We made it! At least unofficially. Labor Day weekend is here, and with it hopefully an end to triple-digit heat. Actually, compared with last year, this summer was pretty comfortable. I might say I even enjoyed it.
I won't miss it, though, because with fall comes what I think it one of Dallas' most impressive food-related offerings. It's festival season and Dallas puts on some really impressive outdoor parties. First up this year is Ethiopian Day in Plano.
Mac Mekonnen, the executive director of the Mutual Assistance Association for the Ethiopian Community, told me that only 2,000 people or so attended the 10th event last year but he's hoping that number will grow. Organizers are adding "Taste of Ethiopia" to the event, by featuring three local Ethiopian restaurants and holding a formal coffee ceremony for attendees.
Adding food is one way Mekonnen hopes to open up the event, typically attended by Ethiopian immigrants, to the rest of the Dallas community. Ibex, which I found to offer solid food in my review last year, is one of the participating restaurants along with Ghion and Lalibela.
Ethiopia Day will be held at the Plano Convention Center 11 a.m.- midnight Saturday and Sunday. The Taste of Ethiopia portion of the event will be held Sunday from 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
