What's Cookin'?

There are lots of ways to enjoy cross-cultural experiences while remaining close to home. One of the easiest and more interesting is to find restaurants of different cultures and enjoy their cuisine and atmosphere. I want to tell you of two great places to eat in our immediate area- places that not only give you a taste of another land (sorry for such a lousy pun), but can also put you in touch with people whose backgrounds and experiences can be a delight to learn about.

Restaurant #1 is called Andaluz, 930 S. Brookhurst Avenue (just north of Ball Rd.) in Anaheim. It's Mediterranean/Lebanese in style, with a Muslim flair, and is outstanding. Under new management, the owner has made great improvements, both in the property and in the quality of food served. It's clean, food is served quickly and staff is very friendly. I've only had lunch there, but I can heartily recommend the shawarma (beef and chicken), kefala, kabob, and chicken tawouk sandwiches. Make sure you order hummus as well. Lunch prices are medium (two can eat for under $20) and the ambiance is authentic.

Restaurant #2 is called Merhaba, 2801 W. Ball Road, (corner of Dale and Ball), also in Anaheim. This establishment serves Ethiopian/Eritrean food, and it may be unlike anything you've ever experienced. If you order a combination plate of meat and vegetables (it says it serves 2, but can handle at least 3) you'll receive a generous helping of unfamiliar-looking delights. There is no silverware (unless you request it), as you "scoop" up your food with pieces of a bread-like offering (sorry, forgot the name). Works just fine. You will need a bit more time to eat here, and a bit more money, as it is a little pricey (about $30 for two for lunch, if you have a combo plate). The atmosphere is genuinely east African, the workers (and patrons) are friendly and happy to share their culture, and the experience rewarding.

The purpose of this post is not to critique local eateries, but to encourage you to step out of your zone of familiarity and try something new. And the reason to do so is not simply to consume strange offerings, but to expand your cultural borders and seek to understand new places, customs and people. The best part of these places? The people you meet there and the opportunity to establish relationships that could lead to a chance to talk about spiritual food. But it'll never happen unless you go ahead and give it shot. There's little to lose and a lot to gain (another pun, sorry)...and you may find your cross-cultural opportunity just up around the corner!

Happy eating!