Tucked away in the folds of East Lansing's strip malls hides the warm ambiance of Altu's Ethiopian Cuisine, 1312 Michigan Ave.
It's hard to tell which hits you first, the rich aroma or the vibrant smile of Altu Tadesse, the owner. All of her customers are greeted with a smile, and the regulars she takes into her arms, welcoming them by name. You get the feeling you're a guest in Tadesse's home rather than a customer in a restaurant.
"It's a lot of work, but what I like is the fact that when people eat the food they are happy," Tadesse said. "It gives them satisfaction. To see that smile and that happiness in them, it just makes my day."
Born and raised in Ethiopia, Tadesse said she has created a second home out of her business and made lasting friendships with many of her customers. She opened the restaurant in 1996.
Altu's is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday.
"I love the feeling of the extended family that I have here," she said.
Come to Altu's with friends, an empty stomach, and most importantly, clean hands. First, roll up your sleeves. Second, scoot up to a booth or a ? basket? Yep, that's right, covering the floor of Altu's are eight 3-foot woven baskets surrounded by chairs. These are the traditional dining tables in Ethiopia. And finally, dig in — literally. Although utensils are available, Ethiopians traditionally eat with their hands. A typical Ethiopian bread is served with each meal and is used to scoop and soak up the food.
Be prepared to share because Ethiopian food is served family-style. A large dish is placed in the basket and everyone pinches off some homemade bread and scoops, soaks, grabs, and shares each other's food. Of course if you're really hungry, not a sharer, or just hesitant about the cleanliness of your friend's hands, individual platters are also available.
Tadesse's softly accented voice explains Ethiopian food for those who have never tried it.
"It can be spicy, but every dish that we have, it comes spicy or mild," she said. "It's flavorful."
Tadesse said she believes people should sit back and enjoy the experience of Ethiopian food.
"It's a food that you really have to get relaxed and just, you know, attack it," she said. "We attack it, with no reservations."
When Tadesse is at home with her husband and two teenage daughters, they sometimes take a break from Ethiopian food and attack a different meal — spaghetti. Tadesse said she believes no matter what you're cooking it must come from the heart.
"I believe that a cook has to just love to be with the food and spice, and being in the kitchen," she said.
