Inhibition: To try Ethiopian food and then check out one of the most famous jazz spots in Chicago…alone.
Betty’s Response: Every day people eat food and listen to music, geez.
Experience: This week I headed over to Broadway and Lawrence for a double hitter, Demera Ethiopian Restaurant and across the street, The Green Mill Jazz Lounge.
Demera Ethiopian Restaurant, 4801 N. Broadway St.
A Sambussa Sampler, dumplings stuffed separately with tuna, chicken, lentils, beef, and spinach along side an order of Ambasha, a traditional mildly sweet skillet baked bread served with Ayib be Gomen – ethiopian cheese flavored with collard greens.
The Green Mill Lounge, 4802 N. Broadway St.
Thursday nights, The Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra 9pm-1am $6 bucks
What I Didn’t Know: Well first of all I had no idea that across the street from the Green Mill was an Ethiopian Restaurant. So when Betty and I arrived at the jazz club and discovered it I mustered up an appetite and headed on over. Completely clueless, the wait staff was very friendly and helpful when describing dishes and flavors. The sampler I had was super delicious and as I was enjoying it I saw several full size dinners I wanted to try on my next visit.
And although I did know the Green Mill’s long history of incredible jazz, and its reputation a hangout for Al Capone and his gangster crews, I didn’t know the Green Mill opened in 1907 as Pop Morse’s Roadhouse and was revitalized in the 70’s when becoming home to Uptown Poetry Slam (currently held on Sundays from 7-9pm). Lastly, I thoroughly enjoyed the big band sounds that radiate every Thursday featuring The Alan Gresik Swing Shift Orchestra…not to mention the dancers who GET DOWN!
I also didn’t know that even though I initially felt uncomfortable walking in and sitting down alone at the bar, at both places, I enjoyed myself so much that in was completely worth it.
Alright! Betty and I are off and on to our next experience but first extending to you…GET OUT THERE AND SHOW ME WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW PEOPLE!!!!!
My Bike Betty 