Not sure if I missed the ritual hand washing, but I was looking forward to learning something new about the Ethiopian culture. I have been to Blue Nile before, but just as someone who likes the food and not for learning about the culture. I am a foodie, so if it is good I will eat it. I will have to thank my husband who has opened my palate to different types of food so I'm not afraid to try just about anything once. I will say it was the first time I had tried the authentic injera, and it was a little too bitter by itself. When I tried it with the different samples I noticed the flavors in the food toned down the bitterness. It was all pretty tasty, but the collards, lentils, and chicken were very flavorful. I tried the red pepper seasoning, because I like a little kick and it gave me the little extra heat I needed. I noticed that the mango juice took the sting away from the heat. I did notice the water was served room temperature and I wish I could have asked if that was a cultural thing. I did not get a chance to read the pamphlet that was passed out, which I'm sure there was more I could have learned. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I kind of got lost in the conversations about the food being so tasty that I may have missed out on more about the culture.
I was interested in the preparation of the platter. I enjoyed the communal atmosphere, makes little room to be an introvert. At first glance I wasn't sure if there was enough food for our table, but realized the portions that we did have were extremely filling I would think so because of the bread that was served. I'm typically not a "bread person" but since there were no utensils it was the only way to pick up food. For this being the first time eating Ethiopian cuisine I found it tasteful and relaxing, the spices used kind of remind me of Caribbean seasonings. I would definitely consider going again and trying some of the main courses.
Absolutely the best Ethiopian food in Kansas City at the Blue Nile. I have been there many times in the past and yet every time I return I find the experience to be new and exciting! Working in the local ground transportation business I am privileged to know many great people from around the world and the folks from Ethiopia are among some of the nicest and kindest. I must admit I don’t know a lot about their culture although I do ask many questions and always try to learn. In my experience the food of Ethiopia is not only visually interesting but the spice and textures are as well. This was my first visit since my dietary changes and the authentic Injera was a real surprise. I was delighted to discover how flavorful and filling it was and will recommend it to everyone instead of the standard one served. The sampler plate is as usual a real treat as one gets to try a good variety of different types of food. I personally found the food served last night to be among the best I had ever had at the Blue Nile. I suspect it was the great company that made the experience so outstanding. I had never tried the dry spice before and almost forgot to on this visit but fortunately remembered prior to leaving. I really liked the slow heat that it provided and look forward to using it on my next visit. The mango juice I have had in the past and always found it to be a good way to balance the heat and spices of the food but due to dietary changes wasn’t able to have any last night so water had to do! All in all the experience at Blue Nile with the class was among the best I have had. I now look forward to gaining a better understanding about Ethiopian culture. Thanks for putting together an outstanding experience for the class! Mike Cisneros
Unfortunately I was not able to make it out to the restaurant with everyone else, however, my step-mother is Ethopian so this food is not something that I am unfamiliar with by any means! Growing up with her I have had the pleasure of being introduced to injera. When I first had it, she had to explain that it wasn't all the food that you ate with it, but the "bread" that you put it on top of. I was a little apprehensive to try it at first because I don't always like to try new foods especially foreign ones. However, after a little push me and my son tried it and we loved it! I love spicy foods and the chicken that she cooks with it tends to be a little or a lot spicy depending on what she used, and she always makes greens to go with it and we love that too. I also got to spend a few holidays with the Ethopian side of my family and for thanksgiving they have very different traditions, one of those being having a big bowl of raw meat in the center of the table and then a bunch of sides all around it and that is all they would eat, I tried to raw meat once and will never do that again! All in all, in that experience that I've had with my step-mother I've learned not to be afraid to try new things because you never know what you may end up liking. Tracy Hildebrandt
I had never eaten Ethiopian food before last night. I was not quite sure what to expect but I am always willing to try just about anything- at least a bite! I enjoyed the fact that we shared the platters. It seemed as if it was a coming together as a group that we were willing to share the same platter using the injera as utensils and all of our hands in there together. We did not eat the bottom layer of the injera that was like a plate on the platter. We probably should have because I imagine the juices from the dishes soaked up into the injera would have been extra tasty. I can see how the Ethiopian people do not waste-they eat their food, their plate, and their utensils. They have been “green” long before people discussed it. The food was better than what I may have expected. The texture is always a big part of my eating experience. I liked that there were different textures in the mix. The injera was spongey and soaked up the liquid in the food fast. I particularly liked the cabbage and carrots dish along with the green beans-I really like vegetables more than meat! The platter for sampling was colorful which invited us in to try it all. I noticed the décor at the restaurant. There were colorful baskets hanging on the walls as well as a number of wooden masks. There was a picture of what I was told was injera-it looked similar to other grains seen here in the U.S. The atmosphere was comfortable and everyone seemed at ease in what was a new situation for most of us. It is somewhere that I may take my family to just for the experience and something different- when I ask where they would like to go and the answer is I don’t know- I may just surprise them with an all new cuisine!
The vibe at Blue Nile is pretty subdued. The walls are hung with a few traditionalist paintings including one of Haile Selassie. The menu platters which arrives on a large communal plate draped with a layer of Injera and loaded with different sauces and vegetables is always something to start up a good discussion around the table. My description of Injera is a thin, slightly spongy sourdough pancake that you use to sop up the stew. Ethiopian cuisine consists of a variety of tasty stews, fresh vegetables and meats which all come together in a colorful platter. I always look forward to seeing the expressions of someone visiting for the first time. I enjoy the communal feel for you naturally strike a conversation with the people next to you something that you do not see often. An advantage I had growing up in Kenya was having to experience the different cultures and foods. Kenya itself has roughly 40 different tribes and each tribe has its own staple food and everyone cooks differently. Even though the only way to experience the authentic way of Ethiopian cooking is to visit the country, visiting local places like Blue Nile helps one encounter a place where recipes are passed down through several generations. For any coffee lovers, I hope you get a chance to try Ethiopian coffee for it’s truly a delight. A few traditional Ethiopian etiquettes that I learnt growing up are: 1. Traditional meals are eaten from a communal plate but you should not reach all the way across to the other side to grab food eat what is close to you. 2. It is polite to eat with your right hand. The left is considered unclean and therefore you should avoid using it if you can.
This was my first time eating Ethiopian food and what a great experience it was! I get in the habit of eating the same type of food over and over, so I am so lucky to have ventured out of my eating rituals! The Blue Nile connected complete strangers with sharing food and stories. The colorful food, unique spices and the best part, using injera for your utensils! I felt like I was going back to my childhood in a way. Truly, a great atmosphere! I can't wait to bring my friends and family on my next visit! See you soon Blue Nile! Shae Slaughter
This was my first time eating Ethiopian food and what a great experience it was! I get in the habit of eating the same type of food over and over, usually Mexican inspired food, so I am so lucky to have ventured out of my eating rituals! The Blue Nile connected complete strangers, by having us all sit together, sharing a plate of food and all of our stories. This Ethiopian restaurant had so many colorful foods, unique spices and the best part, having us use injera for our utensils! I felt like I was going back to my childhood by it being acceptable to eat with our hands, after washing our hands of course! The one thing I was hesitate on was the injera. I am not big on bread, but that fluffy, pancake like injera was amazing. Truly, a great atmosphere that I recommend everyone to take a chance and try their food. The sampler plater is the best way to try multiple variations of meat and veggies; my favorite was the chicken! I can't wait to bring my friends and family on my next visit. I look forward to trying their famous Ethiopian coffee too. See you soon Blue Nile! Shae Slaughter
The Blue Nile Restaurant was a great ethnic adventure and culture sensitive learning. I was very open minded prior to making the trip to Blue Nile and was certain of trying everything at least once. The restaurant was a very relaxed and comforting atmosphere. I enjoyed the fact that the server was really open to helping myself and others identify the different ingredients and foods we were eating. The food was very flavorful and I was able to recognize foods, such as the lamb, potatoes, corn, green beans, and cabbage. Being able to recognize the sides I am familiar eating helped me open my mind even further to the possibility of the food and its offerings. To my surprise, I enjoyed lamb. It was my first time sampling it and I’ve heard of lamb tasting “wild” and other things, but to my surprise I did enjoy the style in which it was prepared. This experience was a really great one. I really appreciate the difference in cultural foods and in what ways I can perhaps incorporate spices and flavors to meals I prepare. Sampling the platter amongst a group of students I did not know was a warm and very friendly experience. We were able to bond and share similarities and differences in the likes of the food we sampled. I look forward to the next restaurant visit in sampling Korean food.
This was my first experience eating Ethiopian food -I was unsure what to expect, and to be honest I didn’t believe that I would enjoy it as I am not very adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. Turns out, I was way wrong and I can’t believe I waited so long to try it! I enjoyed it so much, that I have already told my husband several times that we need to go back to Blue Nile so that he can try it! I was a bit unsure about eating without silverware, as I typically don’t like to mix my foods and try to keep everything separate. Before trying the foods, I thought for sure that I would not like the lamb or the injera, however, those two turned out to be my favorite. I enjoy spicy foods, so I especially enjoyed the foods seasoned with berbere. I think there were three versions of the injera, one had more a vinegar taste which was my favorite. I enjoyed the authentic injera too, rather than the sourdough version. I had originally declined a drink other than water, but the waiter suggested the spiced iced tea, and I am glad he did! It was so delicious -it reminded me of the fall and cooler weather. I am looking forward to going back to Blue Nile and enjoying another tea, trying other dishes and to try the mango drink that others had ordered.
I am typically not an adventurous foodie and like to stick with what I know. I was very nervous about eating Ethiopian dishes. I know it is now correct but all I could think of was the scene in Temple of Doom when they eat the monkey brains. I know this is far from logical but I do have an adventure mind. I was more than pleasantly surprised after my first bite. I was a bit apprehensive when the food arrived because it had a "wet" look to it, not the usual dry American food I was used to. Wow was I surprised when I actually took a bite. The chicken had a spice and tanginess that I thought tasted loosely like barbecue chicken. The cabbage with a sweet taste thru me the most for a loop. I am not a cabbage eater but that was actually delicious. In fact a lot of things on the sampler I would not order normally, like lamb. The injera was my favorite part because it automatically made each of us come out of our bubble and have to share food. We were reaching over each other (politely) and laughing as we nervously dipped our pieces into each dish. The closeness it allows brings a completely different side to eating that we do not share in traditional American style dishes. I think the atmosphere was really calming with a low key vibe that instantly relaxed you. I think I will go back and try to coffee at the end, I think it would close the loop on the entire experience.
Yesterday was the first experience eating Ethiopian food. I am so glad the Blue Nile Restaurant is here! What a great time and great food! It is very sad that I have only been offering my taste buds the likes of our local franchises. The staff here were so pleasant and helpful to those of us who were newbies, they made it very inviting for all of us. I started off with the mango smoothie which really felt like I was cheating because it was like I was having dessert first, YUM! The sampler platter was the perfect choice, I was told the food would freeze well, but my group was hungry so we didn't have any leftovers to test that statement. The injera was very tasty as was the traditional injera, the sourdough taste brought out some different flavors in the foods. The spices were very tolerable (sometimes I can be a whimp) and all the foods on the sample platter were excellent. I'm excited to introduce The Blue Nile to my kids so their taste buds don't have to suffer as long as mine did.
It was my first time eating Ethiopian food. I thought it was delicious. I loved the Lamb, the ground beef with potatoes and, the cabbage with potatoes and carrots stew. The fresh mango juice was my favorite, I should gotten another one but I was shy to ask for it since I was not the one paying. I was not really a fan of the original injera it could have been the fact that I am pregnant and food taste a little different for me now. Over all, the food was slightly similar to what we cook in Gabon/Cameroon with the taste of spices. Eating all together took my back to my cousins village in Guinea Conakry where we had food served on one extra-large plate and we would all eat together with our hands but with respect of each other spot ( we did not have injera to use as utensil like we did at the Blue Nile Restaurant). I love the atmosphere and location of the Blue Nile Restaurant, the decorations and pictures on the wall represented well the Ethiopian culture with the smooth and quiet melody in the background. The employee were pleasant to talk with. I love cultures and I am not afraid to try new things at all. Thanks for this outstanding experience!
The Blue Nile Cafe was a really great experience for me. I never really try other food that I am not familiar with but this experience was a good experience for me. I was able to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. The Blue Nile Cafe was really nice with a great atmosphere. The first thing I tasted was the mango juice which was really delicious and very fresh. It was the best mango juice I have ever had. The food was different with a very unique taste the bread was very different from what I expected it to be but I did like the texture of the bread it was more of crepe type texture but the taste was very sour. I tried the lamb and that was the first time I ever had lamb and it was delicious. I also liked the different vegetables on the platter like the greens and greenbeans with the tomatoes were really good. I learned that it is hard for me to accept different food that I am not familiar with but it doesn't hurt to try because some of the food was actually good even though I was not familiar with the Ethiopian food I did like some of the food once I tried it. I guess like the saying, "don't knock it till you try it." But overall it was a really great experience and I am opened to try new food that I am not familiar with and learn more about the different cultures. Dominique Taylor
The Blue Nile Cafe was a really great experience for me. I never really try other food that I am not familiar with but this experience was a good experience for me. I was able to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. The Blue Nile Cafe was really nice with a great atmosphere. The first thing I tasted was the mango juice which was really delicious and very fresh. It was the best mango juice I have ever had. The food was different with a very unique taste the bread was very different from what I expected it to be but I did like the texture of the bread it was more of crepe type texture but the taste was very sour. I tried the lamb and that was the first time I ever had lamb and it was delicious. I also liked the different vegetables on the platter like the greens and greenbeans with the tomatoes were really good. I learned that it is hard for me to accept different food that I am not familiar with but it doesn't hurt to try because some of the food was actually good even though I was not familiar with the Ethiopian food I did like some of the food once I tried it. I guess like the saying, "don't knock it till you try it." But overall it was a really great experience and I am opened to try new food that I am not familiar with and learn more about the different cultures. Dominique Taylor
Like others, I never had Ethiopian food and was unsure about what the food would taste like. While watching television shows like Nature and Nat Geo, I have seen on occasion the people of Ethiopia preparing and eating different foods which was, needless to say, much different than our native foods. While viewing the preparation of the food on these television shows, it never appealed to me as something I would want to eat. However, after visiting the Blue Nile and tasting the food, I was very surprised at how well the food taste. In particular, the greens with garlic was especially tasteful so much to the extent that the next time I prepare greens, I too will add garlic. Not only was the food better than I thought it would be, but the atmosphere in the restaurant was very pleasant as well. It was small and cozy and the perfect environment for a good meal and conversation.
In regard to the mango juice, I thought it was very good also. As a person who drinks mango juice regularly (the watered down version), I couldn't believe how good the "real thing" tastes! It tasted just like a fresh mango. Another dish I enjoyed was the green beans and tomatoes.
It's easy to see how such an excellent restaurant of its kind could receive so many accolades from the community; many of which were evident by the many plaques upon the restaurant's walls.
I have heard of the Blue Nile Cafe before as my son visited the restaurant in middle school. I have always been afraid of trying foods from different cultures. I normally eat the same thing. I was pleasantly surprised. Once I let my guard down and allowed myself to experience the foods, I enjoyed it. This is my first time eating Ethiopian cuisine. I think my favorite was the one with the lentils, and then the ground beef and potatoes was second, and the chicken dish would make my third favorite. The lentil dish was a little on the spicy side to me but very flavorful. The sampler platter was large enough for four people with a good variety of foods to choose from and very filling. It was also different eating with three other individuals that I didn’t know and from the same platter. This did make the experience interesting and enjoyable. The communication shared with each other about the dishes was great. I will be going back and taking my family so that they are able to enjoy this experience and try new dishes. It opened my eyes on what I could be missing out on by staying in my comfort zone and not venturing out.
I loved going to Blue Nile! Being able to try new food, get an idea of another culture, and get to know my fellow students in a new atmosphere was refreshing and a great experience. I wish every class started with a meal like this so we can feel more comfortable and at ease each week in class. I loved the spice and multitude of flavors between the lamb, beef, lentils, and injera. However, I unfortunately, did not like the authentic injera that we were able to sample- a little too strong of a sour taste to me. The collard greens were different than what I am use to but still enjoyable. AND THAT MANGO JUICE! I loved that. I have already told my friends to go try Blue Nile and to make sure they get that to drink. I really enjoyed trying a new place outside of my Overland Park and Johnson County bubble- I tend to see driving into Kansas City as too much of hassle, despite wanting to try many things in the River Market, Westport, and Plaza.
Growing up, my parents, especially my mom, always wanted us to try and experience everything (within the realm of the law, of course). As a kid, I think I had tried a larger variety of food then most of my peers. I remember trying things like anchovies, caviar, canned herring in some kind of gross white sauce, and an amazing thing called fiddleheads- a baby fern that is common in Maine.
Going to the Blue Nile was a great experience. It was my first time having Ethiopian food and I was very impressed by the atmosphere, the communal style of eating, and the variety of food. Each dish was full of flavor with a range of sweet to spicy selections. My favorites were the mushroom and chicken dishes, which had the perfect amount of spice for my taste. Using the injera to eat was different, but it was a perfect complement to the flavor of each bite. The authentic injera that was brought out for us to try was slightly more bitter than the American-style injera, but it was still a good complement to the dishes and I enjoyed being able to try it. The most delicious thing was the Mango juice. When you venture out to the Blue Nile, I recommend starting with a glass of Mango juice. I wish I had tried the coffee as well, but I will definitely be going back, so I will try it then.
What a fun experience. I really enjoy culturally diverse foods and new experiences with food and culture. I loved getting to try so many things on the sampler platter in one meal, this is a great way to try new foods since you don't have to commit to one thing. I thought the spices were hearty but not overwhelming and the textures were full. There was only one thing that I did not care for, I even tried it twice to be sure, the hominy dish. I love almost all vegetables but hominy is not one of them. Other than that, I was very pleased by the array of spices and smells. The injera was good, but I preferred the traditional form as I thought the Americanized version was too spongy. I also tried their house spiced tea which was amazing and I could have a few more glasses. It reminded me of Wassell at Christmas time with the clove and cinnamon undertones. These pictures make me wish I had tried the mango juice too, looks delicious. I am excited to take my family there to try it out and am set on going during their buffet sot hat we can try many more dishes during our next experience. Brittany MacQuarrie, RN
I've had Blue Nile before several years ago. Back when I went I believe the lighting was different and we sat on the floor on pillows to eat. I really enjoyed that type of atmosphere. However I had forgot how rich in flavor the food really was! The first thing I noticed was how friendly everyone was. They were welcoming and charismatic to such a large group. The waiter made suggestions, offered menus with history attached to it, and was very engaging. Then the food came out; it was delivered on a platter with warm Injera and served family style. I've always loved the idea of eating with my hands in a communal style! The group I sat with was fun and lively! We talked about our lives and the way things tasted and what they reminded us of. The garbanzo beans to me had a slight reminder of chicken pot pie and so we talked about that and discussed the uniqueness of how food can taste similar to other comfort foods we know. While food was amazing what I really loved is how the Food brought people together. So much of our lives in centered around food. What I felt really elevated this feeling for me was in the way we ate. Sharing and using our hands I felt gave a more comfortable intimate feel which transposed into how we acted and communicated with each other. Great experience over all! Amy Bower
Not sure if I missed the ritual hand washing, but I was looking forward to learning something new about the Ethiopian culture. I have been to Blue Nile before, but just as someone who likes the food and not for learning about the culture. I am a foodie, so if it is good I will eat it. I will have to thank my husband who has opened my palate to different types of food so I'm not afraid to try just about anything once. I will say it was the first time I had tried the authentic injera, and it was a little too bitter by itself. When I tried it with the different samples I noticed the flavors in the food toned down the bitterness. It was all pretty tasty, but the collards, lentils, and chicken were very flavorful. I tried the red pepper seasoning, because I like a little kick and it gave me the little extra heat I needed. I noticed that the mango juice took the sting away from the heat. I did notice the water was served room temperature and I wish I could have asked if that was a cultural thing. I did not get a chance to read the pamphlet that was passed out, which I'm sure there was more I could have learned. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I kind of got lost in the conversations about the food being so tasty that I may have missed out on more about the culture.
ReplyDeletecool blogpost! foos looks great,......hope y'all had fun !
ReplyDeletehappy life,
xoxo.
http://webofbutterflies.blogspot.in/
I was interested in the preparation of the platter. I enjoyed the communal atmosphere, makes little room to be an introvert. At first glance I wasn't sure if there was enough food for our table, but realized the portions that we did have were extremely filling I would think so because of the bread that was served. I'm typically not a "bread person" but since there were no utensils it was the only way to pick up food. For this being the first time eating Ethiopian cuisine I found it tasteful and relaxing, the spices used kind of remind me of Caribbean seasonings. I would definitely consider going again and trying some of the main courses.
ReplyDeleteJarell Gatlin
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ReplyDeleteAbsolutely the best Ethiopian food in Kansas City at the Blue Nile. I have been there many times in the past and yet every time I return I find the experience to be new and exciting! Working in the local ground transportation business I am privileged to know many great people from around the world and the folks from Ethiopia are among some of the nicest and kindest. I must admit I don’t know a lot about their culture although I do ask many questions and always try to learn. In my experience the food of Ethiopia is not only visually interesting but the spice and textures are as well. This was my first visit since my dietary changes and the authentic Injera was a real surprise. I was delighted to discover how flavorful and filling it was and will recommend it to everyone instead of the standard one served. The sampler plate is as usual a real treat as one gets to try a good variety of different types of food. I personally found the food served last night to be among the best I had ever had at the Blue Nile. I suspect it was the great company that made the experience so outstanding. I had never tried the dry spice before and almost forgot to on this visit but fortunately remembered prior to leaving. I really liked the slow heat that it provided and look forward to using it on my next visit. The mango juice I have had in the past and always found it to be a good way to balance the heat and spices of the food but due to dietary changes wasn’t able to have any last night so water had to do! All in all the experience at Blue Nile with the class was among the best I have had. I now look forward to gaining a better understanding about Ethiopian culture. Thanks for putting together an outstanding experience for the class!
ReplyDeleteMike Cisneros
Unfortunately I was not able to make it out to the restaurant with everyone else, however, my step-mother is Ethopian so this food is not something that I am unfamiliar with by any means! Growing up with her I have had the pleasure of being introduced to injera. When I first had it, she had to explain that it wasn't all the food that you ate with it, but the "bread" that you put it on top of. I was a little apprehensive to try it at first because I don't always like to try new foods especially foreign ones. However, after a little push me and my son tried it and we loved it! I love spicy foods and the chicken that she cooks with it tends to be a little or a lot spicy depending on what she used, and she always makes greens to go with it and we love that too. I also got to spend a few holidays with the Ethopian side of my family and for thanksgiving they have very different traditions, one of those being having a big bowl of raw meat in the center of the table and then a bunch of sides all around it and that is all they would eat, I tried to raw meat once and will never do that again! All in all, in that experience that I've had with my step-mother I've learned not to be afraid to try new things because you never know what you may end up liking.
ReplyDeleteTracy Hildebrandt
I had never eaten Ethiopian food before last night. I was not quite sure what to expect but I am always willing to try just about anything- at least a bite! I enjoyed the fact that we shared the platters. It seemed as if it was a coming together as a group that we were willing to share the same platter using the injera as utensils and all of our hands in there together. We did not eat the bottom layer of the injera that was like a plate on the platter. We probably should have because I imagine the juices from the dishes soaked up into the injera would have been extra tasty. I can see how the Ethiopian people do not waste-they eat their food, their plate, and their utensils. They have been “green” long before people discussed it.
ReplyDeleteThe food was better than what I may have expected. The texture is always a big part of my eating experience. I liked that there were different textures in the mix. The injera was spongey and soaked up the liquid in the food fast. I particularly liked the cabbage and carrots dish along with the green beans-I really like vegetables more than meat! The platter for sampling was colorful which invited us in to try it all.
I noticed the décor at the restaurant. There were colorful baskets hanging on the walls as well as a number of wooden masks. There was a picture of what I was told was injera-it looked similar to other grains seen here in the U.S. The atmosphere was comfortable and everyone seemed at ease in what was a new situation for most of us. It is somewhere that I may take my family to just for the experience and something different- when I ask where they would like to go and the answer is I don’t know- I may just surprise them with an all new cuisine!
Mary Lyn Villanueva
The vibe at Blue Nile is pretty subdued. The walls are hung with a few traditionalist paintings including one of Haile Selassie. The menu platters which arrives on a large communal plate draped with a layer of Injera and loaded with different sauces and vegetables is always something to start up a good discussion around the table. My description of Injera is a thin, slightly spongy sourdough pancake that you use to sop up the stew. Ethiopian cuisine consists of a variety of tasty stews, fresh vegetables and meats which all come together in a colorful platter. I always look forward to seeing the expressions of someone visiting for the first time. I enjoy the communal feel for you naturally strike a conversation with the people next to you something that you do not see often.
ReplyDeleteAn advantage I had growing up in Kenya was having to experience the different cultures and foods. Kenya itself has roughly 40 different tribes and each tribe has its own staple food and everyone cooks differently. Even though the only way to experience the authentic way of Ethiopian cooking is to visit the country, visiting local places like Blue Nile helps one encounter a place where recipes are passed down through several generations. For any coffee lovers, I hope you get a chance to try Ethiopian coffee for it’s truly a delight.
A few traditional Ethiopian etiquettes that I learnt growing up are:
1. Traditional meals are eaten from a communal plate but you should not reach all the way across to the other side to grab food eat what is close to you.
2. It is polite to eat with your right hand. The left is considered unclean and therefore you should avoid using it if you can.
Marion Kimani
This was my first time eating Ethiopian food and what a great experience it was! I get in the habit of eating the same type of food over and over, so I am so lucky to have ventured out of my eating rituals! The Blue Nile connected complete strangers with sharing food and stories. The colorful food, unique spices and the best part, using injera for your utensils! I felt like I was going back to my childhood in a way. Truly, a great atmosphere! I can't wait to bring my friends and family on my next visit!
ReplyDeleteSee you soon Blue Nile!
Shae Slaughter
This was my first time eating Ethiopian food and what a great experience it was! I get in the habit of eating the same type of food over and over, usually Mexican inspired food, so I am so lucky to have ventured out of my eating rituals! The Blue Nile connected complete strangers, by having us all sit together, sharing a plate of food and all of our stories. This Ethiopian restaurant had so many colorful foods, unique spices and the best part, having us use injera for our utensils! I felt like I was going back to my childhood by it being acceptable to eat with our hands, after washing our hands of course! The one thing I was hesitate on was the injera. I am not big on bread, but that fluffy, pancake like injera was amazing. Truly, a great atmosphere that I recommend everyone to take a chance and try their food. The sampler plater is the best way to try multiple variations of meat and veggies; my favorite was the chicken! I can't wait to bring my friends and family on my next visit. I look forward to trying their famous Ethiopian coffee too.
DeleteSee you soon Blue Nile!
Shae Slaughter
The Blue Nile Restaurant was a great ethnic adventure and culture sensitive learning. I was very open minded prior to making the trip to Blue Nile and was certain of trying everything at least once. The restaurant was a very relaxed and comforting atmosphere. I enjoyed the fact that the server was really open to helping myself and others identify the different ingredients and foods we were eating. The food was very flavorful and I was able to recognize foods, such as the lamb, potatoes, corn, green beans, and cabbage. Being able to recognize the sides I am familiar eating helped me open my mind even further to the possibility of the food and its offerings. To my surprise, I enjoyed lamb. It was my first time sampling it and I’ve heard of lamb tasting “wild” and other things, but to my surprise I did enjoy the style in which it was prepared. This experience was a really great one. I really appreciate the difference in cultural foods and in what ways I can perhaps incorporate spices and flavors to meals I prepare. Sampling the platter amongst a group of students I did not know was a warm and very friendly experience. We were able to bond and share similarities and differences in the likes of the food we sampled. I look forward to the next restaurant visit in sampling Korean food.
ReplyDeleteKierra Rolf
This was my first experience eating Ethiopian food -I was unsure what to expect, and to be honest I didn’t believe that I would enjoy it as I am not very adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. Turns out, I was way wrong and I can’t believe I waited so long to try it! I enjoyed it so much, that I have already told my husband several times that we need to go back to Blue Nile so that he can try it! I was a bit unsure about eating without silverware, as I typically don’t like to mix my foods and try to keep everything separate. Before trying the foods, I thought for sure that I would not like the lamb or the injera, however, those two turned out to be my favorite. I enjoy spicy foods, so I especially enjoyed the foods seasoned with berbere. I think there were three versions of the injera, one had more a vinegar taste which was my favorite. I enjoyed the authentic injera too, rather than the sourdough version. I had originally declined a drink other than water, but the waiter suggested the spiced iced tea, and I am glad he did! It was so delicious -it reminded me of the fall and cooler weather. I am looking forward to going back to Blue Nile and enjoying another tea, trying other dishes and to try the mango drink that others had ordered.
ReplyDeleteAshley Prentiss
I am typically not an adventurous foodie and like to stick with what I know. I was very nervous about eating Ethiopian dishes. I know it is now correct but all I could think of was the scene in Temple of Doom when they eat the monkey brains. I know this is far from logical but I do have an adventure mind. I was more than pleasantly surprised after my first bite. I was a bit apprehensive when the food arrived because it had a "wet" look to it, not the usual dry American food I was used to. Wow was I surprised when I actually took a bite. The chicken had a spice and tanginess that I thought tasted loosely like barbecue chicken. The cabbage with a sweet taste thru me the most for a loop. I am not a cabbage eater but that was actually delicious. In fact a lot of things on the sampler I would not order normally, like lamb. The injera was my favorite part because it automatically made each of us come out of our bubble and have to share food. We were reaching over each other (politely) and laughing as we nervously dipped our pieces into each dish. The closeness it allows brings a completely different side to eating that we do not share in traditional American style dishes. I think the atmosphere was really calming with a low key vibe that instantly relaxed you. I think I will go back and try to coffee at the end, I think it would close the loop on the entire experience.
ReplyDeleteKelly Gwin
Yesterday was the first experience eating Ethiopian food. I am so glad the Blue Nile Restaurant is here! What a great time and great food! It is very sad that I have only been offering my taste buds the likes of our local franchises. The staff here were so pleasant and helpful to those of us who were newbies, they made it very inviting for all of us. I started off with the mango smoothie which really felt like I was cheating because it was like I was having dessert first, YUM! The sampler platter was the perfect choice, I was told the food would freeze well, but my group was hungry so we didn't have any leftovers to test that statement. The injera was very tasty as was the traditional injera, the sourdough taste brought out some different flavors in the foods. The spices were very tolerable (sometimes I can be a whimp) and all the foods on the sample platter were excellent. I'm excited to introduce The Blue Nile to my kids so their taste buds don't have to suffer as long as mine did.
ReplyDeleteBarbra Bush
It was my first time eating Ethiopian food. I thought it was delicious. I loved the Lamb, the ground beef with potatoes and, the cabbage with potatoes and carrots stew. The fresh mango juice was my favorite, I should gotten another one but I was shy to ask for it since I was not the one paying. I was not really a fan of the original injera it could have been the fact that I am pregnant and food taste a little different for me now.
ReplyDeleteOver all, the food was slightly similar to what we cook in Gabon/Cameroon with the taste of spices. Eating all together took my back to my cousins village in Guinea Conakry where we had food served on one extra-large plate and we would all eat together with our hands but with respect of each other spot ( we did not have injera to use as utensil like we did at the Blue Nile Restaurant).
I love the atmosphere and location of the Blue Nile Restaurant, the decorations and pictures on the wall represented well the Ethiopian culture with the smooth and quiet melody in the background. The employee were pleasant to talk with. I love cultures and I am not afraid to try new things at all.
Thanks for this outstanding experience!
Jeanne Ebongue
The Blue Nile Cafe was a really great experience for me. I never really try other food that I am not familiar with but this experience was a good experience for me. I was able to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. The Blue Nile Cafe was really nice with a great atmosphere. The first thing I tasted was the mango juice which was really delicious and very fresh. It was the best mango juice I have ever had. The food was different with a very unique taste the bread was very different from what I expected it to be but I did like the texture of the bread it was more of crepe type texture but the taste was very sour. I tried the lamb and that was the first time I ever had lamb and it was delicious. I also liked the different vegetables on the platter like the greens and greenbeans with the tomatoes were really good. I learned that it is hard for me to accept different food that I am not familiar with but it doesn't hurt to try because some of the food was actually good even though I was not familiar with the Ethiopian food I did like some of the food once I tried it. I guess like the saying, "don't knock it till you try it." But overall it was a really great experience and I am opened to try new food that I am not familiar with and learn more about the different cultures.
ReplyDeleteDominique Taylor
The Blue Nile Cafe was a really great experience for me. I never really try other food that I am not familiar with but this experience was a good experience for me. I was able to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. The Blue Nile Cafe was really nice with a great atmosphere. The first thing I tasted was the mango juice which was really delicious and very fresh. It was the best mango juice I have ever had. The food was different with a very unique taste the bread was very different from what I expected it to be but I did like the texture of the bread it was more of crepe type texture but the taste was very sour. I tried the lamb and that was the first time I ever had lamb and it was delicious. I also liked the different vegetables on the platter like the greens and greenbeans with the tomatoes were really good. I learned that it is hard for me to accept different food that I am not familiar with but it doesn't hurt to try because some of the food was actually good even though I was not familiar with the Ethiopian food I did like some of the food once I tried it. I guess like the saying, "don't knock it till you try it." But overall it was a really great experience and I am opened to try new food that I am not familiar with and learn more about the different cultures.
ReplyDeleteDominique Taylor
Like others, I never had Ethiopian food and was unsure about what the food would taste like. While watching television shows like Nature and Nat Geo, I have seen on occasion the people of Ethiopia preparing and eating different foods which was, needless to say, much different than our native foods. While viewing the preparation of the food on these television shows, it never appealed to me as something I would want to eat. However, after visiting the Blue Nile and tasting the food, I was very surprised at how well the food taste. In particular, the greens with garlic was especially tasteful so much to the extent that the next time I prepare greens, I too will add garlic. Not only was the food better than I thought it would be, but the atmosphere in the restaurant was very pleasant as well. It was small and cozy and the perfect environment for a good meal and conversation.
ReplyDeleteIn regard to the mango juice, I thought it was very good also. As a person who drinks mango juice regularly (the watered down version), I couldn't believe how good the "real thing" tastes! It tasted just like a fresh mango. Another dish I enjoyed was the green beans and tomatoes.
It's easy to see how such an excellent restaurant of its kind could receive so many accolades from the community; many of which were evident by the many plaques upon the restaurant's walls.
One day, I must go back to eat there again.
I have heard of the Blue Nile Cafe before as my son visited the restaurant in middle school. I have always been afraid of trying foods from different cultures. I normally eat the same thing. I was pleasantly surprised. Once I let my guard down and allowed myself to experience the foods, I enjoyed it. This is my first time eating Ethiopian cuisine. I think my favorite was the one with the lentils, and then the ground beef and potatoes was second, and the chicken dish would make my third favorite. The lentil dish was a little on the spicy side to me but very flavorful. The sampler platter was large enough for four people with a good variety of foods to choose from and very filling. It was also different eating with three other individuals that I didn’t know and from the same platter. This did make the experience interesting and enjoyable. The communication shared with each other about the dishes was great. I will be going back and taking my family so that they are able to enjoy this experience and try new dishes. It opened my eyes on what I could be missing out on by staying in my comfort zone and not venturing out.
ReplyDeleteShalesha Mitchell
I loved going to Blue Nile! Being able to try new food, get an idea of another culture, and get to know my fellow students in a new atmosphere was refreshing and a great experience. I wish every class started with a meal like this so we can feel more comfortable and at ease each week in class. I loved the spice and multitude of flavors between the lamb, beef, lentils, and injera. However, I unfortunately, did not like the authentic injera that we were able to sample- a little too strong of a sour taste to me. The collard greens were different than what I am use to but still enjoyable. AND THAT MANGO JUICE! I loved that. I have already told my friends to go try Blue Nile and to make sure they get that to drink. I really enjoyed trying a new place outside of my Overland Park and Johnson County bubble- I tend to see driving into Kansas City as too much of hassle, despite wanting to try many things in the River Market, Westport, and Plaza.
ReplyDeleteGrowing up, my parents, especially my mom, always wanted us to try and experience everything (within the realm of the law, of course). As a kid, I think I had tried a larger variety of food then most of my peers. I remember trying things like anchovies, caviar, canned herring in some kind of gross white sauce, and an amazing thing called fiddleheads- a baby fern that is common in Maine.
Emily Wheeler
Going to the Blue Nile was a great experience. It was my first time having Ethiopian food and I was very impressed by the atmosphere, the communal style of eating, and the variety of food. Each dish was full of flavor with a range of sweet to spicy selections. My favorites were the mushroom and chicken dishes, which had the perfect amount of spice for my taste. Using the injera to eat was different, but it was a perfect complement to the flavor of each bite. The authentic injera that was brought out for us to try was slightly more bitter than the American-style injera, but it was still a good complement to the dishes and I enjoyed being able to try it. The most delicious thing was the Mango juice. When you venture out to the Blue Nile, I recommend starting with a glass of Mango juice. I wish I had tried the coffee as well, but I will definitely be going back, so I will try it then.
ReplyDeleteStacey Schmidt
What a fun experience. I really enjoy culturally diverse foods and new experiences with food and culture. I loved getting to try so many things on the sampler platter in one meal, this is a great way to try new foods since you don't have to commit to one thing. I thought the spices were hearty but not overwhelming and the textures were full. There was only one thing that I did not care for, I even tried it twice to be sure, the hominy dish. I love almost all vegetables but hominy is not one of them. Other than that, I was very pleased by the array of spices and smells. The injera was good, but I preferred the traditional form as I thought the Americanized version was too spongy. I also tried their house spiced tea which was amazing and I could have a few more glasses. It reminded me of Wassell at Christmas time with the clove and cinnamon undertones. These pictures make me wish I had tried the mango juice too, looks delicious. I am excited to take my family there to try it out and am set on going during their buffet sot hat we can try many more dishes during our next experience.
ReplyDeleteBrittany MacQuarrie, RN
I've had Blue Nile before several years ago. Back when I went I believe the lighting was different and we sat on the floor on pillows to eat. I really enjoyed that type of atmosphere. However I had forgot how rich in flavor the food really was!
ReplyDeleteThe first thing I noticed was how friendly everyone was. They were welcoming and charismatic to such a large group. The waiter made suggestions, offered menus with history attached to it, and was very engaging.
Then the food came out; it was delivered on a platter with warm Injera and served family style. I've always loved the idea of eating with my hands in a communal style! The group I sat with was fun and lively! We talked about our lives and the way things tasted and what they reminded us of. The garbanzo beans to me had a slight reminder of chicken pot pie and so we talked about that and discussed the uniqueness of how food can taste similar to other comfort foods we know.
While food was amazing what I really loved is how the Food brought people together. So much of our lives in centered around food. What I felt really elevated this feeling for me was in the way we ate. Sharing and using our hands I felt gave a more comfortable intimate feel which transposed into how we acted and communicated with each other.
Great experience over all!
Amy Bower