A Change of Eatery

Ah, yes. One of the tastiest meals in recent memory is a perfect way to finish off another year of blog posts.

I stopped into Abyssinian Ethiopian Restaurant with some Hartford friends for lunch last week– it’s a bit of an underrated gem with a great location (I’m biased because I can walk there- parking otherwise stinks) and friendly service. More importantly, excellent food.

We started by sharing two appetizers, Ayib Be Gomen: cottage cheese mixed with mitmita and chopped collard greens, as well as (I forget the app’s name) beef meatballs served with salad. The Ayib Be Gomen reminded me of a spicy saag paneer. Super delightful.

For an entree, I ordered Doro Alcha, chicken (on the bone) simmered in a mild sauce of butter, onions, ginger and turmeric- among plenty of other spices- and a hard-boiled egg. Glorious. One of the best parts of the meal? Eating with your hands. Alongside our bowls of seasoned meats and stew-like sauces sauces, we were served what can only be described as an edible platter: a huge spread of injera- a spongy crepe-like bread dotted with vegetables and curried lentils to scoop up the meats and stews.

Other dining companions opted for lamb dishes, including Yebeg Wot, comprised of lamb simmered in red pepper sauce, berbere seasoned with ginger root, garlic, green pepper and cardamon.

The full menu includes a broad range of lamb, chicken, beef, seafood, and vegetarian options. Gluten free. The veg options might even be vegan-friendly but I don’t swing that way so it’s up to you to figure it out.

I will be back. And soon. It is (almost) a new year, after all.

Abyssinian Ethiopian Restaurant

533 Farmington Ave, Hartford, CT

860.218.2231

I can’t believe this place exists.

I vow to visit Il Bambino every time I’m in NYC– it’s well worth a trip to Astoria, Queens. The panini with prosciutto, gorgonzola dolce and fig spread has won my heart over so many times, mastering the balance of strong flavors that expertly combine savory and sweet. The brunch menu is pretty magnificent– I’m a sucker for We Got Nuttin- a panini spread with Nutella, banana, and strawberry preserve. Pair that with a mimosa for one happy Emily.

Photo by Nick Caito

This past weekend I sampled some of the crostinis, which absolutely knocked my unassuming Connecticut socks off.

2 winners:  Crostini with prosciutto, basil pesto, parmesan
& a Crostini with an absurdly flavorful combo of goat cheese, honey, and rosemary oil

Photo by Nick Caito

Bambino also features a fantastic selection of meats and artisanal cheeses to create some pretty epic meat/cheese platters.

Perfect remedy to warm up a winter day? 4 words: peanut butter hot chocolate.
le sigh. I’d kill to have a spot like this in Connecticut.

If you find yourself in Astoria any time soon, go here and thank me later.

You’re welcome in advance.

http://ilbambinonyc.com/

34-08 31st Ave

Astoria, Queens

New York, New York 11106

(718) 626-0087

Huong Viet on Park Street.

Go there.

I loved it.

pork banh mi

Best pho and banh mi I’ve had in Hartford so far. (Although favorite banh mi in the area is Chau’s in Manchester). I stopped into Huong Viet with a few friends for lunch today and ordered the grilled pork banh mi sandwich and beef pho (spruced up with sriracha, hoisin & lots of other goodies). The food was incredible. The prices were incredible. The ambiance wasn’t much and service was polite but minimal– and the superb food shone through it all. I WILL be back. ASAP.

beef pho

With a Vietnamese iced coffee (sweetened with condensed milk), banh mi & steaming bowl of pho, the bill rang me at $11 or something ridiculously low like that. Can’t be beat, friends.

2014 Park St., Hartford, (860) 233-0888

What’s more festive than a Christmas ornament shaped like a taco?

A pierogi!

Check this stuff out. And if you’re looking for a Christmas gift for me, you’re lookin’ at it right here :)

Here’s a link to the whole gallery on epicurious. May your tree make you hungry this year.

So now that you know what to buy me, you can wrap it all up in this!

beautiful, juicy burger wrapping paper.