Sunday, May 18, 2014

Restaurant Review - Asmara in Cambridge

Last night we were in Central Square in Cambridge to see "The Golden Door" at the Cambridge YMCA.  Who knew they had a theater at the Y?

We went a bit early to eat, because Central Square has lots of great restaurants.  We tried to get into an organic restaurant but decided not to wait in line and instead went a few doors down to Asmara.  It is Eritrean/ Ethiopian food and we were both really glad we decided to go there instead of the first one we walked into.

The food is all served communally on a large plate or platter.  Some of the tables are actually very low baskets that the platter fits into.  We sat at a regular table with the platter between us.

No utensils were on the table however, the meal was served on top of Injera, a bread made of teff grain, kind of like an Indian dosa.  As an aside, teff is grown in the US in Idaho which must have the same climate.  There was a table tent card describing this on our table.

They also served extra injera bread to eat the meal with.  Ours was an vegetarian variety of cabbage, lentils, sweat pea, and some spicy sauces.  These were all arranged in a circle.  In the middle of the platter was a very nice traditional tomato salad.

It was great to eat as they do in Eritrea and it was great to experience a different kind of food.  The waitress was very helpful explaining how the food would arrive, and explaining the menu.  She also warned us about the green peppers in the tomato salad.

After we left, I read Yelp reviews and I guess there are always bad experiences and some people love to complain.  We loved the meal and plan already to return with Bethany and Bryan, and probably others.

It is so interesting how Rod and I are.  Now that we know about this restaurant, and how great the experience was, when we are near Central Square it will be a regular destination.

I love NOT eating at chains, and I love experiencing a new ethnic food.  I also am a creature of habit and once I love a restaurant I am apt to want to go back there often.

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