Entries for January 2010

7 Questions with Ras Dashen owner/chef, Zenash Beyene

Owner/Chef Zenash Beyene in front of Ras Dashen at 5846 N. Broadway

7 Questions with Zenash Beyene

Can you tell us a little about your business and how long it has been located in Edgewater?

My business is Ras Dashen Ethiopian Restaurant. We are located at 5846 N Broadway. We have been open almost 9 years now, our anniversary is coming up on March 24.

Can you give us a brief overview of your cuisine and menu?

We serve traditional style Ethiopian cuisine served in a family style setting. We are vegetarian and vegan friendly and we also serve Beef, Lamb, Chicken, and Fish.  Our most popular is the Omnivore dinner for two which allows you to sample a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes. We also have a vegetarian sampler which lets you choose 5 veggie sides. My chef experience gives me pride in my food and this is the skill that has motivated me to open my own restaurant. I come from generations of famous chefs and cooking was taught to me by my grandparents.

What are the top three keys to Ras Dashen’s success?

1. Fresh ingredients made from scratch every day. 2. My loyal customers who give me confidence 3. I’m always here!

What do you like best about having your business located in Edgewater?

Originally, my intention was to open a restaurant in Hyde park, but every chance I got, I found myself in Edgewater during all of my free time and I just fell in love with this community. This is a very friendly neighborhood which is expanding tremendously and it makes me feel good to live here and have my business here.

How has the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce helped your business?

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce has really been key in helping my business get recognition over the past several years. They always have fun events planned throughout the year and they really try to keep Edgewater as safe and enjoyable as possible. Thank you Edgewater Chamber of Commerce!

What advice do you have for other businesses in the neighborhood?

Never give up!

Do you have any exciting news you would like to share with Chamber members and the neighborhood?

In the future, I am planning to open a new location but for now, I am looking to sell my special sauces to participating grocery stores. Other than that, my success is my excitement.

For additional information, visit Ras Dashen's website at www.rasdashenchicago.com

Celebrate Edgewater’s rich history with a poster of one of Chicago’s most enduring iconic architectural gems.
 


Professionally designed and illustrated by local Edgewater artist John Garrison, The Edgewater Beach Collectible Poster allows you to revel in our rich community while also supporting your neighborhood.  When you purchase your poster from the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, those proceeds go to benefit our organization and the work we do here in Edgewater.

The poster comes in a standard size (36”x 24”) making it a perfect decoration for your office and/or home.  Although we do not provide the framing, feel free to have it framed at a local framing shop like Granville Gallery and Picture Framing (6200 N. Broadway, 773-764-1919, Chamber member).
 
For a limited time, we have autographed versions available too.
 
Poster: $20
Autographed Poster (by the artist): $30
 
To order your poster, contact the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce:
Phone at 773-561-6000
E-mail: info@edgewater.org
Address: 1210 W. Rosedale, Chicago, IL 60660

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is gearing up for their annual Sweetheart of Edgewater! As usual we'll be handing out the coveted Sweetheart of Edgewater award. This year we're opening up the nomination process to the Edgwater community. Past winners include:

2009 -- Allen Stryczek (Edgewater Beautiful)
2008 -- Mary Ann Collins (Heart to Heart Program @ St. Gertrude's Parish)
2007 -- Derrick McClinton (Edgewater/Rogers Park Black Family Network)
2006 -- Patrick Hulne (Patch Landscaping)
2005 -- Lita Lopez (Metropolis Coffee) & Moseth Sample (Broadway Armory)

Sweetheart of Edgewater Award Criteria: The Sweetheart of Edgewater award is intended to honor an unsung hero or group of heroes with a connection to Edgewater. Nominees must be an individual or group of individuals that over a period have contributed outstanding dedication and service to the Edgewater community. The individual/individuals should exhibit fair and honest business practices. Recipients should either live, work, or own a business in Edgewater.
 

Click here to download the nomination form. Nominations must be returned via mail, fax, or email by February 3, 2010.
 

Send nominations to 1210 W. Rosedale Chicago, IL 60660 or fax to 773-561-8584 or email info@edgewater.org.