With that in mind, I'd like to feature a restaurant that I've particularly missed, maybe because I didn't manage to include it in my mad smorgasbord of pre-departure 'burg dining. That would be Blue Nile, Harrisonburg's own Ethiopian pub.
When Blue Nile was in its old location, over by EMU, I really loathed it. When my coworkers ordered it for lunch meetings, I'd nibble some injera, and feel mildly nauseous. I thought I just didn't like Ethiopian food, which I hadn't had anywhere else, and I didn't want to seem like a rube by admitting it to my cultured officemates. I was relieved when they closed for a long time during their move. When they reopened, it took months--maybe a year--before I finally found myself standing at their buffet table, dragged there for a lunch meeting.
I don't know what happened during my break from Blue Nile. Maybe they replaced all their spices or their chef got way better. Maybe my tastes matured. Whatever it was, I'm sure glad it happened, because now I just love that place.
- Location: 181 N. Main Street
- Website: www.bluenileva.com
- Food profile: Ethiopian, plus alcohol
- Local sourcing: Not that I'm aware of.
- Take-out: Yes.
- Warnings: Upstairs is closed on Mondays (downstairs is open every day from 7 pm- 2 am)
- Tips: In case you aren't aware, look for parking in the back. From Main Street, turn left on Wolfe, and look for parking immediately on the left.
- Specialties: I've heard that the special Ethiopian coffee ceremony that they offer is pretty neat, but I've never experienced it.
About Blue Nile:
This is legitimate Ethiopian food...with an awesome bar and concert venue in the basement. It's definitely worth checking out, any night of the week. Although I can't find verification on their website, I've heard that it's run by a family of first-generation Americans.
Food:
I'm not going to lie, every time I go to Blue Nile, I end up looking blankly at the menu trying to remember what it was that I got that one time, the thing that I liked. Then I point blindly and this time becomes the time I'm trying to remember next time. Usually I can talk the people at my table into ordering a combination platter (enough for three people, easily, at around $30), and then we get the result of several blind pointings! :) For this reason, I actually recommend going to the lunch buffet and writing down the things you liked the best.
Atmosphere:
This is a classy place. It's not fancy-dress-up-you-slob, but business casual wouldn't be out of place. The decor is a combination of African art and the best of Pier One. Unlike some ethnic restaurants where the ethnic decorations feel kitchy or thrown together, every piece in Blue Nile feels curated. It's a gorgeous space, too--the architect who designed their renovation deserves an award. The bar and restaurant blend together seamlessly upstairs, without intruding on each other. At lunch time, it manages to feel like a lunchtime restaurant, not a half-shut-down bar, and in the evening, it just sparkles. The staff is very attentive without being at all annoying, and they make great recommendations.
But what if I hate Ethiopian food?
Wait. Pray that your taste buds mature. Also, they now offer some more western flavors, including a cheese steak.
