We arrived with a group of 6, and it was complete chaos. It seemed like two other larger groups. The place seemed like it was far exceeding the supposed capacity of 55. People crowded around tables and injera flew everywhere. Eventually we were seated around a 4 person table in the back. After ordering our 5 dishes and the “redolent” Ethiopian wine, Mikhail went to the convenience store across the street to buy a pack of cards.

Finally, our card game was interrupted when the gigantic plate holding a 2 foot wide injera piled with our dishes arrived, along with five (individual sized) injeras. The small tabled seemed all part of the plan, we each could reach across the table and grab whichever pile of spicy goodness we desired, using our hands, of course (though we did not place food into each others mouths, as the introductory text of the menu claimed was customary). It didn’t take long until we were full of spicy vegetables and meat (including my favorite, Kitfo. I think I could be a raw-foodist if it included sushi and steak tartare). I think this is the first time I’ve actually been in a group that has completely demolished an Ethiopian dinner to the last crumb and drop of curry.