But when Russia invaded Ukraine last week and started Europe’s largest ground war in 80 years, Monamour tore the letters spelling out "Russian" from her entrance and renamed her restaurant "House" in solidarity with Ukrainians.
"I've created this space so that people in Austin can come and share peace and share love, not hate, and concentrate on things that bring us together, not set us apart," Monamour, who was born in Crimea but grew up in Moscow after moving there with her family when she was 3-years-old, told FOX Business this week. "It felt like something needs to be said or done. I care for my culture.
Monamour originally came to the United States to attend Georgetown University in the early 2000s, then opened what is now "House" in 2012. Varda Monamour decorated the inside of ‘House’ herself with leaders, composers, writers, artists, and dancers of the post-Soviet era. Since then, she has tried to share the culture of post-Soviet states with Texas by partnering with the music festival South by Southwest and hosting cooking classes so Austinites can learn more about Russian, Ukrainian and other dishes. The walls of "House" are adorned with leaders, composers, writers, artists and dancers of the post-Soviet era. Some of the rooms pay homage to specific countries, such as the Uzbek room that is adorned with traditional carpets on the walls and floor.
"I'm just praying, taking it day-by-day and doing one good thing a day," Monamour said. "We're not trying to conquer the whole world."
No guts, no glory
It’s not Russia and the people. It’s Putin. Let’s not create divisiveness and hate.
Or risk going out of business like I hope you do some day.
This is great 👏🏼👏🏼