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Zenebech

Had this on the "to visit" list long before Covid.  There was a fire that shut it down for months on end, they re-opened, and then the plague hit.  And so there was a certain amount of anticipation in finally being able to go there.  

Much like my tour of Columbia Pike I got a veggie combo and Sambusa.  The Sambusa was outstanding.  Complex, layered textures and flavors with a delightful dipping sauce made it something to savor.  There was crunchy, soft, spicy, warm, sweet and a slight tang.  

The veggie combo was more so-so.  Portions were small and some items had nice seasoning but nothing stood out as being memorable.  I tried getting the standards.  There was the Atar, a yellow split pea dish.  It was listed as mild but was so mild that I tasted only the split peas and none of the ginger or turmeric.  I got the Mesir, a spicy Berbere red lentil dish.  It had nice heat and was, as usual, one of my favorite picks.  There was Tikel Gomen, the cabbage/potato dish I usually like.  Again, very subtle on flavoring -- perhaps too subtle.  It was supposed to have carrot but I neither saw nor tasted any carrots.  And then there was the Timatim Salata, your basic Ethiopian salad of Tomatoes, Jalapenos and Onions.  Mine had more peppers and onions than tomatoes but it was sufficient.  

All in all a nice meal but it didn't knock it out of the park.  I was surprised -- the elevated prices indicated a "white tablecloth" restaurant but unlike other upscale Ethiopian restaurants, we weren't supplied with anything to wipe our hands with before eating (a necessary prerequisite in Ethiopian restaurants as you eat with your hands).  With fairly good Ethiopian places within walking distance from my home, I don't see myself driving into the city, fighting traffic and struggling with parking, for something which was good but not memorable.

Zenebech -- Upscale Ethiopian
2420 18th St., NW
https://www.zenebechdc.com/

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