We tried our hand at Ethiopian Diamond.  The food is served on one communal plate, and silverware is for wimps.

We tried our hand at Ethiopian Diamond. The food is served on one communal plate, and silverware is for wimps.

Tammy and I recently abandoned our silverware and relied on our hands to scoop up food at two of Chicago’s Ethiopian restaurants. After our first experience at Ethiopian Diamond, it was clear that neither one of us had the frame-of-reference needed to talk about the food. We could barely identify what we ordered, let alone pronounce it! So we made our way to Demera to learn a little more. Listen in as we compare the two places, discuss the dining experiences overall, and give you our take on the spicy tastes.

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Show Notes:
00:00 – 01:36 Ethiopian Diamond vs. Demera, finger food galore
01:37 – 02:47 Side-by-side appetizer comparison
02:48 – 08:16 Combo plates and presentation, which place does it better?
08:17 – 09:02 Don’t count on dessert
09:03 – 10:50 A striking discovery and honey wine
10:51 – 13:30 Atmosphere, live music, and looks of fear
13:31 – 15:07 Sign-off

Overall Bridget likes Demera best of the two, and Tammy gives Ethiopian Diamond the edge. It’s a toss up!

Ethiopian Diamond
6120 N Broadway St.
Chicago, IL

Bridget’s Ethiopian Diamond Ratings:
Food Quality: 2/5
Value: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 2/5

Tammy’s Ethiopian Diamond Ratings:
Food Quality: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 2/5

Average price per person: $25

By the time we tried the fare at Demera, we had the hang of It.

By the time we tried the fare at Demera, we had the hang of It.

Demera
4801 N Broadway St.
Chicago, IL

Bridget’s Demera Ratings:
Food Quality: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Service: 3/5
Ambiance: 2/5

Tammy’s Demera Ratings:
Food Quality: 2/5
Value: 3/5
Service: 2/5
Ambiance: 2/5

Average price per person: $25

The food is served in large, colorful baskets.

The food is served in large, colorful baskets.

Online buzz about Ethiopian Diamond:
Metromix
Yelp

Online buzz about Demera:
Metromix
Yelp

The pork is Sarah's Favorite dish.  Very good mango sauce.

The pork is Sarah's Favorite dish. Very good mango sauce.

Listener Sarah and her friend Amelia introduced us to La Fonda, a tasty little Cuban restaurant that serves the best flan in the city. Yes, I know that’s a bold statement. But I’m sticking to it. Because, I’m telling you, the flan at La Fonda is practically a religious experience. And guess what? Tammy agrees with me!

I hear that the mojitos are pretty good too. Then again, I wouldn’t know for sure. Tammy guzzled hers down so quickly I didn’t get to sneak a sip!
Thanks for the recommendation Sarah! Let’s dine again soon.

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Show Notes:
00:00 – 00:26 Intro
00:27 – 11:02 La Fonda Review
11:03 – 12:17 Ratings and Sign-Off

La Fonda Latino Grill
5350 N. Broadway Ave.
Chicago, IL

Bridget rates La Fonda 6/10
Tammy rates La Fonda 7/10

Look at those plantains.  Yum.

Look at those plantains. Yum.

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