Why we like Addis Ababa so much

Last Friday, after returning to Addis Ababa from Awasa, J said she could now appreciate the capital city. Although Awasa is a nice town overall, it pales in comparison to Addis. And of course one of Addis' star features is its plethora of restaurants. So that evening J and I and my two colleagues went to Aladdin (previously here and here and here), one of my favorite restaurants here, which serves great Armenian/Mediterranean dishes. As soon as we walked in, J said how amazing the place looked, with its tables and chairs draped in white cloths showing off the glimmering silverware and glasses, and the small fountain along one wall. I had the pleasure of ordering for us and I didn't hold back, requesting some favorites like the fattoush salad, the mixed kebab dish, fish palak and humous of course, as well as some other selections like an eggplant dish, mutabal and lentil soup. We all loved the food, and after dinner, J and I accompanied my coworker M to Bole Rock, a jazz bar in town, for a glass of red wine and to watch him play a number on the shakuhachi with the band.