I’ve had terrible, terrible luck with Ethiopian in the past. When I lived on the East Coast, I tried Ethiopian three different times at three different places, and left the restaurant disgusted and hungry each time. Was I ordering the wrong thing? Going to the wrong places? Who knows, but I had embraced the idea that I simply didn’t care for Ethiopian cuisine. No big deal, except I kept hearing people raving about it, and couldn’t escape the feeling that I was missing out on something wonderful.
However, a couple of years ago, two of my friends were moving from San Diego, and wanted to have their last big hurrah at an Ethiopian restaurant. I was uneasy, but I was not going to deny my friends their preference for their last meal in San Diego (I make it sound like they were on Death Row or something). I allowed my friends to order for me, and lo and behold, I loved it! The food was flavorful and filling, and best of all, completely vegan without even trying.
Needless to say (but I just said it), I was excited when an Ethiopian restaurant opened in my neighborhood. I had heard good things, and of course, had to go and try it!
Bayu is decorated quite nicely; it is extremely clean and has a nice, airy atmosphere. Deciding that the vegetarian fare was the way to go, I ordered the Ater Kik Alecha – curried split peas with olive oil. My friend ordered the lamb tibs, as it seems that anything with the “tibs” ending is a good bet at an Ethiopian restaurant. Each entrée came with the traditional injera, and was served on a huge injera, as well as a vinegary tomato salad.
The portions were enormous, and extremely filling, particularly given that each bit was picked up with a small piece of the injera bread. The split peas were extremely tasty, with a nice, slightly salty bite. The lamb tibs were very nice and tender, with excellent flavor. The star for me was the salad! So fresh and so flavorful, with the light vinegar allowing the pure tomato taste to shine through!
I will definitely return for that lunch buffet that sounds so enticing. Highly recommended.
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