An Ethiopian treat

In our walkable neighborhood we are 5 to 10 minutes away from a variety of cuisines, including Thai, Italian, Mexican, American, Japanese and Chinese. Every Thursday we make a point to have a light meal out, so it was a nice change of pace to try Mudai, at the corner of Northeast Broadway and 8th Avenue.

It's been a while since I've had Ethiopian, so it was a pleasant experience of reacquainting myself with the tasty stews and spongy bread that comes with each entree. But let me step aside and quote from Willamette Week's review:
'' Mudai's menu offers the usual Ethiopian assortment of spicy red stews, mellow green stews and salads, all served family-style on enjera bread -- that tangy love child of a pancake and a crumpet. Mudai's delicate enjera quickly soaks up the luscious sauces, and as they mingle in its bubbly crevices you will taste a sublime harmony."

Tangy love child? Never would I have come up with those words...though I wish I had.

The atmosphere is totally relaxed, with gracious service, and big windows allow easy views of Broadway. The food is colorful, the portions are generous and it's all served on a single platter so everyone eats communally from the same dish. You tear off a piece of the enjera -- just as you would a tortilla -- and scoop up chunks of curried beef or lamb, chicken with spinach or yellow lentils. You can have your dish prepared mild or fiery hot, depending how dangerously you want to live.

Read more about the restaurant here -- and, if you haven't tried this cuisine, consider checking out one of these handful of Ethiopian restaurants around Portland.