The Cincinnati Enquirer
Family touch works -
East African Restaurant in Pleasant Ridge
feels like home
by Nicole Hamilton
''
...Owner Emanu Mogos, Samuel and Melke's mother, cooks all the food. She often makes items not listed on the menu or experiments with new dishes. When this happens, as it did on our second visit, patrons get the dish on the house in exchange for a thumbs up or thumbs down vote.
There are two main components to Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine: tsebhi, or watt, stew-like dishes prepared from various meats and vegetables, and injera, a large, soft, sourdough crepe upon which the watt is served. The menu says the injera functions as ''both the serving platter and the utensil.'' Pieces are broken off and wrapped around watt so there's no need for forks.
On our first visit, we tried beyaynetu ($7), a sampler of vegetarian dishes, including atkilt watt, a spicy mixture of green beans, carrots and potatoes; ahmelti, collard greens; and ades, split lentils in a mild red sauce (we were also served yellow lentils). We also ordered doro watt ($7), chicken marinated in lemon and butter and stewed in a red pepper sauce flavored with ginger root, cardamom and nutmeg...
After dinner, let your stomach settle by sitting back with a cup of exceptionally smooth coffee and talk a bit with one of the owners. Take a minute to soak in the atmosphere. The brightness of this place - from the colorful walls to the owners' smiles - is contagious. " >>more
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Two takes on Africa - by Sarah Knott
The Pairing
A movie about a journey in Africa paired with food from a family-run Pleasant Ridge restaurant.
The Movie
"I Dreamed of Africa" begins with the idea that, sometimes, bad things can lead to better things. Living in Italy as a single mom, Kuki (Kim Basinger) is involved in a horrible car accident. She follows her instincts and moves to Kenya, testing her character, her resolve and her questions: Am I still growing? Where is home? How can I push myself? The screenplay is based on the book by Kuki Gallmann.
The Takeout
East Africa Restaurant (6025 Montgomery Road, Pleasant Ridge; 513-351-7686) serves Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine. The décor is simple; adornments hanging on the walls look authentic and loved, like they were once special to someone. The entrées are difficult to say, but descriptions and pronunciations are included, and the staff is patient and helpful. Cash or checks only. >>more
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