Abyssinia has been serving Ethiopian cuisine in downtown Louisville for more than a decade. The owners emphasize the experience of Ethiopian hospitality along with good food.
I step into Abyssinia on a sunny afternoon with my recorder and an empty stomach.
Arefaine Rede, who goes by Mike, welcomes me inside with a warm smile. He grew up in Ethiopia, and one of the first things you notice when you take a seat is that the African influences fill the restaurant. The walls are covered in artwork, landscapes and knick-knacks, all brought over from the continent.
“Instead of going to Africa, we bring Africa to you,” Mike says as African classical music began to play in the background.
The food arrives on top of a large piece of injera bread, perfect for soaking up the juices of the spiced lamb, collared greens and stewed vegetables assembled before me.
While explaining the Ethiopian custom of dining with one’s hands, Mike swiftly picks up a piece of injera and a bit of meat from the platter.
“Say ahh!”
And I did. The custom of hand feeding loved ones and guests is called “Gursha,” which comes from the Amharic word for “mouthful.”
While I was a bit surprised at the hands-on demonstration, the food is delicious. The injera – a kind of Ethiopian sourdough — is spongy and sour. It compliments the rest of the meal.
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