Purists may take umbrage with this choice, but we stand firm on T's Place, with its Ethiopian-Asian fusion. Owner Tee Belachew was born in Ethiopia and worked alongside chef Kin Lee at Singapore in south Minneapolis. In 2006, Belachew struck out on his own, fusing his traditional Ethiopian dishes with Asian flair. Try the Ethio-Asian fried rice that's light on the rice and heavy on the spicy chicken, eggs, and vegetables, which will feed you and your family for days. Meanwhile, traditionalists will savor the Yemismir Wot (split red lentils slow-cooked with onions and garlic in a flavorful berbere sauce) and the Tibs Firfir (cubes of lamb or beef sautéed in clarified butter with onions, garlic, tomatoes, and jalapeños, tossed with injera). The food isn't the only thing that rocks at T's. Turn it Up Thursdays has the whole block jamming to the beats of DJ Fujun. Trendy haunts may come and go on Lake Street, but no matter what happens with the neighbors, T's Place will always be ready to party.