. "2016-07-05T00:00:00"^^ . "2"^^ . . "1"^^ . "I've been here a handful of times. Empress Taytu isn't on my radar - But I think I know why. This ISN'T a restaurant you go to because EVERYONE is raving about it. It's a restaurant to go to because no one seems to really know about it. It's a secret. And that's why I like it so much!\n\nWhen you walk in - you don't feel like you're in Cleveland anymore. It is decorated to look like you are about to share delicacies with Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern in some Ethiopian village with local friends that you just made acquaintance with. If you can snare one of the little drum tables (Get it? snare... drum...) (I digress...) with the cute wooden chairs - you absolutely must! It's going to add so much more to your dining experience. \n\nI think it's important to note that Ethiopian food is extremely healthy, and if you are vegan or vegetarian you are going to find just as many enticing menu options as your carnivorous friends. \n\nThe most recent time I went to Empress Taytu, I made reservations through Yelp. I never knew this was an option before and I have to say the process was executed flawlessly. \n\nWe started our meal with a bottle of Spanish red and ordered two appetizers; we got Timatim Salata - which is a lightly seasoned and very refreshing tomato salad. You use the injera bread to eat this. Warm skillet bread comes with the Ambasha, which is a delightfully seasoned home made cottage cheese. This appetizer was so much lighter than the cottage cheese we're all used to. It actually reminded me of tofu that's been food processed to mimic feta cheese on salads. It's light and almost powdery in texture. It was the hit of the evening. Honestly!\n\nWe split the Meat and Veggie Combination Entr\u00E9e. And - by then we realized, we ordered way too much food! But it was all soo good! I REALLY like to have a taste of everything and this was such a great way to try meats, veggies, cheeses, and breads that are exotic and unusual.\n\nOur waitress was smiley and she aided in our decision-making. We were well taken care of. I think it was my best visit yet. I'll definitely be back!"^^ . . "4"^^ . "4"^^ .