Two of Ethiopia’s finest exports discuss the 3000 year-old culture and cuisine of their native country.

Almaz Yiginaw, chef-owner of the popular Ethiopian Diamond Restaurants, located both in Edgewater and Rogers Park, discusses the food traditions and customs of her beloved Ethiopia, which she has transported to Chicago through her authentic cuisine. Her dishes are inspired by the recipes of her grandmother and she imports all her spices from Ethiopia.

Mawi Asgedom ill also discusses his native culture and food memories and fill us in on his inspired life in the U.S. As a child, Mawi fled civil war in Ethiopia and survived a Sudanese refugee camp before settling in Chicago where he overcame poverty and language barriers to graduate from Harvard University, where he gave the Commencement address to an audience of 30,000. He is now president of Mental Karate, an organization that inspires youth to take positive action, and he has written six books that are used in classrooms across North America.

Jan Thompson is an independent film maker with national production credits with PBS and International Broadcast outlets. Jan is also an associate professor at Southern Illinois University and Director of the Documentary Unit. She was at various African Universities in 2009 participating in Broadcast Journalism Seminars.

Recorded Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Chicago History Museum.