Ethiopian Night

Two West Coast food traditions have nothing on Ethiopia. Seattle-and the rest of the world-got beat to coffee by hundreds of years, and while San Francisco is famous for its sourdough, Ethiopia’s injera-a spongy, flatbread sourdough that is central to its cuisine-is centuries older. To learn more and, more importantly, taste the culinary traditions of this east African nation, including its scintillatingly spiced stews, go to Saba Tewolde’s Ethiopian Night on Friday, December 14, at 6:30 p.m.

Tewolde runs a catering service called Lalibela and hopes to open a restaurant of the same name in Santa Barbara soon. One of 13 children who survived the terrible drought in Ethiopia, she was granted political asylum four years ago after escaping horrific work conditions in Saudi Arabia. The evening (happening at the Robert Craymer Gallery) will feature a fantastic feast, plus Ethiopian music and dance, and a portion of the proceeds (admission is $100) will go to help other Ethiopian refugees. Call 884-0400.