Fasika Ethiopian Restaurant

05/26/08

Unsavory and without silverware

by Veggieheaddinners

We went to this restaurant on a weekend night to try something new.

When we walked in I immediately noticed the very dirty black carpet flooring. Usually when a first impression hits like this I turn around and walk out, but we stayed.

We ordered the Veggie platter, no meat. The food here is all served with a Tef bread platter (a very large spongy Ethiopian pancake) that the food is presented on. The Tef soaks up the curry juices and you use your fingers to break it in pieces and eat. Fairly put off by not being able to get a fork just to make things less messy I went to the restroom and washed my hands. The restroom was also very dirty.

I returned and dug in. Despite the menu raving about the exotic blend of spices I felt that all we were consuming was a pasty dish of lentils with too much cayenne used to allow any other flavors to soak through. The Tef bread is also so spongy that it has an almost uncomplimentary sweetness to it that does not pair well with the spice of the food.

Although the servers were friendly, our water glasses went dry with no refills the entire meal. We also waited a ridiculous time to get our bill after the plates were cleared away.

We left feeling rather bloated and oily and the feeling still remains almost 12 hours later.

05/08/08

Fun, with great food, priced well bellow the quality

by vinofile

We love this place. Depending on how many people we get the Veggie combo, or the veggie combo and the meat combo. One will feed up to three people. The flavors are exotic, yet familiar. You get to taste many of the great dishes this way. Yes you do eat with your hands. You rip a piece of bread off and use it to pick up the food. Pair the dishes with an Ethiopian beer and friends. This is a hidden gem. Sometimes the servers speek English well, and sometimes they don't. One of my favorite things(besides the food) is if there is a wait they seem to be very uncomfortable with you standing even if for only a few min. They will find a way for you to sit down. My husband, daughter and I can get a meal for under 20.00 (not including drinks) You have to love that.

Only draw back is the size. It is very small.

• Pros: Fun!!!, great food, great value
• Cons: Small, parking, and for some may be the neibourhood