A Top Ethiopian Chef’s Bougie Fast Food Finds a Forever Home in Shaw | Eater DC
"A 96-seat culinary incubator at 2108 8th Street NW launching May 13 that celebrates the chef's Ethiopian roots and personal story, opening with two existing concepts and a third to follow later this spring. The operator plans to develop all three concepts under one roof until they’re ready to move into standalone locations; as Taddesse explained, “Let’s say we find a location that works best for Doro … then Doro’s going to move into that space.” In a second phase, the program will add a bar featuring a berbere margarita and a food-by-the-glass program that includes charred lamb meatballs marinated in a blend of herbs and yogurt — a dish called “The Champ” because it won the DC Meatball Battle. The chef took a self-imposed hiatus to rest, get married, and have a baby son, and says, “If you’re well rested, you’re more calm, things become less chaotic,” crediting that pause with making him more methodical and leading to this opportunity. He is also planning a separate, higher-end restaurant as an anchor in the Bridge District that will marry contemporary French techniques with traditional Ethiopian flavors and emphasize premium sourcing and presentation: “I’m just trying to cook at every level.”" - Lenore Adkins
