for the world’s inhabitants in the Great Flood (a metaphor for emigration?) and made land fall on Mount Ararat, The Kovcheg (Russian for Noah’s Ark) is the last refuge of the now seemingly ancient and great civilization of paper tomes, now guarded by an Armenian proprietor.
In the mid 90’s when yours truly first arrived in Los Angeles, one of his first stops was, of course, the epicenter of Russian culture, Kovcheg the Russian bookstore. There, in a dimly lit corner sat an elderly Armenian proprietor sporting the typical aerodrome-shaped flat cap pulled over his forehead.
– Got anything by Nabokov? I asked.After inspecting me from head to toe he produced a thoughtful answer:– Nabokov? No! But, I do have some sheet music of Mozart.
My near-sighted eyes could barely make out a poster over the door behind him: “Russian Pelmeni here!“. Today, after the latest LASIK upgrade, it would be no problem.
Alas, there is no poster anymore. A new era, a new owner, and not even a hint of smell of ravioli in the bookstore. Although, one could find them in a nearby shop, we won’t be going there today.
Text: Arthur Benjamin
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Well, we continue our question-answer column with Dr. Arthur Benjamin about high-science and pseudoscientific myths in the treatment of stye. By the way, what is stye, and how dangerous could be a quick kiss on the infected eyelid. Read on!
Can you please articulate what constitutes good medical treatment? It requires an entire infrastructure, consisting of reliable staff of experienced and well trained workers, as well as, having accessible office with proper diagnostic equipment, which will allow to diagnose various medical conditions. Last but not least, is having a well-educated, experienced Doctor, who loves what he does and he is always in the process of self-improvement.
We’re thrilled to share this Fairmont Post feature on Dr. Arthur Benjamin, highlighting his expertise in LASIK, cataract surgery, and advanced vision correction. At Benjamin Eye Institute, our commitment to precision, innovation, and personalized care makes us a trusted destination for world-class eye treatment.
At Benjamin Eye Institute, your vision is our priority. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience a warm, welcoming environment designed to make you feel comfortable and confident in your care.
We’re delighted to welcome Dr. Tamar Kaloustian to our Benjamin Eye Institute family! Dr. Tamar brings a unique blend of expertise, warmth, and dedication to patient care, making her a wonderful addition to our team.
At Benjamin Eye Institute, we believe in providing more than just eye care—we deliver life-changing experiences. Our mission is to blend expert medical treatment with personalized care, ensuring that every patient feels valued and receives the best results possible. From advanced diagnostic tools to cutting-edge surgery techniques, our clinic is designed to offer world-class eye care for every individual. But don’t take our word for it! Hear directly from our patients who have experienced firsthand what makes our practice stand out.
Interview with Dr. Arthur Benjamin: My journey into ophthalmology began with a fascination for how the eye works and the profound impact vision has on our daily lives. The opportunity to help restore and improve vision for my patients has been incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I’ve seen the field evolve with new technologies and treatments, and it’s been exciting to be at the forefront of these advancements. I spare no expense, time, or effort to stay relevant in the field, constantly investing in new surgical techniques, materials, and equipment. It’s not just about my own training; my entire staff, from technicians to surgical coordinators and front desk personnel, undergo continuous training to ensure we provide the best care possible.
Explore genuine patient testimonials that highlight the exceptional care at Benjamin Eye Institute. From state-of-the-art technology to personalized treatments, find out why our clinic is highly recommended for comprehensive eye care.
