This is a charming, out-of-the-way Ethiopian restaurant I read about in the Boom Chicago Guide. The author suggests not ordering from the menu, but instead telling your server how many meat or vegetarian entrees you want. This allows the staff to choose what is fresh and tasty. Upon being seated, I was given a menu, but I immediately returned it and asked for a vegetarian plate. I had never eaten Ethiopian, so I was grateful for the stress-free ordering. During the short wait, I noticed three tables of relaxed locals, chatting in Dutch while sipping beer from wooden bowls and scooping up food with flat bread. A large platter arrived, dotted with colorful mounds of hot and cold items. Without hesitation, I dipped into the white pile. The cool, creamy horseradish flavor was tempered by a dive into the warm, mildly spiced, red concoction. I took my time experiencing the new flavors and enjoying the atmosphere.
The only downfall: "ugly" tourists. One woman who had arrived, guidebook in arms, rudely asked for a fork and was shocked that none were available and she had to eat with her hands. At another table, guidebook also in tow, I overheard a mother and her teenage daughter bemoaning the menu. They ordered water, and when it arrived in a glass, the woman enunciated loudly, "DO YOU HAVE BOTTLED WATER?" The server brought back a bottle and explained, in flawless English, that all water served is bottled. The woman then asked, "Do you have a bigger bottle?" (Check your guidebook for the water situation in A'dam.) When the food arrived, the girl groaned "EWWW, we should have stayed at the hotel!" I am always saddened by rudeness and unwillingness to try new things by tourists. With that said, hop on the bus to Semhaz. Relax and enjoy your meal.