This place is not about décor at all. This place IS all about getting a real Ethiopian experience. Okay, let it be known that all Ethiopians are not starving, and, in fact, my boss eats quite a bit. We go to Blue Nile all the time, I am pretty sure it’s because my boss is friends with the owner, but what the hell do I know? I can’t understand a word they’re saying to each other. But I don’t care because I do care about good food and a good price tag to match it. Fear not the language barrier or the barage of food items you’ve never heard of. Keep it simple. Just tell the guy you want a veggie dish or a meat dish… keep in mind to tell him how you like it cooked. Or else you are going to get a big mess of bloody, rare deliciousness. I highly recommend taking a chance and trying out this place. If you like Indian food, you’ll love Ethiopian food. Just don’t forget the tums. And be sure to get some of the best coffee in the world while watching Ethiopian rap videos… hilarious.
T. M.
Classificação do local: 4 Saint Louis, MO
It’s so ironic that I am living in St. Louis’ international culinary hotspot, since the most exotic food I’ve ever eaten is a taco-flavored Hot Pocket. If you haven’t already been down to the Olive 170 Link, a.k.a. Chinatown, git yer hiney over here. Harry/Sally’s Billy Crystal was ringing in my ears(«…Hey I didn’t know that they had food in Ethiopia. This will be a quick meal. I’ll order two empty plates and we can leave,») when I agreed to meet one of my besty’s for dinner at this Ethiopian restaurant. But in an effort to branch out, impress this friend, and go to a place where I could be the first to review, there I was, ready to choke down what I expected to be disgusting food with a huge smile painted on my face. I was SHOCKED by how good the food was! All of it! Tried the lamb and the vegetarian combo. Lots of spice, it smelled great. The collard greens were buttery, the other vegetarian dishes had a kick, and the lamb was spicy and dynamic. I really thought the service was great. The guy that waited on us, I’m pretty sure, was the owner/chef. He seemed surprised when we came in, and we didn’t realize until we left that we had stayed way past the time they close(they close pretty early, at 7 or 8). The place was full of regulars chatting and watching TV. The ambiance was lacking, and as this restaurant is an extension of a small grocery store next door, it definitely felt like we were eating dinner in a grocery store. Beyond that, though, it was a very relaxed experience. Very small menu, small portions, and small prices. Will definitely return, and will update my review once I try Queen of Sheba and thus a basis for comparison. Go with someone who’s eaten Ethiopian before, do some quick research, or ask questions once you get there.
