Fasika (Fah-see-ka) Ethiopian Cuisine

Fasika (Fah-see-ka)

EthiopianCuisine 

    When entering the restaurant we were greeted by a globe of the world to the left side and Ethiopian decoration on the right. However, there wasnt a hostess or server to be found. It was a little awkward when we walked in the doors. Only because we weren't sure wether to seat ourselves or wait for someone to seat us. A woman sitting with her family noticed our confusion and said "seat yourselves". Nothing a sign couldn't resolve, but until then go ahead and seat yourself upon arrival.

Left to right: owner Mesfin, Myself

   The owner, Mesfin, is very nice and out going Ethopian man. He was the waiter, busser, and host in the restaurant, but didn't let that stop him from being kind enough to take a photo with me. He was more then willing to answer any questions we had. He smirked, from time to time, as if he enjoyed sharing his culture with us. Fasika is definitely not a food chain. It's a breath of fresh culture. 

   The presentation of the food was honorable. They brought the dish out to us on a large decorative plate. A basket cover sits on top until they place the plate in front of you. A layer of injera lines the plate and heping scoops of the dishes sit on top.

   Given the name of the place, Fasika meaning Easter in ethopian, they serve large protions. They do this to represent their easter feast. Definitely a feast indeed. We ordered the most marketed dish. The fasika plate which entailed a chicken dish, a side of collard greens, green beans, lintels, cabbage, and a salad with a side of Ethiopian bread called injera. This bread is the eating utensil. Since there are no forks things get a bit tricky. Break off a piece of Injera and dig in. We couldnt get enough of this food. Its unique and satisfying.

  There are a ton of spices in each vegetable dish. There's a bitterness to the greens, a sourness to the bread, a djon mustard in the salad, spiciness in the chicken. There are up to 30 different spices in this cuisine including Garlic, cumin, and tumeric.

    The ambience is very nice. Light music in the background, dim lighting, and culture appropriate decorations. Even the lights over head had an interesting cover on them. A picture of an ethiopian women with the word Faskia written out in their language. 

   It's is an Ethiopian tradition to drink coffee after every meal. They serve espresso from fresh beans. They offer this service there. We got to watch a group of people sit around a traditional coffee roast. Where the coffee is being roasted in a pan and ground on the spot. 

 

  We enjoyed that Mesfin took his time with us and didn't rush us out, however we couldn't wait to get our bill because we ate so much food needed to break wind. Outside..! Woooooooow

  Everything had an ethiopian touch right down to the check. It was brought out to us in a little book that had a funny contraption with in it. "Its magic!" Mesfin joked as he watched us play with the reciept book. Quite fun to play with.

We encourage everybody to eat here!! You won't be disappointed!!