Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant 1036 S. Fairfax- $

This weekend, we took a detour to Little Ethiopia on Fairfax because we were in the area.

If you're a vegetarian, or like to pretend to be, Ethiopian food is the place for you. Ethiopia has a high Muslim population - translation: vegetarian. Also, Ethipian Orthodox Christians fast from eating meat several times a year. But, for you meat lovers, there are loads to choose from. We couldn't pronounce half of it, but the descriptions of most dishes were similar - stewed in spices with tomatoes. I'm in.

Did your momma ever say, "Use a fork like a civilized human being!" Have no fear. There are NO utensils except for the ones God gave ya! The food is served on a round communal platter. So, even though Laurie and I ordered different stuff, it all came on the same plate. Go with someone whose hygiene you trust. Feel me? You scoop up the food with a type of crepe called injera. It's made with teff flour and is greyish with dimples, which help grip the food. Some of mine still got out. It gets messy. This is not date material. Well, maybe date 5.

Food: We had shrimp tibbs - baby shrimp in spices and tomatoes, collard greens, spicy stewed red lentils, stewed yellow split peas and some other stuff that was unrecognizable, but all very tasty. Everything is saucy and goopy. If I were planning a menu to be eaten with my hands, I wouldn't have anything saucy. But, I'm not from Ethiopia, and this is WAY more fun! 4 forks!! The first time I had ethiopian food, they served the main dishes, which were all saucy, with no utensils. But, they served baklava with a fork. Go figure.

Atmosphere: Fun! We sat at a round communal table called a messob, which was made of straw. We sat on saddle chairs. Yep - they were horse saddles with legs. I was wearing a skirt, so I ate side saddle. It's covered with a colorfully embroidered piece of material. There was religious African artwork on the walls. Let's hear it for a black Jesus. Neon colored umbrellas were hanging from the ceiling. Can I take one home? 3.5 forks

Service: Well...maybe it's a cultural thing, but this left something to be desired. The waitress didn't go out of her way AT ALL. She rarely spoke. We had to wave her down on occasion. When I asked about dessert options, she said apologetically, "We only have baklava." Laurie gave the service 2 forks. I give it 1.

Bathrooms: They have 2 fairly clean singles. One of them had an air freshener called "Love Spray." I can't make that up. On the can was a picture of a kissing couple. I didn't know you could buy love in a bottle for only $3.99. I wasn't sure if it was to cover up foul odors or to spray on yourself if you want a little action. Or both? I may have to get some.

Next up: Dinettes take another detour for African food of another kind. Aunt Kizzy's Back Porch in Culver City!