HARRAR CAFÉ

Harrar or spelled Harar, capital of Harar region, E central Ethiopia, at an altitude of c.6,000 ft (1,830 m). It is the trade center for a region where coffee, cereals, and cotton are produced. Harar was probably founded in the 7th cent. A walled city, Harar was long a center of Ethiopian Islamic learning.

The walled town of Harrar, Ethiopia - UNESCO Protected

The town of Harar dates from before the thirteenth century. Its strategic location between the coastal lowlands and central highlands led to its development as an important centre of Islamic culture and commerce. A period of instability led to a loss of its traditional power between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries but it regained its importance in the following century.Until the present century, all development took place inside the sixteenth-century walls, where even now the population is growing.

West Orange CHRONICLE
Harrar Cafe Brings Ethiopian Food to "Taste of Downtown".

''... There was no shortage of culture last week at the township's "Taste of Downtown," where scores of people turned out to sample delicious dishes from various countries, including Italy, China and Ethiopia.

The event, which is in its second year, gives local restaurants the opportunity to give the public a sample of the various foods on their menus. "I'm real happy with the turnout," said Nancy Adams, executive director of Downtown West Orange. "We have more than twice the people we had last year."

Sponsored by the Downtown West Orange, The "Taste of Downtown" featured dishes from a dozen different restaurants. The main street development corporation hopes the event will boost business for many of the restaurants in the special improvement district.

Many West Orange residents, who say they attended the event last year, were pleased to note that the variety of dishes to choose from had increased. "This is our second year coming and it's great because we get to taste the different restaurants in town," said Lynn Westwood. "Lots of food, lots of fun," said Rick Brill.

Brill and his wife, Megan, said the event is also great because it takes place outdoors. "It's really nice to be able to sit outside," said Megan Brill. The "Taste of Downtown" also featured entertainment, with The Jack Knife Betty Trio for adults and Happy Jack the clown for children."The entertainment is good," said Brill. Darren Kirton, who brought his 2-year-old son, Darrius, along, said the event is a good chance to come out and see neighbors. "My son is having a good time," said Kirton..." >>more