In the last few years, Fresno’s restaurant options have been ever growing. Last year, North Fresno got an option that compares to no other. Lucy’s Lair, Fresno’s new Ethiopian restaurant, opened only minutes from the Champlain and Perrin shopping area. One would imagine that Fresno would be very skeptical of such a restaurant opening in North Fresno. However, the restaurant has remained busy even while residing in a rather quiet shopping complex. Those who are unfamiliar with the food are in for a treat. Unlike what most Westerners are accusomed to, Ethiopian meals are eaten with hands rather than the use of utensils. Unfortunately, a meal at this restaurant may be one of your messiest. Be ready to use a lot of napkins if you have never had an Ethiopian meal. The food consists of different stews served over injera, an Ethiopian flat bread. Injera tastes like sourdough bread yet has the consistency of a pancake. It is made of dough that has been allowed to ferment for a few days (hence the sourdough taste.) Patrons who find the injera to strange have the option of ordering rice instead. At Lucy’s Lair, you can choose from a meat entrée or a vegan/vegetarian meal. In Ethiopia, many citizens are Ethiopian Orthodox and live by a vegan diet. This explains the wide variety of vegan and vegetarian options. Vegetarians you can choose four different stews to accompany the injera. Their options range from stews made of potatoes, chickpeas, carrots, and grits. All of these items are served on top of the injera. The injera absorbs the broth from each of the stews, resulting in a bread that can be enjoyed all on its own. Lucy’s Lair also serves extra injera on the side, which is good considering that the bread not only acts as the utensils but also the plate. Patrons should watch their injera intake, or else they’re sure to be full before you are even halfway done with the meal. Be sure you plan on visiting Lucy’s Lair when you have time to wait. The average wait-time can be about 25 minutes. The wait can be worth it considering the portion sizes are rather large. Some people may have to share a plate. If you are a vegan or a vegetarian, splitting a plate with someone else may be a good idea. These meals tend to be bigger, considering you get to choose four different stews. Lucy’s Lair also offers an array of unique refreshments. Add a bit of flair to your meal (as if there wasn’t enough to begin with!) by sipping on Ethiopian wines and beers. The restaurant also features a coffee ceremony after you have enjoyed your meal. Incense is lit as the coffee is brewed. Once it is ready, it’s poured into small cups and dispersed to everyone at the table. The atmosphere is rather unique also. The interior has been decorated with Ethiopian art and other cultural items. Most people may not know what the items may be used for, but they definitely give a nice touch. While the restaurant may be far from the FCC campus, the trip to the restaurant is worth it for those who like to take their taste buds on a trip to the wild side. It is also for those who don’t mind getting a little messy at the table. Lucy’s Lair is a sign of what new culinary excitements are coming to Fresno. Be sure to stop by and see how this restaurant gives a whole new definition to enjoying a meal!