Ethiopian Restaurant?

Subcomandante Marcos · 21-07-2019 2:25pm

mrcheez wrote: »

ah right, seemed a bit out of context as the conversation for last 2 pages was related to the Dublin pop-up

Think he was just replying to the first message he saw from the last person to recommend it.

spurious · 21-07-2019 2:52pm

Yes, as I said the best way for the Athlone one is to give her notice. It's not the sort of cooking you can fling together in half an hour. If she knows you are coming, she will have the slow cooking going on - and the fermentation going on for the injera.

phantom_lord · 23-07-2019 11:24am

Ha, I came to post about the pop up too. Hope it turns out well.

ixoy · 23-07-2019 9:33pm

On Sunday, I booked it for the first night. At that time there were loads of free seats for all four nights bar the first Saturday. I see now that it's now sold out for five nights - I'm guessing an article in lovindublin suddenly gave them a big sales boost. Good for them!

mrcheez · 24-07-2019 9:18am

ixoy wrote: »

On Sunday, I booked it for the first night. At that time there were loads of free seats for all four nights bar the first Saturday. I see now that it's now sold out for five nights - I'm guessing an article in lovindublin suddenly gave them a big sales boost. Good for them!

indeed

mrcheez wrote: »

things like this book out well in advance in Dublin.

Anything quirky will always sell out quickly in Dublin

John_Rambo · 25-07-2019 8:45pm

mrcheez wrote: »

ah right, seemed a bit out of context as the conversation for last 2 pages was related to the Dublin pop-up

Subcomandante Marcos wrote: »

He's talking about the Eritrean restaurant in Athlone that has been discussed quite a lot on this thread.

Yeah! Sorry if I wasn't clear!! I was talking about the Athlone one (on the Dublin thread)!!

JackieChang · 28-07-2019 11:22am

John_Rambo wrote: »

[

Yeah! Sorry if I wasn't clear!! I was talking about the Athlone one (on the Dublin thread)!!

So what happens if you just rock up? Even with two people. Is it just regular stuff like sanguidges on the menu or is there at least a few curries or something? I'm not expecting a 5 hour coffee ceremony or anything.

spurious · 28-07-2019 2:08pm

JackieChang wrote: »

So what happens if you just rock up? Even with two people. Is it just regular stuff like sanguidges on the menu or is there at least a few curries or something? I'm not expecting a 5 hour coffee ceremony or anything.

She would have some stuff on standby for the occasional visitor but she would be the first to tell you it is all much better if she knows when you are coming and she can prepare from fresh to order.

I suggested to her to do one of those AirBnB 'experiences' where she would know in advance who was coming.

mrcheez · 28-07-2019 6:50pm

spurious wrote: »

She would have some stuff on standby for the occasional visitor but she would be the first to tell you it is all much better if she knows when you are coming and she can prepare from fresh to order.

I suggested to her to do one of those AirBnB 'experiences' where she would know in advance who was coming.

Kinda odd setup for a restaurant, or is that process normal in Athlone?

L1011 · 28-07-2019 7:50pm

It's basically a cafe that happens to be run by an Eritrean chef. Bulk of its business is normal Irish food.

mrcheez · 28-07-2019 9:37pm

L1011 wrote: »

It's basically a cafe that happens to be run by an Eritrean chef. Bulk of its business is normal Irish food.

Ah makes sense. So the pop up in Dublin is the first purpose-made Eritrean/Ethiopian setup?

spurious · 29-07-2019 11:47am

There is also a market stall in Cork. Is there a market called Mahon down there? I know that woman was hoping to get a spot in Dun Laoghaire People's Park this summer, I don't know how it worked out.

Re the Athlone place. She has the Eritrean food on her regular menu, but I'm guessing other than the coffee, it wasn't really a big seller in Athlone for lunch, so she has some on standby, but not much.

Debub · 29-07-2019 12:03pm

spurious wrote: »

There is also a market stall in Cork. Is there a market called Mahon down there? I know that woman was hoping to get a spot in Dun Laoghaire People's Park this summer, I don't know how it worked out.

Re the Athlone place. She has the Eritrean food on her regular menu, but I'm guessing other than the coffee, it wasn't really a big seller in Athlone for lunch, so she has some on standby, but not much.

yes - Mahon Point is a shopping centre in Cork and they have a farmers market on Wednesdays I think

Subcomandante Marcos · 16-08-2019 8:19pm

Was in gursha tonight. Food is fantastic. Well worth the trip. Anyone on the fence, book now!

ixoy · 16-08-2019 10:23pm

Subcomandante Marcos wrote: »

Was in gursha tonight. Food is fantastic. Well worth the trip. Anyone on the fence, book now!

Yep did it last week (we were the first meal served on the first night!) and we both really liked it. We got seconds! Stuffed afterwards but very pleased.

mrcheez · 16-08-2019 10:39pm

Did they mention anything about setting up a permanent restaurant?

Subcomandante Marcos · 17-08-2019 12:49am

mrcheez wrote: »

Did they mention anything about setting up a permanent restaurant?

I was chatting to an extremely pleasant and courteous young man, himself and his sister set up the enterprise with the help of family and friends.
He said their current plan is to run the weekend supper clubs for approximately 6 months and see how it goes with a long term plan to eventually opening somewhere if they think the demand is there.
They hope that between the small Ethiopian population in the city and the exposure their pop-up provides they will be able to have a viable business.

I really do hope they go for it, I enjoyed tonight immensely.

Subcomandante Marcos · 17-08-2019 12:50am

Side note, when I last checked today, the Friday and Saturday supper club nights were booked out until November 15th!

odyssey06 · 17-08-2019 11:23am

Subcomandante Marcos wrote: »

Side note, when I last checked today, the Friday and Saturday supper club nights were booked out until November 15th!

There is a two page spread in todays Saturday Independent magazine about the popup restaurant... but sounds like they dont need the publicity!

mrcheez · 17-08-2019 11:24am

odyssey06 wrote: »

There is a two page spread in todays Saturday Independent magazine about the popup restaurant... but sounds like they dont need the publicity!

Was it advertised anywhere? Only way I knew about it was through this thread.

Maldesu · 17-08-2019 11:52am

ixoy wrote: »

Yep did it last week (we were the first meal served on the first night!) and we both really liked it. We got seconds! Stuffed afterwards but very pleased.

Was there much that was vegetarian?

odyssey06 · 17-08-2019 12:01pm

mrcheez wrote: »

Was it advertised anywhere? Only way I knew about it was through this thread.

This is the first mention I have heard of it spart from Boards. I am adjacent to the area so dunno if there were more local ads on North Strand. I guess the Cloud Cafe regulars were first in the loop.

mrcheez · 17-08-2019 12:04pm

odyssey06 wrote: »

This is the first mention I have heard of it spart from Boards. I am adjacent to the area so dunno if there were more local ads on North Strand. I guess the Cloud Cafe regulars were first in the loop.

Yeah I cycle past it every day but wouldn't really have thought of the area as a foodie haven.

RasTa · 17-08-2019 12:19pm

Best Italian in Ireland too

Gloomtastic! · 17-08-2019 12:45pm

Going tonight, very excited!

Peatys · 17-08-2019 1:16pm

Booked out till 16th nov..

https://gursha.eventsmart.com/events/gursha-ethiopian-supper-club/

ixoy · 17-08-2019 2:18pm

mrcheez wrote: »

Was it advertised anywhere? Only way I knew about it was through this thread.

Lovindublin ran an article on it. I noticed that after that article, bookings shot up hugely so I'm guessing that was their ad.

Maldesu wrote: »

Was there much that was vegetarian?

Yes. I meant to photograph the menu but there was about ten dishes and only three were meat so it's nearly all vegetarian. When we went for seconds, we just got the vegetarian dishes because they were so nice.

Gloomtastic! · 17-08-2019 11:13pm

Ok, had a lovely evening with Mrs G! and some good friends. The food was delicious, a different type of spice than your cumin/coriander seed variety. 3 meat dishes/7 vegetarian.

The bread/pancake injera is the main component and you use your right hand to to break it off and eat the various dishes. (You never use your left hand, that’s for wiping your arse!

).

Was it worth the €50 for the mixed plate for two as shown?

upload photos

For the novelty value, yes. But would I go back and spend the same again? Not sure.

The brownie and ice cream for dessert was also lovely but the promised coffee ceremony was a bit meh even though the resulting drink was lovely.

6.5/10

JackieChang · 18-08-2019 9:45am

I paid €2.50 for this last year at a little Ethiopian restaurant in Uganda.

I know everything is more expensive in Europe, but still 50yoyos is quite pricey. Not sure if I'd part with that sort of cash for it knowing in the back of my head the prices I've paid for it in the past. Given its in Europe I might pay... €15 to €20 yo-yos maximum for @Gloomtastic's one maybe?

spurious · 18-08-2019 10:53am

The 25 per head also included the dessert and coffee.

I could have done with a dessert half the size, it was really tasty but very rich.

I would expect them when they are up and running in a Dublin premises to be charging 30-35 for the same thing.

We went on the second night when there were still a few little teething problems, but as mentioned before the very pleasant young man behind it quite open to suggestions and constructive criticism, which I sent him by email and he replied to most graciously.

I would go again, even at higher prices. I'm not vegetarian, but I would be tempted to have a vegetarian platter as some of those dishes were fantastic, especially the beetroot one.

Muahahaha · 18-08-2019 11:37am

Gloom how many different dishes were on the platter? Must say the presentation doesnt look great but maybe Ethiopian is one of those cuisines that is difficult to present well. €50 does seem on the high side alright, mind you if it includes the brownie and coffee for two people then its not outrageous either.

Subcomandante Marcos · 18-08-2019 2:01pm

25 a head, order as many of the 7 options as you like, seconds Available if you want them, and it includes dessert and coffee.

Trying to compare prices in Kampala to Dublin is ridiculous. I've lived in East Africa, I know how cheap stuff is there, bit there's no way I'd compare prices, it's irrelevant.

trashcan · 18-08-2019 2:10pm

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

you use your right hand to to break it off and eat the various dishes. (You never use your left hand, that’s for wiping your arse! ).

6.5/10

:eek: Whatever about the food, I do expect toilet paper in my restaurants

Gloomtastic! · 18-08-2019 2:13pm

trashcan wrote: »

:eek: Whatever about the food, I do expect toilet paper in my restaurants

I forgot to check! :eek:

mrcheez · 18-08-2019 2:14pm

Is it not possible to order for one?

Like JackieChang, I would have had a full platter to myself while I was in Ethiopia

Gloomtastic! · 18-08-2019 2:58pm

mrcheez wrote: »

Is it not possible to order for one?

Like JackieChang, I would have had a full platter to myself while I was in Ethiopia

Yes. There was 3 meat dishes, 7 veg. You could order any of them as a main or, as we did, a mixed platter of each. We ordered it for two or you could have it as an individual.

mrcheez · 18-08-2019 3:09pm

Gloomtastic! wrote: »

Yes. There was 3 meat dishes, 7 veg. You could order any of them as a main or, as we did, a mixed platter of each. We ordered it for two or you could have it as an individual.

Right, so approx 50% less portions, but a full injera for €25 ?

RasTa · 18-08-2019 3:32pm

If it's €50 for 2 including dessert and coffee then it's fine.

RasTa · 18-08-2019 3:42pm

JackieChang wrote: »

I paid €2.50 for this last year at a little Ethiopian restaurant in Uganda.

I know everything is more expensive in Europe, but still 50yoyos is quite pricey. Not sure if I'd part with that sort of cash for it knowing in the back of my head the prices I've paid for it in the past. Given its in Europe I might pay... €15 to €20 yo-yos maximum for @Gloomtastic's one maybe?

Strange point. I paid 50c for some Thalis in India. Has no bearing on Irish price

Subcomandante Marcos · 18-08-2019 3:56pm

mrcheez wrote: »

Right, so approx 50% less portions, but a full injera for €25 ?

You can order a mixed platter for 1 and even order extra injera if you want.

We ordered the mixed platter for 2, and then asked for some extra injera and shiro wat which were brought promptly without extra charge.

Conor Bourke · 19-08-2019 6:12am

mrcheez wrote: »

Was it advertised anywhere? Only way I knew about it was through this thread.

Dublin Enquirer covered it

https://www.dublininquirer.com/2019/05/01/on-north-circular-road-a-family-restaurant-with-dishes-from-across-africa

And also this more general african restaurant, I pass it on my way to work and often wondered if it’s any good. Must give it a go!

https://www.dublininquirer.com/2019/05/01/on-north-circular-road-a-family-restaurant-with-dishes-from-across-africa

phunkadelic · 19-08-2019 12:24pm

Injera always reminded me of the layer of foam under the pile layer in a carpet

Muahahaha · 19-08-2019 2:40pm

phunkadelic wrote: »

Injera always reminded me of the layer of foam under the pile layer in a carpet

yeah its not very appealing to the eye, I've seen layers of foam inside sofas that look similar

Have never had it myself but believe it is a type of sourdough bread, is it a strong flavour?

Man Vs ManUre · 19-08-2019 2:46pm

I’ve been to Ethiopia and the food there is not good. You get very sick of the enjerra after few bites, it is a tasteless cloth more or less. And the dish gets very splodgy with the various vegs and meats on it. In fairness to them most if not all of their food is sourced from the country.
The coffee there is fantastic.
And the beer, there are many varieties of it all lager type, is really good. Far far better than Kenyan Tusker lager.

mrcheez · 19-08-2019 8:43pm

Man Vs ManUre wrote: »

I’ve been to Ethiopia and the food there is not good. You get very sick of the enjerra after few bites, it is a tasteless cloth more or less. And the dish gets very splodgy with the various vegs and meats on it. In fairness to them most if not all of their food is sourced from the country.
The coffee there is fantastic.
And the beer, there are many varieties of it all lager type, is really good. Far far better than Kenyan Tusker lager.

Wow, how odd. I found Ethiopian cuisine to be superb...so much so that I purposely flew over to London when I got back purely to go sample the food again.

Admittedly, I got food poisoning from eating fish that went bad due to power cuts, but never had problems eating Tibs or any of the other dishes served on injera.

I love injera too, but admittedly I prefer savoury flavours to sweet so that might be part of it.

Similar flavour to German rye bread you get in Aldi but not as strong.

Man Vs ManUre · 19-08-2019 8:59pm

mrcheez wrote: »

Wow, how odd. I found Ethiopian cuisine to be superb...so much so that I purposely flew over to London when I got back purely to go sample the food again.

Admittedly, I got food poisoning from eating fish that went bad due to power cuts, but never had problems eating Tibs or any of the other dishes served on injera.

I love injera too, but admittedly I prefer savoury flavours to sweet so that might be part of it.

Similar flavour to German rye bread you get in Aldi but not as strong.

I had a deep fried full fish also in AA. It didn’t look great but taste was ok. The dishes there can be very spicey with a lot of green chilies.
I’m not a big fan of the communal injera eating, I hate sharing dishes with others.
But I liked AA and I would go back there for the coffee and beer alone.

John_Rambo · 20-11-2019 4:02pm

Man Vs ManUre wrote: »

I’ve been to Ethiopia and the food there is not good. You get very sick of the enjerra after few bites, it is a tasteless cloth more or less. And the dish gets very splodgy with the various vegs and meats on it. In fairness to them most if not all of their food is sourced from the country.
The coffee there is fantastic.
And the beer, there are many varieties of it all lager type, is really good. Far far better than Kenyan Tusker lager.

Lol!

I wasn't mad about it either. Is it more of a transport pallet for the good food?

mrcheez · 20-11-2019 4:04pm

John_Rambo wrote: »

Is it more of a transport pallet for the good food?

It's mainly supposed to be used to pick up food alright (but also catching the juices from the stew)

Ethiopian Restaurant?

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