In case you thought you had to go to Silver Spring for good Ethiopian and Eritrean food, you don't! ARADA Bar and Restaurant, located in that little strip mall just past the turnoff from Ethan Allen onto New Hampshire Ave., is a handy spot for lunch or dinner (especially if you use Best Nails, in the same strip). We stopped in at about 2 pm for lunch today... I had the "Veggie Combo, and Steve had the Lamb Tibbs... and they had just roasted a big platter off coffee beans, so the aroma was heavenly. The restaurant is clean and tidy, with a small stage at one end for performers, the windows covered with murals so that the sunlight doesn't blind the diners. It pulses with Ethiopian pop music, but the music is not overly loud. My Veggie Combo featured 3 different lentil dishes, a collard dish, and a cabbage/carrot dish. Our server offered us a choice between House Injera (the soft, floppy fermented flatbread that comes free with meals) and Special Injera (a $3.50 upcharge for a tangier version). The Lamb Tibs was boldly spicy, but not unpleasantly so... and the Espresso was divine!! So don't make the mistake of thinking ARADA is just a lounge... it's a good little restaurant, and a great coffee bar, too! Located at 6846 New Hampshire Ave. in Takoma Park, MD. read more