Zemams

This is my favorite discovery so far. Zemam's has incredible Ethiopian food and I am constantly nagging my husband to go back. Disclaimer before I go further: I have never been to Ethiopia, so I can't judge on authenticity, but my best guess is that Zemam's is the real thing.

Food is served family style. We tried a meat and a vegetarian combination plate. I love the combination plates because you get to choose three portions of the various dishes. We had six total, and every single one was well made; the downside of this being that I won't know what to do next time I go- get an old favorite or try a new one that's bound to be as good. Food is served artistically on a large piece of injera; a flat, tortilla-like bread. Pieces of injera are torn off and used to scoop up your selections. The walls had African art and the tables were casually arranged (our table was pushed next to another diner's so that we had to ask them to move in order for my husband to get out; this was a small price to pay! The service was slow, but that was only because Zemam's was PACKED and had quite a wait.

Pros: DELCIOUS. Fun selections. Friendly service. You can BYOB.

Cons: Moderately slow service. Could be a long wait.

Price Point: $$ Our total bill was around $31; entrees from $11-16

Verdict: Go here. Go here now.

2731 E. Broadway Blvd.

Amber Restaurant and Gallery

We went to Amber because it was on our Tucson restaurant card. The cuisine is advertised as European and Polish. It's definitely a formal restaurant; cloth napkins, water glass filled every time you take a sip, and it definitely has formal prices. The dinner starts with warm bread, accompanied by three different spreads- butter, garlic butter, and another unidentified but delicious spread.

All in all, I enjoyed my dinner at Amber. We started with the escargot. Conor ordered the Pierogis, while I had Golabki. Both were very good, but lacked something special-spices, presentation, etc.- that would set it apart from other, similar cuisine. In general, it seemed more suited to a comfort food atmosphere than the higher priced setting that was Amber. The portions were decent- enough to fill you up; not enough for leftovers.

Pros: Solid comfort food. Nice atmosphere. Good service.

Cons: Overpriced. Not distinctive.

Price Point: $$$

Atmosphere: Formal but not restrictive

Verdict: I'd go again, but only if I had a coupon.

7000 E. Tanque Verde Road

Sunrise Cafe

My husband and I went to Sunrise Cafe last night. Greek/Kurdish food is perfect for summer (and fall, spring...), and My Big Fat Greek Restaurant doesn't quite hit the spot. For quality, authentic Greek (and Kurdish) food, Sunrise Cafe is the place to go.

The restaurant has small tables, and a casual atmosphere. You order at the register; your server then brings your food to you. The tables are plain, but the bench areas have cozy pillows, and the wall decor adds a little ethnic flair. My google searches intimated it was a Greek restaurant, but the history and culture art pieces were Kurdish. I will have to do some research to determine the difference between these geographic areas and cultural groups! We'll be going back for breakfast and Turkish coffee!

Our selections: Shwarma plate (beef/lamb) and the combination plate. Both were well portioned- enough to fill you up but not leftovers. Every dish was cooked to perfection- the rice had an interesting nutmegy seasoning, the dolmades were the best I've had, and the Schwarma was divine. Even the hommas had interesting flavors and was good on its own.

Pros:

DELICIOUS food. Great Baklava! Friendly servers.

Cons:

Small/medium menu selection.

Price Point:$7-17

Atmosphere: Casual, Indoor/Outdoor eating

Verdict: Go there!

Sunrise and Kolb

My husband wants to state that"They lacked large spoons for the rice."