The Blue Nile Ethiopian restaurant is open in their new location at the Lakewood shopping center in Durham! Their tiny old place only offered take-out (though at the very end of their lease they put out some outdoor tables) and had a devoted but limited clientele. What a change now... The new place is roomy, seating about 80. The decor and furnishings are low-budget but comfortable and lively. A few of the tables are what I assume to be traditional Ethiopian style; they don't have a flat top and look like giant wicker baskets. They look a little awkward, though -- you can't get your legs under them. There are also two outdoor tables. The prices seem a little expensive for the size of the portions, but when you're done with your meal, you realize that you're stuffed and satisfied for a very reasonable price. The only disappointment is that you don't get to choose which vegetables you get with the main entrees. They have a great selection of vegetarian dishes -- try their tangy, cool potato salad. The Kai Watt (very spicy beef stew) is delicious, as is the Shrimp Tibbs (large shrimp sauteed in butter, rosemary, and hot green peppers). Imported and domestic bottled beers will cool your tastebuds down, but ice water works, too. The restaurant is a few stores down from a big grocery store, which works out well for the staff on a busy Grand Opening night; we witnessed several hurried trips next door for supplies! Last Saturday the place was packed, with a line of people waiting. The staff kept things moving pretty well, handing out free appetizers to the customers waiting for tables, and we were served our food more promptly than we expected. Stop by and and give the friendly owners a chance at success in their new place! On weekends you might want to make a reservation. Bon appetit, Paula
Raleigh-Durham, NC