A M Africa Restaurant
Visited: Thursday, February 26, 1998
No one got around to writing a review at the time of this visit. So the following is a more general review.
David: I became a devotee to Ethiopian food some ten or twelve years ago when my girlfriend of the time convinced me to try it. (I should point out that my taste in food has been greatly enhanced over the years by my female friends. They smile sweetly, tell me how impressed they would be if I would just try this new food, and I dig right in. Setting aside the base manipulation going on, I have learned a great deal about good food this way).
A M Africa is a small restaurant in downtown Kitchener. The front half is the dining area, and the back half contains a bar. It's cosy, but not crowded. African posters and art line the walls, and there is a small selection of shirts, purses, and knickknacks available for purchase.
Eating the food is an adventure in itself. There are no utensils. Instead, the food is served on a large platter covered with 'injera', an unleavened, soft flat bread. The main dishes are served on this injera, and you eat the food by using the injera to scoop it up. When you run out of injera, just ask for more. All dishes except soup and rice are served this way. There is a traditional Ethiopian saying: "People who eat from the same dish will never betray each other". That may be so, but they might argue over that last piece of chicken!
There are a variety of chicken, beef, and vegetable dishes. They range from mild to hot, and the beef dishes range from raw to cooked. (I have developed quite a taste for rare beef over the years -- having it raw is just one more step. It's also a cultural thing. Once while there I was asked by an African customer whether I liked the raw beef dishes. After I told him I did, he told others around him, "See, this guy likes raw beef!" I went on to tell him that I also liked Japanese raw fish. He was horrified. The vegetable dishes on the other hand are so tasty and varied I can almost see myself becoming a vegetarian!
The service is friendly and relaxed. If you ask nice, and things aren't too busy, the owner will show you how she makes some of her dishes. If you are unsure of what to order, or how to eat the food, she will happily take the time to help.
A M Africa carries the usual selection of wines and beers,
and a few from Africa.
The prices are very reasonable. Two can dine, with beer, for
less than $30.
Highly recommended.
Dennis: Just a few comments, since David has covered most of the ground. The restaurant is located on the second floor, so be prepared for a hike up some stairs. One warning about the bread that the food sits on. As time goes by it absorbs spices and juices from the the food, so as you eat, the hotter the bread gets. This restaurant is worthy of a visit, preferably with 4-5 friends to share this Ethiopian dining experience.
David Brown and Dennis Mullin
The Yellow
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