Mena Ethopian Restaurant

I visited Mena, 3680 Clairmont Rd. near Buford Highway, on the spur of the moment. I had been shooting in a Cuban place and someone mentioned that there was an Ethiopian restaurant across the street. I went over to check it out and it took a little time to realize it was in the back of the Bethlehem Food Store through an unmarked door on the side. Not a terribly auspicious start, but once inside I was greeted with wonderful smells. There's a large dining room with a full bar in the center and the walls are a riot of bright colors.

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm lens, ISO 1600, 1/45 @ f/3.2

There's a dimly lit back room with a hookah bar.

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm lens, ISO 3200, 1/2 @ f/3.2

And off to one side, a woman was crouched on the floor roasting coffee beans.

Munu Wasse roasting coffee, Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm lens, ISO 2000, 1/17

 @ f/2.8

 

This, I learned, is a traditional Ethiopian ceremony and ritual. I sat and asked my waitress what she recommended. She liked the gored gored, she told me, so that's what I had. I was a little surprised when she brought a plate of cubed and spiced raw beef.

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 200, 1/30 @ f/6.4

After getting over my initial hesitance, I was delighted. It was very tender and delicate. I used the slightly sour injera bread as a scoop and dipped it in mitmita  and other spices. I later learned it is very popular in both Ethiopia and Eritrea and is considered a national dish. I finished it completely satisfied. I plan to return and try other (cooked!) dishes, but I'm not sorry I tried the gored gored.

Miheret Bekele, Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 1600, 1/25 @ f/3.2

#19 from Out on Buford Highway

Way back in September, the third post I put up from this project was shot early in the morning at La Chiquita Cafe. A couple of weeks ago, I finally went back and shot inside. The owner, Jose Lopez was nice enough to let me shoot a portrait.

Jose Lopez, Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm lens, ISO 800, 1/140 @ f/3.2

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm lens, ISO 800, 1/220 @ f/2.8

#18 from Out on Buford Highway

Contigo Peru at 3567 Chamblee Dunwoody Road is a little off Buford Highway, but it was good enough that I thought I should include it here. It's a Peruvian seafood restaurant. The day I was there it was virtually empty when my friend and I arrived around 1:30 in the afternoon. We both had the pescado sudado, a fish stew common in northern Peru. It came as a decent sized piece of white fish swimming in a broth of tomato, onions, peppers, garlic, and a melange of herbs and spices. It was truly delicious! It came with a side of rice that I slowly added to the stew to soak up the broth. The price is reasonable at around $15.

By the way, make sure you look at all the pictures, because my favorite is the last one.

Pentax K-3, 16-50mm, ISO 200, 1/1000 @ f/8

Pentax K-3, 16-50mm, ISO 800, 1/125 @ f/5.6

Lis Ramires, Pentax K-3, 16-50mm, ISO 1600, 1/60 @ f/4.5

Hector Esquivel, Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 1600, 1/100 @ f/4

Maria Ordonet, Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 1600, 1/180 @ f/3.2

Maria Ordonet, Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 1600, 1/100 @ f/3.2

New Line of Manfrotto Bags- Part 2

The new line of Manfrotto Professional bags I wrote about a while back includes five Shoulder Bags in sizes from the 10 to the 50. Like the Professional Backpacks, the Shoulder bags are well designed, well built and have a number of interesting, even unique, features.

The biggest difference between these bags and the older "Domke" style shoulder bags I used in the distant past is that the shell is made from the same semi-rigid material I described in my review of the backpacks. It gives structure to the bags and offers a high degree of protection. Many of the details are what we've come to expect on any high quality bag. A well padded shoulder strap and lots of pockets are there.

It has a couple of features that are unusual, if not unique. One is the way the internal sections are structured. They have a sort of hinge built in that allows a multitude of usable options, like having a camera at the ready with the lens pointing downward and stacking lenses with a padded section between them for protection.

The top lid has a weather sealed zippered slit, which let you get in and out quickly and easily if you find yourself changing lenses often. It's a nice touch and works faster than opening the lid to get things out.

The bags all have slots for laptops and/or tablets depending on the size of the bag. I tested the 10, 30 and 50. I particularly like the 10 since I'm using the Fuji X-E1 more and more. The 30 is a nice size, too, for when I'm using my Nikon or Pentax. The 50 is a behemoth! I can't imagine actually using it and trying to work off my shoulder. It's so big, that when it's loaded it's very heavy. I think it's probably more of a gear bag that has a shoulder strap to facilitate taking it short distances- not all day!

My only complaint about these bags- and it's a small one- is that there aren't any velcro tabs to make entry quicker that the zippers for situations when speed is important. Other than that, these are excellent additions to the marketplace. Well designed, well built, and very usable bags.

Number 17 from Out on Buford Highway

I met Dener Zacarias when I was photographing in a Peruvian restaurant. He was curious about what I was doing and we talked for a few minutes. He told me about the store he owns and he invited me to come visit.

La Bendicion Market is on the second level of a plaza at 5090 Buford Highway next door to El Taco Veloz. When you walk in you're immediately hit with an explosion of color. Brilliant oranges and greens are everywhere, on the walls, on the merchandise racks. There's tons of stuff that caters to Guatemalans- fresh and packaged foods, phone cards, clothing, even toys for kids. Dener is warm and friendly and very proud of his store and how he's managed to make it grow. Not long ago he added freshly prepared food to the mix. Magy Gomez works in the kitchen and when I was there, Dener fed me a dish that was kind of a Guatemalan beef stew. I don't remember what it was called (sorry Dener), but it was delicious! Rich with meat and potatoes and a savory sauce based in tomatoes and herbs.

Thank you Dener for welcoming me into your fine establishment! And to those of you reading this, take the time to stop in and try the food.

Dener Zacarias, Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 1600, 1/180 @ f/4

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 1600, 1/160 @ f/4

Pentax K-3, 16-50mm, ISO 1600, 1/250 @ f/3.2

Magy Gomez, Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 1600, 1/320 @ f/4

Dener Zacarias, Pentax K-3, 16-50mm, ISO 1600, 1/200 @ f/3.2

unidentified boy, Pentax K-3, 16-50mm, ISO 1600, 1/160 @ f/3.2

New Line of Manfrotto Bags- Part 1

For the last few months I've had the opportunity to use and test a number of the new bags in the Manfrotto Professional Collection. I've been a very happy user of Kata bags for many years now and I was a bit skeptical about finding anything that made me want to switch. After using these new bags for a while, I can honestly say that, although they may not make me get rid of all my Kata bags, they are a worthy addition to my inventory.

Finding the right bag is a pretty personal choice. You need to find a balance between what is the perfect size for what you need to carry, what has the features you need, and what feels the best on your back or shoulder. I'm happy to report that these new bags come through on all these accounts.

First the backpacks.

Manfrotto Professional Backpack 20

These packs look a little different than a lot of similar packs- they have a more geometric outline. This is because the outer skin is reinforced with a semi-rigid material. It's not a hard bag like a Pelican, but it offers a ton of protection against the impact of any hard or sharp object.

In most ways, they're what one expects from a quality bag. They have well padded shoulder straps and backs and multiple padded inserts that attach with Velcro.

Manfrotto Professional Backpack 20

Manfrotto Professional Backpack 20

These packs are comfortable and have plenty of zippered compartments, inside and out. On a non-shooting trip recently, I pulled all the inserts out and found it to be an efficient briefcase/backpack. It held my 15 inch Macbook Pro in the slot in back easily.

Manfrotto Professional Backpack 20

Where these packs really excel for me is in a few details. First, they have quick release straps that serve as a back-up to the zippers. For those of us who routinely over stuff our packs this is a well considered and necessary feature to ensure the bag stays closed in case of a blown zipper.

Manfrotto Professional Backpack 20

Secondly, it has the tripod pocket built in. This may seem minor, but if you're like me, you don't carry a tripod all the time and when you do you have to find the pocket (sometimes a pain) and then put it on the pack to use it. Having it integral to the pack is a very nice touch. By the way, notice the little plastic feet on the bottom. These make the bag sit upright and not fall over.

Manfrotto Professional Backpack 20

Manfrotto Professional Backpack 20

The last detail I want to tell you about is so small you might miss it. Waist straps have to be long enough to accommodate a wide range of body types. Some people (me for instance) almost never use them at all except when carrying a large, heavy load. When you're not using them or if you're relatively slender, these straps are long and hang down, way down. Manfrotto has had the good judgement to include little Velcro straps that allow you to roll them up and keep them out of the way. I really like this.

Manfrotto Professional Backpack 20

These new packs come in three sizes- the 20, the 30, and the 50. I'll probably use the 20 most often since I've lately been shooting a lot with the Fuji X system. These cameras are smaller and lighter than my Nikons and the body, several lenses, and various accessories is held easily with the bag. The largest one, the 50 is big enough for me to use when I'm doing "Studio in a Backpack" shoots. The 50 is a bit smaller than the Kata backpacks I used to use for these shoots, but between smaller cameras and the smaller and lighter Elinchrom Quadra Hybrid strobes, the 50 is just fine. Its large, padded waist belt is very sturdy and helps enormously when I have to carry this heavy load.

My final verdict? If the size of one of these three backpacks is right for you, I really don't think there's any downside. They're well-built, have great features, and are priced right- not cheap, but competively. Now, they don't have twenty different sizes like some other brands, but if the size works for you, you should definitely take a look.

#16 from Out on Buford Highway

Back in November, I posted about Pollo Norteno. I hadn't eaten there yet, but now I have. I'm happy to report that it's very good. I got a whole grilled chicken and beans and rice take out. I don't think the flavors of the chicken are earth-shatteringly original, but it was delicious, moist, and a lot of food for the money. For about $20, there was enough for Andrea and me to eat two dinners and a lunch- excellent value. The refried beans and rice were also very good. I recommend it.

One more addition- I ate lunch here recently and it was an incredible bargain. For $5.99 I got a drink, chips and salsa, two pieces of chicken, and refried beans and rice. That's a meal deal!

Pentax K-3, 16-50mm, ISO 400, 1/60 @ f/5.0

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 200, 1/20 @ f/4

Number 14 from Out on Buford Highway

Lee's Bakery is at 4005 Buford Highway. It's one of the most popular banh mi and pho places on Buford Highway and that reputation is mostly deserved. It can be tough to find a table during lunch hours, so consider take-out if that's the only time you can get there. The food is very good, but I like some of the places that are a little further off the beaten track. Maybe I'll write about those in the future.

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm lens, ISO 200, 1/400 @ f/5.6

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm lens, ISO 200, 1/60 @ f/5.6

Number 13 from Out on Buford Highway

Cho Sun OK Korean Restaurant is at 5865 Buford Highway. I ate there with a group early on a Saturday afternoon last February. I'm not terribly familiar with Korean food, so I just sat back and tried a little of everything. The myriad of kimchi was a revelation to me. I've never been fond of things pickled, but the flavors, textures, and spiciness of what was served was astonishing. The dumplings and fish egg soup were most excellent. And the staff was warm and helpful. I'm told the restaurant has changed hands since I was there, so I hope the quality has been maintained.

Dumplings surrounded by kimchi, Pentax K-5IIs, 16-50mm lens, ISO 1600, 1/60 @ f/2.8

Fish egg soup, Pentax K-5IIs, 16-50mm lens, ISO 1600, 1/50 @ f/2.8

Barbeque, Pentax K-5IIs, 16-50mm lens, ISO 3200, 1/60 @ f/2.8

Owner Hu Bok Chong, Nikon D600, 20-35mm lens, ISO 1600, 1/40 @ f/2.8

Waitress Jeong So (Miss Park), Pentax K-5IIs, 16-50mm lens, ISO 1600, 1/50 @ f/2.8

Waitress Kyung Sook Han, Nikon D600, 20-35mm lens, ISO 1600, 1/100 @ f/2.8

Number 11 from Out on Buford Highway

Taqueria El Ray Del Taco, 5288 Buford Highway, is a fun Mexican joint. The outside is covered with colorful designs and the inside is a garish explosion of greens and blues. It will definitely wake you up if you need it. The staff is friendly and most speak English pretty well if you need a menu item explained. The house Margarita is good, but the real stand outs to me are their shrimp enchiladas. It's a big portion (not that I really care about that) and the green sauce is truly outstanding. It's quite spicy hot, but it's a slow burn that I wasn't aware of until the third or fourth bite. There was plenty of time to enjoy the great flavors before the heat set in. Very nice!

Nikon D600, 20-35mm lens, ISO 100, 1/640 @ f/5.6

Nikon D600, 20-35mm lens, ISO 100, 1/60 @ f/8

Fuji X-E1, 18mm f/2 lens, ISO 800, 1/105 @ f/2.8

Fuji X-E1, 18mm f/2 lens, ISO 800, 1/40 @ f/2.8

Week 10 from Out on Buford Highway

I posted two pictures from El Taco Veloz a few weeks ago, but I decided these were worth showing, too. It looks fantastic at night.

Leo Roque, Pentax K-5 IIs, 16-55mm, ISO 1600, 1/100 @ f/2.8

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm, ISO 1600, 1/80 @ f/3.6

Week 9 from Out on Buford Highway

El Potro Mexican Restaurant at 3396 Buford Highway is another example of wonderful architecture. It's suggestive of something you might see in Mexico with bright colors and a stucco-like surface. But then there's the looming specter of a huge billboard towering overhead. And the LED lights at night complete the effect.

Fuji X-E1, 18-55mm f/2.8-4, ISO 200, 1/180 @ f/8

Nikon D600, 20-35mm f/2.8, ISO 200, 1/6 @f/5.6