Sharing food

Yesterday I went to visit Abby and Andrew, my sister and brother- in-law, in Chicago. My brother Ben came along too. Last night we at an Ethiopian restaurant, a new experience for me.
All four of our entrees were served on a single platter. Andrew and I had lamb, Ben had chicken and Abby had a vegetarian combo with spinach and lentils. Instead of silverware, the food is eaten with injera, a flat bread that resembles Swedish pancakes, but has a sour taste from the yeast. The trick is scooping up a stewed dish with injera and getting it to your mouth before you drop food on your white shirt.
We sat at a meshob, a low table that was woven like a basket. It wasn't much bigger than the endtables that hold lamps at either end of a couch. The meal was delicious and followed by a pot of strong Ethiopian coffee. I really enjoyed the food, but unfortunately, it revolted against me later. The curse of a weak stomach.
The whole experience makes me think of a friend who is in northeast Africa right now. Perhaps you've enjoyed an intimate meal around a meshob already, Josh.