Hi,

Ramadan begins approximately July 9th this year. I saw today an article on The Importance of Suhoor (or breakfast) during Ramadan.

Last year, I visited a family for Suhoor at 3:00 am. We dined until the crack of dawn at 4:10 am. I will gather my notes and finish that post sometime soon.

Regards,

Hi,

Ramadan begins tonight at sunset.

I finally have the whole suhoor buffet issue figured out after many years of trying. If you have any doubts, go back to the top of this thread.

I plan to enjoy Suhoor on Saturday, June 18th at 2:00 am. If anyone is interested, please send a PM. Buffet commences at 2:30 am with the fast commencing at 3:30 am.

Regards,

Hi!

For Suhoor on Saturday morning, I suggest arriving around 1:15 am. We will likely take three tables on the west wall, which seat four people each with a possible fifth person possible.

If you know you are definitely not attending, just let me know. Presently, I expect about a dozen people. We are expected and welcomed by the chef and staff.

Daata Darbar
2306 West Devon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60645
daatadarbarchicagoil.com
(East of Western Avenue, cross street Oakley)
Free Street Parking (due to the time)

***

Notes from a visit early Thursday:

To double check timing and arrangements, I went to suhoor early Thursday morning.

Buffet serve began at 1:45 am instead of 2:30 am advised earlier. I got there around 1:00 am. I ended up parking on Western Ave about two blocks west.

It was warm, so a lot of men were standing outside chatting. I went inside, which was warmer than the street, to wait for a friend.

Their buffet had nine-chaffing dishes, mixed salad, flat bread and strawberry ice cream. Later after a half hour of service, they brought out a mostacolli-type dish. I was plenty full and did not try it.

If anyone arrives late, no worries because last night they refilled the buffet. Basic meal cost $10, Coke $1 and I left a tip of $2.

A small group of Muslim Clerics dined there, also.

Regards,

HI,

Last night, I got up at midnight to pick up a friend for a sahur, the meal before the fast begins at astronomical twilight (3:27 AM on May 20th) during Ramadan.

Most of the sahur buffets begin at 2:00 AM on Devon Avenue, though one began at 1:30 AM at House of Biryani (2306 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL 60659). This was where Daata Darbar (DD) was once located.

House of Biryani does not have the buzz once seen at Daata Darbar. When DD was operating, the place was packed with people outside waiting to get a space. Today was much quieter with no one place on Devon having the people packing in like they once did at DD. Yes, it is all about the food. While House of Biryani was quite good, it just was not DD good.

If you are seeking a sahur, there were at least four or five restaurants open between Western and Ridge on Devon Avenue. Just west of Western Avenue, Bismallah Restaurant was open, too. Bismallah's posted hours currently are: 12:00 AM - 3:45 AM, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM.

I returned home at 3:30 AM, so yes, I did go back to bed.

Regards,
Cathy2