Aussie or African bars or restaurants?

Someone wrote:

> I am seeking Australian and African food, drinks and atmosphere in the Bay
> area, as I know some sad expatriates who could use a cheering visit.
> Either a restaurant or a bar would do, but suggestions on any sort of
> place (bookstore, cultural events, etc) would be gratefully recieved as
> well.   Likewise, if you know any promising cookbooks, that might be a
> good place to start.

Hi Tanith.  If you head along Telegraph Ave from just north of the Berkeley line down into Oakland about 5 miles, you'll find several resturnants with Ethipoian and nearby cuisines.  They are run by people from that region and most of the customers are from there as well, as far as I can tell so I would guess that would be a good area to look for bookstores, art galleries, bars, or what have you.  I have no idea if other parts of Africa are represented there.

I'm partial to Cafe Eritrea d'Afrique (4069 Telegraph Ave, Oakland. 510-547-4520).  I love their veggie combo (they have a meat combo too) which is injara plus several dishes that you would expect from an Ethiopean resturnant and a couple Middle Eastern ones.  They have a veggie buffet as well but only twice a week (wed and fri nights I think?) but I've never managed to be there at the right time.  I've eaten at at least one other resturant in the area and it was also very good.

I have heard of a veggie South African resturant that is supposed to be good (or maybe just sounds good).  I think it's in the East Bay and it is one word that starts with a J (Jodies?).  Sorry, don't know more than that.

Your best bet for African (not just African-American) culture is probbaly Oakland and Berkeley.  I see tons of African shops (all sorts) all the time.

Cyndi (in Oakland)

_______________________________________________________________________________ "There's nothing wrong with me.  Maybe there's                     Cyndi Norman something wrong with the universe." (ST:TNG)                   [email removed] __________________________________________________ http://www.best.com/~cnorman

{Looks like Tanith's doing a stupid x-post again.  X-post removed.}

Christine C. wrote:
>
>There is an Ethiopian restaurant in downtown San Jose,  along First
>street (or Market),  I believe.  Nice people and good food.  Try the
>mead if you go there.

Given that Tanith's up in Berkeley, I'd bet she'll go to one of the places up there.  But for the South Bay folks, I tend to recommend Shebele over The Red Sea these days.  Shebele has less atmosphere (it's a converted diner), but it has better food.  Shebele is in downtown Campbell, right next to the theater.