Thursday, December 27, 2007
The
The North Side establishment, which specializes in Somali cuisine, has a diverse range of entrees, from grilled salmon fillet to chicken a la diabla -- sauteed leg quarters served with carrots, onions, peppers and tomatoes.
Among the best entrees is the grilled chicken steak. A chicken breast is marinated overnight in a mixture of seasonings to create mildly spicy tandoori and Cajun flavors.
Served in strips with rice and diced carrots, the result makes a hearty meal with flavor to match.
Adventurous diners can try authentic Somali dishes such as beef or chicken kalankal and grilled goat.
Influences from
Every meal is served with a banana, which is to be eaten with the rest of the food to offset spicy flavors.
The jabati -- a sweet, flaky layered bread served warm -- is a must.
And the tea -- with green coriander, cinnamon and ginger powder -- is sublime. The beverage is served only before
A visit to Darbo, which opened four years ago, immerses diners in Somali culture. Artworks on every wall give diners a glimpse of the nation from which about 35,000
"I wanted to create an environment where a person experiences the whole culture -- food, tradition and art," owner Yassin Matan said.
"Come with an open mind," he said. "Be adventurous and experience a whole new taste."
Source: The