Evanston Lunch Group, Dec. 9 at Denden

Q. Is there any difference between Ethiopian and Eritrean food?
A. We will find out on Dec. 9, 12:30, at Denden, 6635 N. Clark, (773) 973-4752.
The menu is very similar to Ethiopian restaurants, though I note two dishes with okra, which I have not yet seen at Ethiopian places I have eaten; they also have two fish dishes. Otherwise, food is served on injera (though you can substitute rice, which I suspect is not a great idea, or fresh bread, which is even more doubtful.) Dishes run from $11 - 12.50 (even less for vegetarian dishes, though they often serve sides of vegetables with the meat dishes in Ethiopian restaurants.)
This is the old space of Islas Maria.

I plan to be there. Thanks, Robert!

Looking forward to it.

I'll be there.

I plan to attend.

Due to a death in the family, I will miss today's lunch.

Not feeling great - looks like I won't make it today. Have a good lunch and report back!

A small group of us visited Denden and we learned that Eritrean food is essentially Ethiopian food (at least from Denden's perspective) - although Eritreans also serve fish.

The food was alright. I wouldn't place the restaurant at the top of Horn of Africa restaurants. The service was very forthcoming and the food was appealing, although some of the meats were tough. I particularly liked the spicy lentils and also the hot sauce which had a unique and strong flavor of mustard and ginger. Those were the high points of the meal for me.

The hostess was very warm and welcoming and did, indeed, have a meal prepared for a group since rgl201 had made a reservation. We were the only people eating lunch there. I agree with GAF about the lentils and hot sauce being the best things on the platter. To me, much of the meat and even the vegetables tasted of the same set of spices. Our hostess also kindly made us coffee on the house, bringing out the small long-handled pot she was roasting the beans in, which was still smoking, and swung it under our noses like a censer. The smoke was a bit strong and acrid, as was the coffee. For the coffee service, we were seated at a round table on low arm chairs.

We also were told that Eritrean food includes more fish than does Ethiopian, but we were not served any. Also the Italian occupation of the country left a culinary legacy of pasta, and spaghetti is on the menu, although, again, we did not have any. I might give Denden another shot for dinner to try the fish and because the service was so welcoming and it's quite close to home for me.

Is there a plan for the next meeting of the ELG?

If not, I would suggest Hota as a possibility. It's the new place where Jacky's on Prairie was, off Central Street. I'm willing to pick a date (maybe early Feb?), make the res, and keep track of the headcount.

I'm not trying to usurp anyone else's plans, and if there are other plans in process, by all means post them!

Plans in the works and posted soon! Sorry for the delay.

Evy