Eritrean Restaurants In Connecticut

Eritrean restaurants in the United States are fairly uncommon. In Connecticut, where burgers, pizza and subs rule, there are only two Eritrean restaurants located throughout the entire state, with one in New Haven and the other, which opened in 2006, located in Hartford, Connecticut. This form of Northeastern African cooking, with its hot and spicy stews served over flatbread and eaten with the hands and fingers, is becoming more popular all of the time, especially in the Hartford, Ct area. In an effort to assist the consumer who is seeking Eritrean restaurants in Ct, here is a guide profiling the only two authentic Eritrean restaurants in Connecticut.

Abyssinian Authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine..635 Farmington Ave, Hartford, Ct..1-860-218-2231
Located in the west end of Hartford, Ct, in between a brightly- painted Mexican restaurant and a tea and coffee cafe, this small, attractive Eritrean restaurant, which opened in 2006, has quickly become a culinary landmark in the city. With Caffe Adulis in New Haven being the only other Eritrean restaurant in the entire state, the whole concept of understanding and enjoying such foods is foreign to most restaurant- goers in the Hartford, Ct area.

The interior here sports a clean and polished look, complete with real tablecloths and elegant table settings. A well- stocked bar is also featured here. Staff members at this family- owned- and- operated Eritrean restaurant are quite friendly and eager to help customers navigate their way through the often unfamiliar menu territory of Ethiopian and Eritrean food. Most traditional Eritrean dishes here are served communal, or family- style, on a huge round platter, or tray, on which rests an equally huge section of injera bread, which is unlike most breads found in American restaurants. This bread is soft and chewy, almost spongy. Because of the serving presentation, where each diner's foods are placed on the tray together, the entire experience can be somewhat disconcerting and confusing at first. With friendly encouragement from staff members to relax and enjoy the fascinating flavors before them, customers invariably do so. Sure to bring out the child in every eater, the most common and acceptable way of eating Eritrean food is with one's hands and fingers. While this may seem off- putting to some people, most customers at this Eritrean restaurant in Hartford, Ct have warmed up to the idea right away. Because of the nature of sharing food communally and eating with one's fingers, eating here is a lot of fun. Tasty fun that is.

Although many of the ingredients and spices used in Eritrean cooking are unknown to most American palates, customer reaction to this form of African cooking has been very positive here. Figuring prominently in many of the dishes served here are various forms of peppers, with varying degrees of heat, or intensity. All dishes here can be adjusted in heat and spiciness, according to each customer's desires. House specialties include several forms of tsebhes, including, chicken, lamb and beef. These stew- like dishes are rich conglomerations of onions, peppers, tomatoes, garlic, lemon, berbere( a hot red- pepper spice and sauce ) and homemade butter. At Abyssinian Authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine, these dishes are called "Wots". Several creative salads and a large selection of entrees, including many vegetarian offerings are served here. All dinner entrees are served with two side dishes and a garden salad. With a wide variety of tasty menu items to choose from, Abyssinian Authentic Ethiopian and Eritrean Cuisine is a wonderful addition to the culinary landscape of both Hartford and the entire state of Connecticut.

Caffe Adulis..228 College St, New Haven, Ct..(203)777-5081
Previously billed as the only Eritrean restaurant between New York City and Boston, Massachusetts, until Abyssinian Restaurant in Hartford opened in 2006, Caffe Adulis also describes its cuisine as African / Eclectic and Mediterranean. Although this Eritrean restaurant places a strong emphasis on traditional cooking, many of their signature dishes have been formed by fusing the traditional ways with elements of contemporary cuisine.

Serving dinner, happy hour and late night food seven nights a week, this Eritrean restaurant is a favorite dining and drinking spot for many students and faculty members at nearby Yale University. The restaurant itself, is a clean and attractive place with off- white walls and arches, fascinating artwork and interesting artifacts and curios tastefully presented. Dining rooms on two levels, and a full bar here, provide plenty of seating for hungry patrons.

Highlights from the appetizer menu here are; Ficracho- Ficre's nachos, tortilla chips with lentils, salsa, cheese and sour cream, and a cognac flambe of oven- roasted tomatoes. Great salads here include the Red Sea salad, with mesclun, tomato, feta cheese, onion and kalamata olives and the Shah' ani' Fui, with fava beans, tomato and arugula. Some of the most popular dishes served at this Eritrean restaurant are called Tibsies, which are dishes of sauteed seafood or tender meat, with a wide variety of vegetables. Some of the tibsies served here are; Tibsie Derho, with chicken and vegetables, Filet Mignon Special, with collard greens and spinach, chicken chicken curry and chicken Asmara, with collard greens, spinach and squash. Traditional Eritrean dishes of Tsebhe Derho(chicken) and Tsebhe Begie(lamb) are slow- cooked in tomato sauce and peppers, then served on injera bread. This restaurant is also a favorite dinner spot for many vegetarians, because of their extensive menu of tasty, meat- free items. Standout vegetarian items include Birsen, which is a lentil stew and Tibsie Ah' Melmlti, a vegetable fajita. Several fresh seafood dishes are also offered. A nice selection of excellent desserts are featured, as well as a very extensive wine list. Although this restaurant is unique, exciting and somewhat romantic, it is also moderately priced and family- friendly. Casual attire and reservations are suggested. On Sunday nights, live jazz is featured. Seasonal outdoor dining is also available.