Out of Africa
It’s a heart-shaped present to the East Side. The Ethiopian Cottage will make things official on Feb. 14. Yigletu Debebe and his wife, Almaz M. Bekele, are offering a traditional take on their homeland in this bright space. The interior is decorated with Ethiopian draperies and basket “tables” called moseb. In Ethiopia, the tables are topped with injera (a flat bread made of a grain called teff). Diners use their fingers to eat the injera and the vegetable and eat stews served with it. The Ethiopian Cottage will follow the traditional format, but if you need a fork, that won’t be a problem. Debebe says the accent here is on authentic foods (prepared by Bekele). The price range: $9-$13. (1824 N. Farwell Ave., 224-5226).
Mini Move
China Gourmet left Kilbourn for Wells late in 2006. The new digs were most recently the home of Tula’s, and prior to that, Wells Street Station. Owner Robert Tsao says that aside from the location, which has Riverwalk access (and consequently, patio seating this summer), nothing has changed from the old China Gourmet of a few blocks away. The business lunch buffet runs Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. ($8.50 per person). On the weekends (Fri.-Sat., 5-9 p.m.), there’s a dinner buffet. The price is a bit higher than lunch ($13.95), and the choices are a step up – crab legs, Peking duck, shrimp and chicken. The regular menu is posted on CG’s Web site: www.china-gourmet.com. (117 E. Wells St., 272-1688).
Cupid Eats
Last week, I mentioned a Valentine’s dinner where you have the option of being blindfolded and fed by that special someone seated with you. Oh, you’d rather see what you’re eating? Maybe Coast Restaurant (931 E. Wisconsin Ave.) is what you had in mind. On Feb. 14, they’re taking reservations between 5 and 10 p.m. (Call 727-5555.) “Exclusive seating” is available, if you really want to do it up. “Exclusive” includes a glass of sparkling wine and a bouquet of flowers to take home. The menu is pretty special. The raw bar will have hand-shucked oysters, bouillabaisse, prawns and California rolls. In between, you might want to order some entrées – green tea-encrusted halibut, basil-truffle scallops, grilled tenderloin with Merlot veal reduction, Provençal herb chicken with spinach linguine and olive-eggplant ratatouille, among other dishes ($24-$45). Don’t get too carried away that you miss the “opulent dessert fountain” (9-11 p.m.). Another option is the Dinner for Two sharing menu – four courses plus a bottle of Coast’s private-label wine. Valentine’s Day is all about lovers, even those who aren’t hooked up. Speed dating, anyone? It’s happening, same place, same night: 6-8 p.m. The event is open to 24 people who will dine on a separate six-course menu. For speed-dating reservations, send an e-mail to ge.frontdesk.mil@gmail.com.
Next week, my prose won’t be sappy or dotted with references to blindfolding or speed dating, so I’m going to make the most of it now. Elliot’s Bistro is romantic, just by nature of being French (2321 N. Murray Ave., 273-1488). Of course, bistro owner/chef Pierre Briere is planning something très romantic for Valentine’s Day! It’s a four-course meal designed for couples. The items are meant for you to split, because as this wise Frenchman says, “to love is to share.” Oui. The meal begins with a glass of Champagne, then crostini, a “passionate” salad with pomegranate, choice of three entrées (côte du boeuf with five sauces, salmon en papillote or a chicken creation) and finally, dessert (chocolate mousse or cherries jubilee). The cost is $39.50 per person.
And Dream Dance is also feeling the love. Chef Jason Gorman is preparing a prix fixe dinner for two on four evenings – Feb. 9, 10, 13 and 14. The menu features chicken liver pâté, winter black-truffle Italian risotto, blue nose grouper with peeky toe crab and Piedmont Gianduja chocolate mousse with Door County cherry caramel sauce. The cost, per couple, is $150. Indulgent? Oh, yes. Potawatomi Bingo Casino, 1721 W. Canal St., 847-7883.
Can’t get enough dining? I chat about restaurants every Friday with Jane Matenaer and Kidd O’Shea on “The Mix.” Listen between 8 and 9 a.m. on February 9. That’s 99.1 WMYX-FM.
And check out Events Editor Julie Sensat Waldren’s picks for the best events in arts and entertainment on This Weekend.
