Out of Africa

Photo: Martha Williams

“We saw the location and thought it would make a nice addition to the neighborhood,” Tigist Reda says, explaining why she and her husband, Girmai Lemma, decided to open their first restaurant, Demera Ethiopian, in Uptown. The deeper reason, however, was the pair’s longing to bridge the gap between their youth in Ethiopia and their present lives in the U.S. Reda and Lemma return to their roots not just with specialties like ye-bug kikill fitfit (a stew of lamb and vegetables) and a take on kitfo (raw beef seasoned with a spicy chili powder and herbed butter) with housemade cottage cheese and Ethiopian greens—but also with the decor and lively atmosphere. Many of the paintings on the walls were imported from Ethiopia, and soon, Reda says, Demera will start hosting African musicians. A nice addition to the ’hood, indeed. 4801 N Broadway at Lawrence Ave (773-334-8787).