Ethnic Food Suggestions, Part 4 - Ethiopian

I've never really mastered chopsticks, as hard as I try. A Korean friend (ooh, there's another post I should do, Korean food!) lent me the children's training chopsticks, which are hinged together, and that's about the level I'm at. So why not take utinsels out of the equation all together? Hence, Ethiopian food becomes an appealing option.

Ethiopian

There are a couple options for Ethiopian in GR, although I've only been to one. Sometimes when you fall in love with a place, you don't feel the need to branch out and try other options. That's how I feel about GoJo's in East Town (421 Norwood Ave SE, right behind Wolfgang's). As just an added plus, there's even parking! They are closed on Sunday and Monday, just be aware of that. The place is run by a husband and wife team, and Sam is about the greatest guy ever. He's happy to answer any questions, make recommendations, and he goes above and beyond for customer service. He remembered me from a visit months before and made me a special handmade tea bag so I could have Ethiopian tea at home! (More on the tea further down- amazing stuff!)

So, what to order. I personally love everything I eat there, so the lunch buffet is what I usually go for. This is probably the only place I like collard greens, but Sam's are pretty exceptional. Spicy and flavorful but not too spicy that your lips go numb or anything. Any food item ending in "watt" is a thick stew-like dish. If you order traditional dishes (and really, what's the point of going to an Ethiopian restaurant and NOT getting a traditional dish), food items will usually come atop a plate-size pancake-type of bread called injerra. Do be aware that injerra expands as it's digested, so if you feel full, you're going to feel a whole lot fuller in an hour or so! I always have to get an extra order of injerra on the side, as I'm not quite as adept at using it as a utinsel as other people. The beef stew (tibbs watt) is really flavorful and tender, and goes well with some of the vegetable sides, as well as the fava beans (bakela) or mixed spiced vegetables (atkilt alicha). Really though, you'll find what you like through trial and error, which is easiest with the buffet or a combo platter.

The Ethiopian tea is a MUST! It became so popular that it is now sold as leaves for you to brew at home as well. Sweet, a little spicy, and the perfect thing for chilly days!

I wasn't joking about lack of silverware either. It's available upon request, but really, try pinching the injerra bread between your thumb and forefinger to make a little pincer, and pick up the vegetables and meat that way. It's fun, takes you back to childhood, and...mostly it's just fun.

If you're planning ahead (which I rarely do), I highly suggest the sweet potato pie! Available in a small size (for 2-3 people) or a full size, this is one amazing pie! You do have to call ahead to preorder the pie though. Just so you know.

So give GoJo's a try and then I want to hear about it! Or invite me along...