Yes, it has been a few years since life returned to pre-pandemic times, but we mostly talked to our housemates, our pets, or ourselves during lockdown.

We need to rekindle the art of conversation and coffee may be the answer. Specifically Ethiopian coffee. With the help of conversation cards that are passed around to participants, conversation starts and new friends are met.

The Ethiopians use coffee as a daily ritual to connect with neighbors, friends and family gathering to share stories, and news and stay connected. It is a sign of respect, friendship and hospitality to be invited to coffee.

The Addis Restaurant is recreating the coffee ceremony on Saturday and Sunday mornings to bring people together and create community.

Traditionally, a woman presides over the coffee ceremony. This is a high honor and reserved for the matriarch of the family.

The ceremony starts with incense while the woman roasts green coffee in a flat roasting pan on a coal burner. The room quickly fills with the fragrance.

The roasted beans are carried around the room for all to enjoy the aromas. Guests sit in a semi-circle around the area where the coffee is brewed. Guests pass around conversational question starter notes with questions to encourage thoughtful answers. Some questions like what is your greatest achievement? What do you want to be remembered for? Conversation and laughter are encouraged.

Next comes the cooling and the grinding of the beans before being poured into a traditional “jebena” a clay pot with a long spout – to hinder the grounds from escaping into the small, handle less coffee cups. The host pours the coffee along with snacks, which are traditionally popcorn, bread, or roasted barley.

There are three rounds of coffee. The first one is the strongest and most flavorful; each round is milder before ending.

Storytelling is an integral part of Ethiopian culture and this ceremony provides a way for us to talk to others, even people we don’t know.

Arabica coffee is the most consumed coffee bean in the world and is believed to have originated in Ethiopia. Coffee is integral to their culture and they are holding on to their traditions.

Besides the coffee ceremony, Addis Restaurant serves lunch and dinner.

Addis Restaurant is located at 3643 El Cajon Blvd. — phone (619) 357-7577.