Leaving Work With an Empty Mind
There are nights when I leave Horseshoe Hammond with my feet tired and my brain still moving. The lights are bright, the sounds of the casino fade behind me, and all I want is something warm and quiet. A coworker once told me about a small Ethiopian place nearby, and on a slow evening after a long shift, I finally said yes.
I was not sure what to expect. I usually keep dinner simple, especially when I am tired. But she made it sound like more than a meal. She talked about sharing one big platter, tearing bread, and eating with your hands. That felt new to me, and a little exciting too 🙂
The Platter in the Middle of the Table
When the food arrived, I stopped talking for a second. The platter was wide and colorful, covered with soft injera and topped with different stews and vegetables. Some dishes looked deep red, others were golden or green, and the smell was warm and earthy.
My coworker showed me how to tear the injera and use it to scoop up the food. I tried a berbere-spiced stew first, and the flavor surprised me. It was rich, gently spicy, and comforting in a way I did not expect. I liked that nothing felt rushed. We ate slowly, passed different bites to each other, and talked between mouthfuls.
Eating With My Hands Felt Honest
I think the part I loved most was eating with my hands. At first I felt careful, like I might do it wrong. Then it started to feel natural. There was something honest about it, like the meal asked me to slow down and pay attention.
As someone who dislikes loud noise and hurried conversations, that little restaurant felt right. The food was generous, but the pace was calm. It reminded me why I enjoy trying new things, even when I am tired. Sometimes a simple suggestion from a coworker becomes a memory you keep.
A Small Tradition I Want to Repeat
Now I think about that platter more often than I expected. I still love brunch with friends, pilates, and karaoke, but that night gave me a different kind of joy. It was quiet, flavorful, and shared.
If you are near Hammond and open to something different, I would say try Ethiopian food at least once. Go with someone you like, order more than you think you need, and let the meal take its time. I have a feeling it might become one of my late-night favorites too.