April 17, 2017

Meet Almaz Yigizaw of Ethiopian Diamond Retaurant in Edge Water & Rogers Park

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Almaz Yigizaw.

Almaz was born in Ethiopia and arrived in Edgewater in 1982 as a teenage refugee with not much more than the clothes on her back. When she came to Edgewater she knew no English. But Almaz was determined to succeed in her adopted country. She graduated from Senn High School and went on to college while working to support herself. Her two restaurants are the focus of her daily life, but she has also become a lynchpin for the refugee, immigrant, and minority community in Edgewater. For example, she is an active member of the Ethiopian Community Association which sponsors programs (for all immigrants), such as housing, English language, and employment training – for everyone who has a need. Almaz is also a supporter of the various schools and non-profit agencies in the area.

Through her leadership, energy and cooking expertise, she has played an important role in helping the Edgewater community to become the diverse and interesting melting pot that it is.

“This is the only place that you can accomplish your dream. So, if I can give back, I will. That’s my nature.” – Almaz Yigizaw

Has it been a smooth road? Have you had to overcome disadvantages that made the path harder?
To some, being a refugee, immigrant, woman, and minority, may seem like a disadvantage. But for me, this is my identity, the source of my strength, and I am grateful.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Ethiopian Diamond Restaurant & Ethiopian Diamond II Restaurant story. Tell us more about the business.
On any given day, if you pay a visit to the Ethiopian Diamond, you will probably see me talking to my team, running food, answering phones, and doing the kind of things you only expect from someone who lives and breathes her passion. I give credit for my love for cooking and entertaining, to my grandmother, who taught me to be humble, and to appreciate the spices, smells, and organic ingredients that went into her delicious, traditional recipes. In what seems like a world away, I have tried to recreate an authentic Ethiopian culinary experience, in a welcoming, comfortable, yet hip and inviting setting.

The Ethiopian Diamond menu is filled with a variety of spices that allow people who have restrictive diets to indulge as well. Ground cardamom, long pepper, ginger, garlic, rue, basil and turmeric grace these flavorful dishes, paired with traditional injera– soft, spongy flatbreads that you use to scoop up each tasty morsel. Our restaurant is able to cater to gluten-free, vegetarians, and vegans, reflecting a cuisine noted as one of the world’s most ancient and healthiest. We offer an extensive bar list and in-house made “Honey Mead” along with ceremonial coffee (Buna) that rounds out each meal. The dining experience is equally as exotic and is characterized by sharing food from a common plate, signifying the bonds of loyalty, family, and friendship.

Whether you come for dine in, takeout, or delivery, we strive to fill you with food that is consistently delicious, authentic, and healthy. And if you happen to venture into our restaurants, you will fall in love as you catch a glimpse of the aromas, atmosphere, and welcoming culture that is Ethiopia

What’s you outlook over the next few years?
We are excited and thankful that we have lasted this long and are still relevant. The future holds a lot of promise, especially if we keep true to what has kept us in business for this long, namely fresh, authentic, exotic, and healthy food; Valuing and treating our guests like the family, they will, and have become.

Pricing: