[Stories & Tips]

Despite only knowing two things about this country- that it produces really great food and even better music- I know it's one of the first places I'd go if I was in Africa.
Ethiopian meals have the look and flavor of an Indian-Mediteranean lovechild, the lighter and tangier version of thick Indian curry and samosas, a more substantial and bold rendition of Mediterranean baba ghanoush.
Hopefully in the next few months you'll happen to find yourself in Chicago. Once you're here, head past the Loop continuing north towards Sheridan Park for the best Ethiopian cuisine. Ras Dashen, which happens to also be a great vegan spot, is a good place to get hooked on Ethiopian foodstuffs. Ethiopian Diamond, located near the Granville redline stop, is another delicious restaurant that serves superb Ethiopian fare.
If you try it and just don't like it... I completely understand. Ethiopian bread tastes sick nasty to me so I just avoid it, but the bean and lentil stuff is awesome. Usually there are some inoffensive meat items on the menu that anyone can enjoy.
Now onto the music. A friend of a friend turned me on to the first Ethiopiques album (The Golden Years) and I became obsessed. There are over 20 "Ethiopiques" albums, all of which I'd recommend sampling... The 21st volume, "Ethiopia Song" is another highlight, it consists entirely of simple, striking piano solos. The soundtrack to the film "Broken Flowers" has a number of songs by Mulatu Astatqe, the reputed "father of ethio-jazz". SO EAT! EAT AND LISTEN TO ETHIOPIA!