Lansing City Pulse
Dig in - really, with your hands - at Altu's
By Allan Ross
''...Everyone has to try sitting at one of the baskets," says owner/operator Altu Tadesse. "This is the way they eat in Ethiopia. This is authentic."
The baskets are only one of the new touches at Altu's, located at 1312 Michigan Ave. just east of Lansing's Frandor Shopping Center. Altu's expanded in November, and it can now seat up to 50 guests.
"We decorated it in here to make it look more like a hutch," says Tadesse. Indeed, the rich African atmosphere is complemented by the pulsing background music, colorful wall hangings and lingering aromas.
While I was there, three tables of novices wandered in and were treated to their first respective tastes of Ethiopia. Tadesse herself tended to each customer, asking them questions about what kind of food they like and then recommending a dish.
As I eavesdropped, everyone hmm-ed and oh-ed over their selections.
Altu's exotic cuisine puts the "finger" back in "finger-licking good." Enjoy..." >>more
Lansing State Journal
Local music beat: Classic rock act kicks off summer series
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By Anne Erickson
''...Music and dining always have been a can't-beat combination.
That's just what East Lansing restaurant owner Altu Tadesse had in mind when she started bringing in live music to Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine.
The idea came to her after Altu's underwent some remodeling and expansion. The new space holds 30 to 40 people. Altu realized the new capacity was a good size to facilitate intimate shows.
So, she enlisted the help of local musician Lynn Hershberger to bring in some performers.
"When she expanded into the new space, she wanted music," Hershberger said. "I said that since I was a musician, I'd try to get my friends in once a week. It's just a wonderful space to see music."
Shows run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. various Saturdays. Altu's closes at 9 p.m., so stopping by would make an apt warm-up for a night out.
There's no cover - all the more reason to spend a few bucks on dinner or ice cream.
Hershberger's own group, Abbott Brothers, plays Saturday. The six-piece band covers a variety of styles - swing, early jazz, blues, country. Hershberger plays bass - a Heftone upright acoustic five-stringer, to be specific.
"It is truly my favorite Saturday night haunt," Hershberger said. "And I do my best to bring in a true variety of groups."
Show details: The Abbott Brothers, 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine, 1312 Michigan Ave., East Lansing, 333-6295; no cover, more information available online ..." >>more
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Live Music Saturdays 6:30-8:30