How a New, Family-Owned Ethiopian Restaurant in Shaw Is Surviving the Pandemic | Eater DC

"Situated in D.C.’s “Little Ethiopia,” a few houses north of the well-established Chercher Ethiopian restaurant, Family is one of the newest additions to the city’s large Ethiopian community but serves a solid list of go-to Ethiopian staples — from lamb tibs to doro wot, a spicy chicken dish marinated in mitmita. Owner-chef Seferash Yegezaw, who moved to the U.S. from Ethiopia and learned to make comforting, home-cooked meals while raising her daughters in St. Louis, opened the restaurant in memory of her brother Moges; she imports many spices, including berbere, with help from her mother in Ethiopia. After a January 2020 soft launch and a pandemic shutdown that delayed the grand opening, a viral tweet from Yegezaw’s daughter helped draw long lines and community support during reopening. The space is simple and upbeat, with exposed brick and bright yellow chairs, and the extremely attentive staff excel at accommodating newcomers by recommending dishes and describing spice levels. It’s a great no-fuss, fairly priced introduction to Ethiopian food — the combos ($20.99 vegetarian, $29 meat, $30 mixed) are colorful, feed two to three people, and the vegan-friendly veggie combo rests on traditional gluten-free injera topped with ruby beets, lentils, salad, carrots, green beans, chard, and chickpeas seasoned with onions, garlic, paprika, ginger, or rosemary. Family also serves imported Ethiopian beer ($5.99) and tej ($10.99), offers catering and privatization of the two-floor hookah/lounge above, is open daily from noon until midnight, and welcomes diners like family, with soulful dishes that make visitors feel right at home." - Eater