Presented by
Almaz Yiginaw,
chef-owner, Ethiopian Diamond Restaurants, Chicago
with
Mawi Asgedom, author, educator

Podcast courtesy of WBEZ’s Chicago Amplified

Come join us as two of Ethiopia’s finest exports discuss the 3000 year-old culture and cuisine of their native country.

Almaz Yiginaw, chef-owner of the popular Ethiopian Diamond Restaurants, located both in Edgewater and Rogers Park, will discuss the food traditions and customs of her beloved Ethiopia, which she has transported to Chicago through her authentic cuisine. Her dishes are inspired by the recipes of her grandmother and she imports all her spices from Ethiopia. Chef Yiginaw will offer a tasting following her presentation.

Mawi Asgedom will also discuss his native culture and food memories and fill us in on his inspired life in the U.S. As a child, Mawi fled civil war in Ethiopia and survived a Sudanese refugee camp before settling in Chicago where he overcame poverty and language barriers to graduate from Harvard University, where he gave the Commencement address to an audience of 30,000. He is now president of Mental Karate, an organization that inspires youth to take positive action, and he has written six books that are used in classrooms across North America. Mawi will be signing copies of two of his books, his biography, Of Beetles and Angels, and his most recently published book, The Third Harmony.

Program hosted at Chicago History Museum.