Almost all vegetarians in the Windsor/Detroit area know about the World Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant. Meat eaters would adore the options at this restaurant too, but the vegetarian platter is epic in its variety of taste.
The first time I went to this place, it was with my pal Mike. He was well-traveled in the food community in Windsor, and he swore that this was the best place to eat with new people, as the communal eating style was a great way to break the ice and get to know new people. The Ethiopian spreads, vegetables, and meat are eaten with a soft, flat bread called injera. You tear this bread into pieces and grab the soft vegetables, avoiding getting the food all over your fingers in the process (not every time).
When I interviewed the owner of World Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant, Abdo Alwan, he told me that injera with Ethiopian food is like a fork with North American cuisine: nearly essential.
During our interview, we talked about the Ethiopian classic music and Ethiopian jazz that I love hearing at Marathon, and about the incense they burn during the dinner seating hours. I was surprised to find that the Ethiopian community in Windsor is very small, consisting mostly of students. Abdo explained that the few Ethiopian families in the city traditionally eat at home rather than going to a restaurant serving the native food. So his clientele is often anything but Ethiopian. But being in this space is so unlike any other establishment in the downtown, it’s a fantastic option for anyone to impress when going out for dinner.
Also, the newest adjustment to the business is the availability of a lunch special! $6.95 for a healthy portion of the veggie platter and injera bread! Such a healthy option for so little cost.
Below is our interview, and their hours of operation. Check them out at 60 University Avenue West. Or call them to order lunch at 519.253.2215. Or e-mail them at marathonwindsor@hotmail.com. You’ll thank me later.
Monday – 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm
Tuesday – Closed
Wednesday – 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm
Thursday – 5pm-11pm
Friday – 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm
Saturday – 5pm-11pm
Sunday – 5pm-11pm
Tags: 60 University Avenue West, Abdo Alwan, food, interview, Windsor Eats, World Marathon Ethiopian Restaurant
I love this place. The food is amazing but beyond that I enjoyed it, in part, because the owner is so friendly and the ambience so warm. Great interview!